3. MARYAN STREET (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What is the Government doing to increase the number of export-capable New Zealand firms?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
The Government is supporting those firms through injecting funds into New Zealand’s global talent network, Kea. An amount of $1.8 million over 3 years will mean the expansion of a network of influential New Zealand expatriates, strengthening the links of this network back to New Zealand. and using those connections to grow the number of export-capable Kiwi firms.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
Business Mentors New Zealand will recruit up to 100 additional people to act as mentors for exporters with support from Export Year 2007. Just like Beachheads and Kea, this programme uses a network of experienced exporters to give Kiwis a head start into exporting. I note that these policies are supported by John Key—one of the few things that he has got right. It is just a pity that Mark Blumsky and Katherine Rich keep bagging them.
R Doug Woolerton