Business NZ Conference Part I

I will be at the Business NZ Conference for most of the day. Both Clark and Key are speaking, as well as various Finance Spokespersons. Winston had accepted, but pulled out last night due to other issues needing his attention 🙂

First up is Helen Clark. Some key points:

• Affirmed that Business NZ is apolitical and that she has enjoyed a constructive relationship with it.
• Said NZ has had the longest run of consecutive economic growth since WWII. Unemployment law, crown finances exceptionally good shape.
• Expects RBNZ to keep lowering cash rate, and dollar has lowered a bit. Some evidence food prices may ease.
• Near full employment has masked some unpleasant truths.
• Half of existing workforce not have skills to function adequately in future. Our school system keeps failing too many.
• School Plus leads to an education age of 18. More details to come in election campaign
• We do not have a future as a high volume low cost exporter. Can not compete on volume or costs with emerging economies
• Fast Forward is about changing our agricultural sector, so they are in a niche
• Importance of sustainability. Consumers increasingly making ethical decisions about what to buy.
• Have to be part of the solution, not part of the problem, hence ETS.

No questions, which is a pity. Next we have the Finance Spokepersons.

A very solid speech. One does have to ask why it has taken so long to conclude the school system is failing!