Sort of like “how to use” instructions on a packet of tooth picks.

Firstly, let’s agree that we all want NZ to be a very rich country. Secondly, let’s agree that we want NZ to become very rich by using and abiding by the values and innovativeness which makes us proud to be New Zealanders. Thirdly, let’s agree that the purpose of making NZ a very rich country is not to benefit the elite few at the top of the pile (are you listening, National and Act supporters?), it is so that we can afford to give our communities and our citizens the benefits and advantages that they deserve. Why? So that everyone can participate fully in moving our society ahead. Then we all benefit.

Last but not least, NZ is never going to get rich unless we create, build and protect advanced industrial and service sectors that can sell their production across the world. We need farming and we tourism, they are strategic strengths, they are required but they are by no means sufficient.

Nokia started out pulping logs and making rubber gumboots, now just 10 of their mobile phones (total weight ~1kg) has the same net value as a palletised tonne of NZ milk powder.

That’s 1000x greater $ value per kilogram manufactured.

And that is what I call real productivity, the kind which will make this country rich – not squeezing extra blood out of poorly paid workers.

Who knows, in the mean time it might offer some easy targets to attack the government over.

They will probably just copy and paste the ACT manifesto and spend its budget on hiring a graphic designer to make the fancy headings. Like the 2025 taskforce did.