Economic growth is key to raising living standards, creating higher-paying jobs, and delivering the vital public services New Zealanders want and deserve.

Using new ideas, knowledge and technology to develop better ways of doing things helps the New Zealand economy grow. Having more businesses investing in technologies and innovation will create higher-paying jobs for New Zealanders and diversify the economy into new industries and markets.

Global trade and investment are essential for New Zealand to maximise its potential and for New Zealanders to enjoy higher incomes and better public services. New Zealand’s economy is export-oriented, with the food and fibre sectors and tourism significantly contributing to foreign currency earnings.

New Zealand has a flexible labour market, high rates of employment, relatively open borders and, historically, a well-performing education system. However, the country faces significant challenges: school achievement and attendance are dropping in comparison with countries New Zealand competes with, and we face challenges in attracting, training and retaining talent.