Tuesday, June 19, 2012

John Keys solutions for New Zealand

A big thank you to Matt Wenlock from Westpac for inviting me to be his guest at the breakfast with John Key this morning (Thursday 14 June).

A very VERY interesting take on what NZ must do over the next few years to become “economic All Blacks.” No notes … but John was able to rattle off some amazing statistics in relation to some key issues facing the country.

A really down-to-earth, entertaining speaker.

Did you know:
*        40% of our exports go to Australia & the next highest on the list is China followed by the US. Only 7% of our exports go to Europe;
*        13% of working age adults in NZ are on a benefit, with 1/3 of Maori on a benefit
*        1 in 5 students are currently leaving our education system with inadequate numeracy & literacy skills

Some fundamental solutions to improve NZ’s lot:
1.      increase our competitiveness (through lean manufacturing & productivity gains) while keeping our interest & wage costs down;
2.      increase the VALUE of our products & services
3.      for reliance on benefits to change there must be a break in the cycle through raising
a)      expectations/aspirations;
b)      education
c)      offering the same opportunities across the board

I think some interesting times are ahead.
Talk soon …

Gaylene

No comments: