OPINION
We were once told that farmers were the backbone of our economy and essential to our survival. Now, we’re told that extracting minerals is crucial for wealth and job creation. Are we being fooled again?
Surely, we can invest in research and development and support innovative, sustainable ideas to grow exports – like our talented game developers, hemp production, hydrogen energy, and countless other possibilities. The Government claims it wants to create more and better jobs, yet it’s allowing the loss of 600 jobs in Timaru and many others because cash flow has dried up in these communities. Thousands of workers seem to be losing jobs due to government policies. Isn’t protecting existing jobs better than letting good ones vanish?
Why should we rely on extraction, like a third-world country, allowing multinationals to take our minerals and profits offshore while leaving us with environmental cleanup? This will only harm our tourism industry without a second thought. Let’s create wealth for New Zealanders through meaningful jobs. Where is the vision?
Mary-Ann de Kort
Gisborne
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