Auckland focus of growth action plan

By KEVIN TAYLOR

An action plan devised by New Zealand's chambers of commerce to achieve 4 per cent growth will emphasise Auckland's importance to the economy.

The plan is being released today in Wellington.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive Phil Lewin said the document would be released on behalf of all 30 chambers dotted throughout the country.

Called "Achieving Faster Growth for New Zealand", it identifies five key areas for achieving growth:

* Lifting the performance of New Zealand's innovation system, so doubling the rate of annual productivity growth is a real possibility.

* Improving market access and removing barriers to exports.

* Making sure Auckland is fit to grow the regional economy quickly, while also ensuring the rest of the country is not held back by lack of resources and quality infrastructure.

* Lifting basic literacy and other skills so more people can participate in the economy, and using immigration to help counter the demographics of an ageing population.

* Constraining the growth of central and local government (as distinct from a slash-and-burn approach).

Lewin said all the chambers supported the strategy, which was not detailed but would be progressively added to.

"It identifies five key frontline areas where the New Zealand economy needs a better approach to get to 4 per cent growth, and stay there," he said.

"The chambers have not done anything like this for a long time, that is, address policy issues in a considered way as chambers nationwide.

"We are looking forward to seeing what reactions we get."