Kiwis lose confidence in National's economic management

Just days before the Budget a new poll shows more Kiwis believe the economy is on the wrong track than the right track, and that they do not have confidence in National’s economic management, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe.

“Given the lack of a real plan to reduce unemployment, grow living standards for all New Zealanders and to reduce debt, that poll result is hardly surprising,” David Cunliffe said.

The Horizon poll shows by a margin of 48 to 34 that New Zealanders believe the economy is on the wrong track, and that there is no confidence in National’s economic management.

“Interestingly, however, the Horizon poll also shows that a significant number of Kiwis still think the current government will benefit them personally, even though they do not believe it will benefit the country as a whole,” David Cunliffe said.

“If we are going to build a better New Zealand, we need all Kiwis to take responsibility -– and that means focusing on what will help us to lift all New Zealanders’ incomes over the medium term.”

“Labour will present Kiwis with a fully-costed, integrated package of policies that will:

• Build a stronger, more export-oriented economy;
• Help Kiwis own their own future through better saving and investment;
• Help all Kiwis get ahead by raising living standards and addressing cost of living pressures;
• Responsibly manage the Government’s books to reduce net debt across the cycle.

“It’s time to get New Zealand working again, and to turn our economy around to benefit all Kiwis,” David Cunliffe said.

“Labour has a plan to do that; it is increasingly clear this Government does not.”