3 May 2018

Ardern speech aims to soothe businesses

4:19 pm on 3 May 2018

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has delivered a pre-Budget speech designed to reassure the business community about the new coalition government.

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Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson

She told a Business New Zealand audience in Wellington today that while change could bring uncertainty it could also create opportunities.

She also announced a new Future of Work forum bringing together the government, businesses and unions to look at future workforce needs.

Ms Ardern said the 'elephant in the room' was business confidence.

While she acknowledged perceptions of the government she said she was confident its economic policies and infrastructure investments would stimulate the economy.

Ms Ardern outlined areas of spending already confirmed by the government but did not reveal any other details about the Budget due on 17 May.