Economic Development 

National punishes the cleverest businesses

02.10.2008

The National Party's announcement that it will increase taxation on companies who undertake research and development has been condemned by Economic Development Minister Pete Hodgson as punishing "some of the cleverest businesses in the land."

Speaking at the Institution of Professional Engineers' political forum in Hamilton, Mr Hodgson said that claiming $100 million a year in tax off research and development was myopic and would slow economic transformation

"About 2500 to 3000 businesses will be affected. These are the com...  more +

Government Backs Digital Content

23.09.2008

Economic Development Minister Pete Hodgson along with Communications and IT Minister David Cunliffe announced today government funding of up to $2 million over two years to the Auckland Regional Council for the region's digital content sector.

"Growing this sector significantly contributes to New Zealand's economic transformation. The digital content sector extends well beyond the traditional high profile entertainment and is of significant strategic importance to New Zealand. It stretches into health IT, Biotech, manufacturing and mar...  more +

Shop around for interest rates as 8 per cent per week is appalling

03.09.2008

Responding to an article in today's paper, Consumer Affairs Minister Judith Tizard said it was appalling that anyone should have to pay 8% per week interest on a loan as there are far lower rates available.

"This clearly illustrates the need for better financial literacy in New Zealand.  It is sad that people are paying these outrageous interest rates when there is cheaper finance available," said Judith Tizard.

"I remain concerned about advertising for easy access to credit. Last year w...  more +

NZ Contractors Federation 64th annual conference

07.08.2008

"The National Party talks about spending more money on new roads, but doesn't specify what they are. They also talk about a new category of road called "roads of national significance". Well, I would like to know what roads like the Waikato Expressway, Alpurt B2, the major routes in Auckland, Wellington, Bay of Plenty and Tauranga are if they are not "roads of national significance". And they are routes on which this Government has invested billions of dollars."

 Thank you for inviting me here to speak at your 64th annual conference, but first up today I want to thank you on behalf of New Zealanders for a far more important reason.

 Many New Zealanders have just experienced a rugged fortnight of heavy winter rain and stormy gales, and I ...  more +