Business backs look at nuclear power

Most big business leaders want nuclear power investigated and nuclear-powered ships allowed back in New Zealand, a survey shows.

The findings in the Herald's Mood of the Boardroom survey, published today, reflect concerns of executives over New Zealand's future energy supply and the country's dim prospect of a free trade deal with America any time soon.

The survey got responses from 90 chief executives and company chairmen between August 24 and September 4.

It found:

* 63.3 per cent of the executives believed New Zealand should investigate nuclear power compared to 30.4 per cent who did not and 5.2 per cent who were unsure.

* 75 per cent believed the next government should change the law to allow nuclear-propelled ships back into New Zealand. But only 21.8 per cent thought New Zealand should admit ships with nuclear weapons.

The enthusiasm for investigating nuclear power reflects worries about the future of energy supplies, with nearly 94 per cent saying that concerned them.

One business leader commented that "more rational debate" on the nuclear power option was needed rather than the "emotional clamour of the last decade". Executives were reluctant to make attributed comments given the sensitive nature of election time.

Some 68.8 per cent believed Labour's foreign policy and defence strategy were hindering economic growth, against 6.5 per cent who said it was helping and 24.7 per cent who were neutral.

Concerns were also raised about the way the relationship with the United States became a political football earlier in the election campaign, with Labour's claims that the nuclear policy would be "gone by lunchtime" under a National government.

Asked if Labour's electioneering hindered New Zealand's chances of a free trade agreement with America, 61.3 per cent said they did, 20 per cent disagreed and 18.7 per cent were unsure.