N.Z. economy

Press, 28 August 1986, Page 20

N.Z. economy

Sir,—B. O’Neill (August 25) stated that “people are leaving New Zealand by the dozens.” It is far worse than that. People are leaving the country not in dozens but in thousands. It was reported (August 19) that a total of 57,000 people fled the country in the year ending March 31. We were told that this great exodus was largely balanced by the arrival of 36,000 immigrants. So, "she’ll be right”? Wrong. Those figures represent a demographical change of 100,000 people a year in a population of just over 3,000,000. What kind of people are being driven out and what kind are being brought in to replace them? The present ruling party promised to change the face of New Zealand and I opine that this is the one promise they intend to keep. — Yours, etc.,

JOHN H. LENCH. Nelson, August 25, 1986.

Sir,—The recent closure of the U.E.B. factory and threatened closure of the Kawerau mill reflect two totally different responses to our market-led economy. For the workers at the U.E.B. plant I have genuine sympathy. They are victims of circumstances totally beyond their control, namely, a volatile dollar and a higher r|te of

inflation than our trading partners. After reading of the series of disputes involving pulp and paper workers over a number of years, I can only wonder why the company has put up with things for so long. Of course, the lesson of Rogernomics means that nobody can operate for. long in a loss situation. Strangely, that message has escaped the pulp and paper workers. With the - new wage round due, one would hope that this dispute is settled quickly and that this will encourage all trade union officials to think carefully about job security rather than unreasonable wage demands. — Yours, etc., D. T. ARCHBOLD. Cheviot, August 25, 1986.