Unexpected criticism of this NZTE initiative runs counter to the Independent Business Foundation’s position on foreign investment.

We took a strong stand on the misguided Made from New Zealand project on the grounds that outsourcing manufacturing to low cost countries without direct ownership in plant and processes would ultimately give the host country access to critical IT at the expense of product integrity.

While we share the enthusiasm for the Kiwi Made campaign as a means to keep expertise and jobs at home, we realise the importance in certain circumstances of bringing our productive capacity closer to our overseas markets. Achieving this with ownership of foreign resources, managed and to some extent staffed by New Zealand nationals will achieve best outcomes in both respects.

Additionally it will provide investment opportunities in productive enterprises in preference to passive real estate that fails to earn foreign exchange as well as providing jobs.

A more outward looking economic strategy drawing on our world wise ex-patriate communities as means to reduce the balance of payment deficit and acquiring valuable international recognition is not only highly desirable, but stands out as a longer term solution to replace primary products as key revenue earners.