It is commendable for Government to tackle things in different ways, to take an in depth look at how are all doing and try to make our lives better

-Doug Green, Publisher, NZ Manufacturer

There are plenty of areas to focus on – one might say the usual suspects – health, education, housing, domestic violence and the shocking role alcohol plays in this…just saying, skills training – to lead to fairness and equality.

However, the strength in the Wellbeing Budget will also be seen in the focus Government gives to economic matters – in an economy that is starting to slow down.

Circling all this good will and intent is Productivity. Grant Robertson knows this. If Productivity cannot be lifted, then there cannot be wage growth. If we don’t experience wage growth, then people do not get ahead. Have you ever heard of a power company or cable provider reducing their charges because the consumer isn’t keeping up with the cost of living?

Dieter Adam, Executive Director of The Manufacturers’ Network tackles some of this in his article on Page 10 “Relearning what it means to be globally competitive” when he says “we could sell more if we could make more, and we could make more if we had the right people for it”.

And of course, the right people are the well-paid people who can afford a home, good healthcare and education for their children with the incentives in place for them to do a good day’s work.

I am impressed with EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley’s personal viewpoint on Page 29 about the Overseas Investment Office’s decision to block Waihi mining company OceanaGold’s application to purchase nearby farmland to expand its operation.

He sees this decision as a disincentive to business investment for the good of the region.

I wish more business leaders would speak up on issues that bother them, that are unfair and strangle business growth.

Come on, don’t be shy!