New Zealand risks becoming globally uncompetitive

Among comments by the 80 per cent of CEOs who are concerned:

* "Look at the data. We are falling in terms of exports and also foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP. Still too insular. Not willing to make capital investments offshore, probably due to the past track record of some bad investment decisions." (Brett Shepherd, CEO, Deutsche Bank NZ)

* "Labour has focused on social reform. Large part of labour force is uneducated. Investors reluctant to invest in NZ. No sense in having 5000 more apprentices and no manufacturers to employ them. Violence and crime is driving New Zealanders our of the country faster than tax relief or jobs will bring them back."(Energy sector CEO)

* "Recent changes to employment laws, the continued uncertainty around the resource consent process and the lack of clarity around energy security is allowing the global view of New Zealand to be eroded. This country embarked on a path of a more open and progressive economy, but in recent times appears to have become fixated with internal issues of wealth equalisation and welfare at the long-run expense of building a more robust and self-sufficient private sector that would ultimately generate superior benefits to all New Zealanders without the need for ever-increasing Government spending and intervention. (Food industry CEO)

What are the missing ingredients?

Business leaders say if New Zealand is to score long-term success there must be:

* "Much less of the employee, nanny state, OSH, ACC, welfare, "she'll be right" culture, and a lot more of culture of grand achievements and striving. Work-life balance - give me a break!" (Consulting firm principal/director)

* "Moves to attract and retain experienced - mostly male - people back to New Zealand." (Energy sector CEO)

* "A change in attitude that profit is okay." (Tourism sector CEO)