News

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he had an “enjoyable and very interesting” meeting with senior staff and owners/directors of businesses located at Izone on 14 April.

The meeting, organised by the Izone Business Association, was hosted by Westland Milk Products.

Accompanied by Selwyn MP Amy Adams (Minister of Justice, Minister for Courts, Minister of Broadcasting, and Minister for Communications), Mr Key said he was impressed with the wide range of businesses at Izone and appreciated the chance to have a face-to-face chat with most of the attendees.

He spoke briefly of his impressions of New Zealand’s economy and the outlook ahead, especially for the many agriculture related businesses represented at Izone. In spite of the current dairy pay-outs, the Prime Minister said he was confident that New Zealand’s economy would continue to grow. It was his view that agriculture and agri-businesses had a very positive outlook and would continue to play a crucial role in the country’s economy and export earnings.

His key points were:

• the economy is still tracking well and certainly better than some of our trading partners
• he was confident dairy prices would recover sooner rather than later
• agri-technology in NZ was an exportable opportunity where NZ could lead the world.

Some 30 Izone business people turned up for the meeting with many expressing gratitude for the chance to chat personally with the PM, and thanking Westland and the business association for their hospitality.