Trade Policies
Diversification of Trade Partners: Increase efforts to diversify New Zealand's trade partners beyond traditional markets like Australia, China, and the EU, focusing on emerging economies in Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America. This aligns with the goal of reducing dependency and enhancing economic resilience. Diversifying trade reduces risk from economic fluctuations in key markets and opens new avenues for growth, reflecting the principle of empowering citizens through sustainable economic practices.
Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Export: Implement a government-backed export facilitation program for SMEs, providing access to market research, trade missions, and export financing at reduced rates, including digital platforms for easier market entry. SMEs are crucial for job creation and innovation. By supporting their export capabilities, we ensure broader participation in the economy, aligning with the vision of economic relief and empowering the workforce.
Transparent Trade Agreements: Ensure all trade agreements undergo public consultation with clear, accessible information provided in multiple languages, including te reo Māori, to foster transparency and public involvement. This policy promotes transparency and real representation, allowing citizens to have a say in agreements that affect their economic landscape, in line with the principle against political theatre where decisions are made behind closed doors.
Economic Policies
Simplification of Tax Structure: Transition towards a simpler tax system with a lower, flat rate for businesses and individuals, coupled with targeted tax incentives for investment in sustainable practices and technology. A simplified tax system reduces the bureaucratic burden on small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and investment, which ties into the vision of simplifying government and incentivizing work.
Energy Cost Reduction: Invest in renewable energy infrastructure to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels, aiming for lower electricity and fuel costs. This includes subsidies for solar panel installations for homes and businesses. Lowering energy costs directly addresses economic relief for both citizens and businesses, making daily life and operations more affordable, which is a key part of the vision for a more affordable New Zealand.
Focus on Wealth Creation for All: Implement policies that encourage wealth creation across all socio-economic levels, such as community investment funds where local investments are matched by government funds for localised infrastructure projects and/or small business startups or expansions. This policy supports the principle of focusing on wealth creation for the people.
Agricultural Support and Innovation: Enhance support for the agricultural sector with grants for adopting sustainable farming practices, technology for precision agriculture, and research into climate-resilient crops. Given New Zealand's strong agricultural base, supporting this sector with modern, sustainable methods ensures continued economic strength and aligns with the value of protecting the environment while promoting economic activity.
Implementation and Accountability
Transparency in Economic Policy Making: Regular public reporting on the progress and impact of these policies, with opportunities for public feedback and adjustment. This ensures government accountability and involves citizens in shaping economic policy, resonating with the promise of a government that cares and communicates directly with its people.
Audit and Review: Annual audits of government spending on these initiatives to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, adhering to the policy of zero-based budgeting and government accountability.
These policies are designed to be pragmatic, focusing on immediate economic relief, long-term sustainability, and broad-based participation, ensuring that governance reflects the will and needs of the community as outlined in the "Voter's Voice" ethos.