Business unimpressed by Greens' charm offensive

The Greens' charm offensive with business leaders yesterday left some less than impressed. One said the party had failed to remove "the scare factor."

Green MPs met business representatives to allay fears about the party's role in the next government.

But Auckland Chamber of Commerce chairman Michael Barnett left the function saying an opportunity had been wasted. He had a choice how to spend the end of his day "and I don't think I spent it well this afternoon".

Mr Barnett said the Greens claimed "business didn't understand them" but in his view the Greens did not understand business. He said the Greens had had an opportunity to remove boundaries, debunk myths, indicate where the party might be able to compromise and discuss aspirations but had not done any of that.

"We communicated but that was it."

He said the Greens had failed to remove the "scare factor out of seeing them as a partner in government".

Wellington Chamber chief Charles Finney said the party had given no sign that it was prepared to compromise.

"Frankly, the Green Party policies on trade, on roading, are just not acceptable. Let's remember, the public of NZ knew about those policies before the election. Only 5.1 per cent ... voted for those policies; 95 per cent voted against."

- NZPA