The release of a new report by IPENZ, ‘Realising Our Hidden Treasure’, provides valuable information on the real possibilities of boosting New Zealand’s economy and standard of living, while protecting our natural environment, says ExportNZ Executive Director Catherine Beard.

“We’re on a downward path compared to other OECD countries, and we need to look at all of our country’s means of raising our economic base so New Zealanders can enjoy a high standard of living.

“If we can’t raise our earnings per capita, we will continue to slide downwards as we lose our best and brightest to other countries.

“There are responsible ways of realising the untapped resources New Zealand is sitting on, and we need to have a mature and informed discussion about this as a country, given the large potential benefit to all New Zealanders.

“Reaching an agreement on developing New Zealand’s natural resource wealth, while safeguarding our natural environment, is now an urgent priority.”