Scott Perkins: Issue and Solution

ISSUE

The backdrop to this year's Knowledge Wave Conference is a blessing and a curse. Yes, we will probably win the America's Cup, yes, the currency has outperformed and yes, we have had a few years of better-than-average economic growth.

While I am an optimist for New Zealand and its prospects -- and hope, like anyone, that we will win the Cup -- I also know that all of the above will reverse.

The Cup is a one-off event. Our recent economic growth is artificial due to the coincidence of low currency and commodity prices -- both of which have already reversed.

The currency is more a reflection of United States issues than anything else.

So, we need to get real about the growth challenge ahead of us. We need to understand clearly that the key to closing the standard-of-living gap -- manifested by better hospitals, roads, schools, universities and defence forces -- is a stronger economy.

SOLUTION

This is a leadership challenge. It is a challenge for politicians to take the hard decisions necessary to make economic growth the focal point of Government policy.

It is a challenge for ordinary New Zealanders to get out of the present complacency zone and realise that current progress will ensure gradually falling living standards, more brain drain and lost investment and jobs.

It is a challenge for community, union and public-sector leaders to promote the positive links between economic growth and communities -- a relationship that is seen as either too distant or "not my job".

It is a challenge to business people in small and large companies to build world-beating companies creating world-beating employment. It is the challenge for the Knowledge Wave Leadership Forum to meaningfully contribute to this debate and catalyse steps to achieving this vision.

Herald Special Report - February 18, 2003:
Knowledge Wave 2003 - the leadership forum

Herald feature: