Stop making "petty hits" on the Government and come up with innovative solutions to aid New Zealand during these difficult economic times.
That sums up the blunt message from chief executives to Labour leader Phil Goff and finance spokesman David Cunliffe.
Just 26 per cent of chief executives responding to the Mood of the Boardroom survey believe Goff and Cunliffe have done enough to challenge the Government's economic performance to-date.
Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett believes Labour has missed an opportunity to "throw out the big dreams and challenges" when they are needed by a market facing uncertainty. "As an opposition they would have had to deliver but could have pushed the Government for more innovation and vision."
"Skills and education would be a good subject for Labour," adds EMA (Northern) chief executive Alasdair Thompson. "But they have to tackle poor performance, not just protect teachers' unions."
After nine years in power, Labour is "still struggling with being in opposition," notes Grant Samuel chief executive Michael Lorimer. Other CEO respondents say it is difficult for a long-term Government to make traction in opposition. "The immediate response is 'Why didn't you do it when you were in office?" One notes it is difficult for Labour to "credibly challenge when a good proportion of the situation the Government is managing is of Labour's making".
There is also a sense that Labour needs to rebuild itself before taking "bold risks" and should "just get out of the way for a while".
Goff's pursuit of disgraced former Cabinet Minister Richard Worth put him back in the political spotlight. But CEOs aren't that impressed. "Labour was distracted with the Worth affair - forget playing the man and make a meaningful and real contribution."
"I have no idea what they are doing. No policy. They are just mud rakers."
"Ritual bleating about possible privatisations means they exploit the ignorance of some voters whilst not offering any meaningful solutions to our overseas borrowing problems," says a finance chief. "They dumb-down the debate"
