Government Procurement

Mark Blackham notes:

Importantly for businesses, Parker said Labour was prepared to use “government procurement to assist the development of New Zealand’s economy.”  It is worth remembering that Labour signalled exactly the same thing before taking the reigns in 1999, but only told government agencies to be open to looking at New Zealand businesses.

I expect much the same, when Labour do get in. Every opposition talks up buying NZ made, and local procurement. They will all say if all other things are equal, buy locally (which is sensible). But no Government is ever going to ban Government agencies from purchasing from overseas, no matter what the price or service differentials. Plus, it would probably breach many international agreements we have entered into – and risk NZ firms being shut out of  foreign markets.