Prime Minister Key’s aspirational speech today focuses on what it needs to – the economy, and business applauds that, as far it goes.

“Without a doubt the PM’s speech is right in principle to focus on investment,” said Kim Campbell, chief executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association.

“Its also great to see the PM list the headings of the government’s Business Growth Agenda once again and to target policies that are not business unfriendly.

“All government ministers should be required to memorise and repeat this agenda as part of all the speeches they make this year.

“But to deliver a step change of investment in productive enterprise that the PM wants, investors need to be able to see they can make rapid and smooth transitions from the time their capital is available to the start up of the enterprise they are investing in.

“To do this we need clear and simple rules for accessing capital, facilitative planning processes, and a competitive taxation regime, and ease of immigration.

“No single factor will be the answer so it is vital all government ministers and departments work consistently to achieve the investment goals.

“To get them to do so is a big ask, as one of the most difficult tasks is to get government officials aligned with policy objectives, and that applies equally at local government level.

“But New Zealand can do it.”