Funds to back promotion of 'kiwi-made'

Nearly $12 million of taxpayers' money will be used to encourage them to buy New Zealand goods.

Today Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard and Green MP Sue Bradford - who is also the Government's spokeswoman on Buy Kiwi-Made - announced the $11.5m funding over the next three years as part of Thursday's budget.

The Buy Kiwi-Made programme was part of the post-election cooperation agreement between Labour and the Greens.

Ms Bradford said she hoped the programme would boost New Zealand businesses. "The Buy Kiwi-Made campaign will encourage Kiwis to buy locally made products, use local services and be local tourists."

A series of regional workshops on the issue had been completed and businesses and unions were enthusiastic, she said.

"One aspect of the Buy Kiwi-Made campaign will be to provide the information needed by consumers to buy local," Ms Bradford said.

"We are sure that many who want to buy New Zealand-made products or purchase New Zealand services are frustrated by not knowing where to look for them.

"We will be helping firms get a fair go with government procurement. We will also be supporting community and buy local initiatives such as craft and farmers' markets."

Mr Mallard said the Government was pleased to support the Green Party initiative - it was the brainchild of late Greens co-leader Rod Donald.

"Investing in Kiwi businesses is going to be a key part of addressing New Zealand's balance of payments deficit. Saving funds on imports has the same effect on our balance of payments as earning funds through exports," the minister said.

Act Party leader Rodney Hide said the programme was the price the Government was paying for the Greens' support.

"This is nothing more than a taxpayer funded bribe to keep the Greens in Helen Clark's tent," he said.

"People will buy from Kiwi companies if they offer a better product or a better price - not because politicians tell them to."

Mr Hide said instead of telling people what to buy, it should reduce tax so New Zealanders had more to spend.

"People can decide for themselves what to put in their shopping basket. We don't need politicians spending our money, telling us what to buy."

- NZPA