Small business focus for Little

Andrew Little
Andrew Little
Labour Leader Andrew Little says he will be targeting small business owners in his state of the nation speech today.

Small businesses were a priority because they were the key to New Zealand's future prosperity, Mr Little said.

"New Zealand is a pioneering nation and it is this spirit of innovation which drives our small businesses.

"These companies generated 41 per cent of the new jobs created in the past year. That is why they are vital to our goal of having the lowest rate of unemployment in the developed world."

Labour would ensure there was training and investment capital so those who wanted to make a living off their own ideas and ambitions could, Mr Little said.

"Good jobs provide economic security and sustain our communities and small towns. They are a source of pride and confidence.

"Labour will put growing businesses and creating jobs on top of the political agenda.

"A thriving small business sector will help New Zealand grow our wealth and grow it fairly."

Appearing on TV3's Firstline, Mr Little said it was an important time for Labour to be setting out the party's priorities and direction.

Housing would not feature strongly in his State of the Nation speech, Mr Little said.

"We know that it's a current issue now, it's a huge issue, and we'll continue to bubble away on that.

"I want people to be clear about what our priorities are, as we start the rebuild process and reconnect with New Zealanders.

"I want New Zealanders to get a very clear picture about what we see is important - that jobs are important, that engaging with businesses is important, that we're all in this together and the big issue about inequality."

The speech was an opportunity for Labour to be clear about its values, priorities and where the party perceived the country was heading, Mr Little said.

He conceded he had his work cut out for him as Labour party leader following their dismal election result.

"It's a big job, it sure is, we look at that result - that's the will of the people, they've spoken - and we've got a big job to make ourselves relevant and get ourselves out there and I think that what people want to see is that we understand the issues, we understand what's happening to a lot of New Zealanders and that we're making their issues our priority."

 

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