Bold choices for a successful country

Labour will make the bold choices needed to create opportunity and grow our economy so that all New Zealanders can look forward to a prosperous future, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

“Zero budgets are what you get when the economy is failing. This Government is trying to make a virtue of it. It’s not. It’s a tragedy.

“National’s economic focus has been far too narrow. Its view is that we can get by with less and less – zero budgets, fewer services, fewer jobs, sell our assets and give up our farms. I reject that threadbare view of our future.

“It’s not enough to manage New Zealand's decline. We have to grow our economy.  New Zealand needs a new economy that works for everyone, not just a few.

“Labour is prepared to make bold and fundamental changes including tax reform to shift investment into the productive rather than speculative sectors.

“We will invest in research and development and make changes to monetary policy so that our exporters are better supported. Labour will also raise our educational achievement and skills so that all New Zealanders have the opportunity to get ahead in life.

“Any serious plan must address the looming problem of our aging population and the affordability of New Zealand Super. Politicians can’t continue to ignore the issue of the age of eligibility and must work together to find a solution.

“Labour’s plan to manage the books responsibly will invest in growth and control debt. As part of that, we will also examine our spending priorities.

“Labour will be thrifty. We can’t afford everything we would like. That’s why we’ve decided not to continue with our previous policy to restore contributions to the Cullen Super Fund until we know we can afford it.

“The books may be in surplus in a couple of years, but the road back for New Zealanders is much longer. That is where our focus should be,” said David Shearer.