I heard John Key talking at the Auckland North Shore Business awards a little over a week ago, and he was talking about how important R&D was to New Zealand, and how we needed to increase it. It was one of a number of comments that diverged significantly from the National government’s actions during his speech (he also said a CBD rail-loop was likely, despite the main road-block being Steven Joyce).
National have cut government R&D budgets. They cut the Labour Fast Forward Fund to boost agricultural science. They got rid of Labour’s R&D tax credits.
And then they wonder why we’re not increasing our private sector research investment from 1/3 the OECD average.
The latest result is 560 of our top brains declaring that they’re likely to have to head overseas.
They recognise that NZ has invested a lot in them. They want to stay here. But the jobs aren’t here for them, and in fact jobs are being cut from under them.
How is this New Zealand’s Brighter Future?
We need a government that cares about R&D and wants to create high-value, high-wage jobs for New Zealand. Jobs that will give New Zealanders the incomes they need.
And an innovative New Zealand to lead the world in the 21st century – instead of just aiming to be a fast follower.
Although this post should be covered by the opinion section of electoral law and shouldn’t need authorisation, here’s mine anyway, just to be safe:
Authorised by Ben Clark, 54 Aramoana Ave, Devonport
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