Q. What
about in terms of investment, trade and so forth; we were under the impression
that computer software might be something attractive to New Zealanders.
A. Well,
I think that you might be in trouble there. I think a lot of software developement
is being done in New Zealand. You look at all the companies and see who
it is developing the software; you’ll find New Zealand high on the list.
My son developes software for American companies. We think that the tourism
area is a good place to be looking to invest. American tourists and
tourists in general are looking for a life-style type of tourism; and it
doesn’t take a lot of money to go a long way towards developing this sort
of thing.
Communications,
transportation and so forth, are also worth looking into.
Q. Where
is New Zealand selling its agriculture?
A. All
over the world. Since we’ve eliminated farm subsides, New Zealand
has become one of the most competitive nations in the agricultural sector.
Our major trading partners are, Australia, the United States, Japan, Korea,
China, and most of the Pacific Rim, however the European Community is a
close second. Our agriculture is as famous for its quality as it
is for its competive price.
Q. What
else is worth looking at?
A. Forestry.
Paper. Food processing. Hunts just did a major investment into New
Zealand so that it can take advantage of our agriculture and position realitive
to Pacific Rim buyers of processed foods.
Q. What
about retirees?
A.
Our best recommendation is to come and enjoy New Zealand six months out
of the year and then enjoy some other place for the rest of the year.
Q.You have
no specific program encouraging retirees?
A. No.
But the fact that our summer is your winter, and the opposite, means that
American retirees could enjoy endless summers by spending six months of
the year.
Q. Is there
any chance that New Zealand could become the first Libertarian Country
in the world? One totally free of government.
While Roger
Douglas the Minister of Finance, in his book Unfinished Business, does
recommend that New Zealand go to a system free of all income taxation and
his proposals could indeed be considered radical; his theory and
ours does not lead to a government-free state. We’re a small player in
a pretty big game, and you need a captain of the team, you need a coach.
We believe in someone to steer the ship.
Q. We have
heard it said, that in Spain they believe that those who jump the highest
are those who begin with their feet most firmly planted on the ground.
We would like to take this opportunity to tell you that from our
perspective it appears that New Zealand is prepared to make a quantum
leap in every way. You are to be congratulated for an excellent job very
well done.
Thank you
very much for taking the time and sharing your ideas with us.
A. Well,
thank you for the compliment.Come visit New Zealand and see for yourself
what we’re all about.
