Brash gets easy ride, despite tech problems

Don Brash

Not even technical problems could upset National leader Don Brash as he hit the ground running with his first speech since the announcement of the election date.

In front of a sympathetic audience of Auckland's business community yesterday, Dr Brash exuded confidence as he promised to reduce taxes, slash compliance costs and improve New Zealanders' living standards if elected to Government on September 17.

The failure of the electronic monitors he was reading from halfway through his speech did not phase him.

"That's a tricky situation. I have lost my text. Luckily I have got a spare here with me," he told the audience as he pulled speech notes from his jacket and continued.

Yet again Dr Brash pointed to National's eagerly anticipated "package of tax reductions" without giving any more away ahead of the official party announcement.

He also hit back at Labour's claims that tax cuts would push up inflation.

"They are saying if they spend your money it won't be inflationary, but if you spend it or save it, it will be," Brash proclaimed to a healthy round of applause.

"I did not spend 14 years bringing inflation down to take that risk (of driving inflation up)."

Dr Brash said he had not enjoyed being the target of a "vigorous personal attack" by his political rivals over the past week, but he came into politics knowing it would happen.

Company owner Terry Haydon said Brash's presentation was what he expected.

"He has high integrity and he has New Zealand at heart," Mr Haydon said.

"I think it is the last chance (under National) to get back to the sort of country we are all better off in."

Small business manager Eleanor Sayer said she was feeling positive about what Brash had to say.

"This is the first time I have see him speaking publicly and I feel even more confident in him now seeing him speak today. He handled all of the questions very well."

Business owner Michael Delmont felt Brash's speech was short on detail and full of rhetoric.

"In fairness to Dr Brash, I'm sure that (detail) will come out due course. The detail is what the average man in the street wants to know."

Brash was "fundamentally a good man" who was growing in stature and deserved a chance.

"He has less arrogance than Helen Clark. I see more good people in the National Party."

Vanessa Barratt found Dr Brash's speech "very uplifting and positive".

"I think he is a very good speaker and very honest".

While she had been a "bit on the fence" over who she would vote for, she was now feeling more positive about her choice.