9. CHRIS TREMAIN (National—Napier) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
When will he announce details of the New Zealand Inc campaign that will run in parallel to the Buy Kiwi Made campaign, and how much will it cost?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
After those details have been decided by Cabinet. But I can give the member an assurance that there will not be a preference given to people who make coffins, as appeared to be promoted by the Leader of the Opposition when he went to be measured up recently in a photo opportunity that appeared to be promoted by John Key.
Madam SPEAKERCan the Minister provide some clarity over the confusion that reigns regarding the second campaign, with the announcements yesterday about the $11 million Buy Kiwi Made campaign, when a spokeswoman was quoted in today’s Dominion Post as saying it would cost less than $11 million, but this morning the Minister said on National Radio that he did not know how much it would cost?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I am sorry, but I think the member is talking about the first campaign, not the second one.
Peter BrownCan the Minister confirm that New Zealand First pressure ensured that the Buy Kiwi Made campaign was not—[ Interruption] Madam Speaker, is this tolerable? I do not mind—let them go, and I will go.
Mr Brown, please be seated. Some members have louder voices than others, and they are in danger of not remaining with us for the rest of the session. Peter Brown, would you please start your question again.
Can the Minister confirm that New Zealand First pressure ensured that the Buy Kiwi Made campaign was not widened to include foreign-produced goods, and will he confirm also that the tax revenue from New Zealand Inc participants will more than offset the cost of administering the second campaign on its behalf?
Charles ChauvelHon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
Yes, I am advised that Phil O’Reilly, the chief executive of Business New Zealand, has supported the approach that the Government is taking. It is a pity that the Opposition did not consult with business leaders before making its ill-considered comments. If Opposition members spent more time talking to real business people and less time being measured up, then they would make some progress.
Dr Don BrashI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The photograph that the Minister has just shown was taken at a sheltered workshop in Invercargill, where the participants are basically intellectually handicapped. It is totally inappropriate for him to refer to them in a derogatory manner like that—as their not being real business people.
We now have another point of order. I ask members to remember that they will leave the Chamber if they talk during a point of order.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. From this far away I cannot see the photograph that was held up by Mr Mallard. I wonder whether he could table the photograph in the House, because from here it looks like the photograph was taken by a mortician.
That was not a point of order, either. But I am sure the Minister can follow that course at the end of this question, if he wishes to do so.
Is the only reason the Minister is going ahead with the alternative New Zealand Inc campaign, which he described as “not a top priority to the Government”, that Helen Clark promised that companies like Icebreaker would be included, and is $11 million a fair price for New Zealanders to pay so that he can avoid embarrassing the Prime Minister?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I think two points should be made. The first is that, as I indicated in my primary answer, the amount of money involved has not yet been decided. But probably the more important point concerns when that member will stand up for a modern economy, whether he shares the values of those who say our economy is being hollowed out by overseas ownership, whether he values the farmers who grow the merino that goes into Icebreaker, and when he is prepared to back New Zealand designers. These are all examples of positive attributes of the New Zealand economy and our identity, and I want to know why the Tories keep running it down.
Hon Dr Nick SmithPlease, Dr Smith. That answer was not in order, but neither was the question, because it actually offended Standing Order 371, if we were applying it strictly. As I have said in the past, some questions get answers that are consistent with the way in which those questions are asked. It is question time, not speech time; that is coming up, if we ever get to it, in the general debate.
What impact will the New Zealand Inc campaign have on companies such as Icebreaker, which already has 1,500 stores worldwide, already exports to over 20 countries, has $100 million in turnover, and experienced 800 percent growth over the last few years; and does he think this company needs a helping hand domestically?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
A wide variety of firms in New Zealand need to be valued, and I think people who run them down—[ Interruption] No, I think the idea of having a generic campaign that values New Zealand design, values New Zealand ownership, and values New Zealand producers is something good. I just do not understand why Tories hate Kiwis who make money.
I seek leave to table a document from the Icebreaker website that shows its growing involvement overseas, and how it needs help in an overseas market, not domestically.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I was asked previously to table the photo of Dr Brash, and I seek leave to do so.