Thank you for inviting me here to speak to you tonight. It is great to see so many of you here at the first function for 2010. You can tell by the events Kylie has been talking about that 2010 will be a year of opportunities for businesses such as yours.
2009 meant you have faced challenges that many of you were not expecting with harsh economic conditions across the globe and here at home.
Resiliency developed and you have proven that your businesses have been able to adjust to the changing environment and come through the other side. Having owned and managed small businesses I understand how tough it can be when the business environment shifts unexpectedly.
As New Zealand emerges from recession National's focus for 2010 has firmly shifted towards significantly lifting the country's economic performance.
Economic growth matters because it creates jobs, lifts incomes, and improves the living standards of New Zealand families.
Only through lifting our economic growth can we close the gap with our trading partners and create new jobs to replace those lost during the recession.
Heading into 2010, we have a good platform.
Economic growth is stronger than expected and unemployment lower, thanks to a more stable global economy and this Government's success in managing New Zealand through the recession.
New Zealand is on the road to recovery, but we still face risks. Global growth may weaken again and there are multiple challenges in our own economy.
Unless we can create the right environment for New Zealand businesses to compete on the world stage, we will not achieve the sustained increase in incomes National aspires to.
We have identified six key areas as potential drivers of growth. They are:
- Investment in productive infrastructure - ETA
- Removing red tape and improving regulation – most businesses agree that there is room for improvement
- Supporting business innovation and trade
- Improving education and lifting skills – many of you will know this is my top priority
- Lifting productivity and improving services in the public sector
- And strengthening the tax system – recent Tax Working Group report
Here in Taupo there are challenges and opportunities ahead.
There has been a lot of discussion at local government level about the Commercial and Structure Plan – for and against. Remember that we are very lucky to live in a democracy and I encourage you to have your say.
Participate in the process and make a submission to Council. If you support the proposals, say so. If you have concerns about the proposals, say so.
I want to know your views on what we are doing as central government. I am your representative and it is my job to represent your views. Please don’t hesitate to call me, email me or pop in and see us at the office in Paora Hapi Street.
Taupo is the events capital.
I am looking forward to the Great Lake Relay on 20 February.
Keeping up with cycling too and doing the 100k Flyer with my husband Craig.
Aim to do 80 km in the Cycle Challenge this year.
Thanks for the opportunity to be here with you tonight and have a great 2010. |