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A Strong Economy
Background
Conservatives seek to secure the prosperity of our children and grandchildren, which is only possible with a strong economy. This requires flourishing businesses - to facilitate this we would reduce corporate tax rates and slash unnecessary regulations.
Central planning has failed. We believe government meddling in the economy (which continues under the current government) must be curtailed - it is not the role of government to pick winners and losers, provide arbitrary subsidies, and regulate every aspect of business.
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Primary Sector
We will cut back burdensome regulations on farming and let New Zealand farmers do what they are good at—feeding 40 million people across the world.
Cheap and reliable energy is the life-blood of any economy, and critical for a prosperous society. We will encourage all viable forms of energy production (oil, gas, clean coal, wind, etc.), without favour or subsidy.
Fossil fuels are here to stay, and should be harnessed for the good of the country. We will restore orderly licensing for oil and gas exploration, and make sure that the players in this industry know they are welcome in New Zealand for the long term.
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Secondary Sector
We would seek to rebuild and reopen the Marsden Point oil refinery. A resilient fuel supply is critical to the economy, especially at times of crisis (for example, when an overseas war disrupts oil supplies).
We would encourage local processing and manufacturing. New Zealand can establish viable niches and add value - we do not need to forever remain just a producer of primary materials, which are sent overseas and sold back to us as manufactured goods.
Value-added processing in our agricultural sector is low by international standards, and should be encouraged in order to improve long-term viability and profitability.
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Tertiary Sector
We would encourage those service industries where New Zealand is innovative and competes well internationally. We would make sure New Zealand is a friendly place for start-ups and for internationally mobile tech entrepreneurs and their workers.
Order, stability, and predictability need to be restored to the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. We will ensure that our borders are not closed in future, and that these sectors are not turned off and on again like a tap.
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Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
These are the lifeblood of any mixed economy, and are where most new jobs are created. Accordingly, we would encourage small and medium-sized businesses in particular, by reducing burdensome regulations (which tend to favour big business).
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Voluntary Sector
Voluntary organisations are a quiet but important contributor to New Zealand society. We would encourage the voluntary sector (including charities and incorporated societies) by ensuring they are not over-regulated and that they are treated well by the banks (for example when opening accounts and changing signatories).
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