John Key trumped on job figures

John Key’s optimistic job forecasts for his much-hyped convention centre in Auckland once again reveal his government’s economic strategy is based on back-of-the-envelope calculations and the lack of any real plan, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

His comments follow a report showing the number of jobs created by the initiative could be as low as 318 as outlined in a feasibility study done for the government.

“This is a far cry from the 900 construction jobs and 800 staff positions John Key has touted and includes taxi drivers and hotel workers. The Prime Minister needs to go back and check his figures,” David Shearer said.

“This was a shonky deal from the start, and one which Kiwis overwhelmingly oppose. If this is National’s magic bullet for the economy, we are in trouble.

“Using job creation as justification for selling off legislation that rewards SkyCity with 500 pokies is irresponsible. The fact that John Key is quoting figures that he has obviously pulled out of thin air speaks further about the credibility of the deal.

“We have seen these rose-tinted job forecasts before. National will not come close to creating 170,000 jobs it promised in 2011. John Key’s cycle-way has only created 706 jobs out of a projected 3,900, most of which are temporary or part-time.

“This is simply another case of a government that over-promises and under delivers. Kiwis don’t have the time for gloss and spin doctoring when it comes to their livelihoods.

“More needs to be done to get the economy moving again and people into work. We need an economic plan with credibility. Back room deals should not be the way business is done in New Zealand,” David Shearer said.