Bridges, as part of his Connecting with Communities regional roadshow, said increased intervention in people’s everyday lives and policies that will make it harder for regional businesses to operate are becoming reality under the Labour-led Government.
And changes to industrial relations law will directly affect regional economies.
The big increase in the minimum wage and amendments to the 90-day employment trial were prompting employers to think twice about taking on new staff.
Taking the roading budget from the South Island to build a rail link in Auckland is a tragedy for the South Island.
“We have done a big job on the roads as we were absolutely clear we were going to do a four-lane highway from Christchurch to Ashburton and that would be a transformational game-changer for regional economies in terms of efficiency, productivity and safety.
“When we get back in we will start,” Bridges said.
Add fuel taxes and increased compliance there’s a lot going on to hurt regional and small rural communities.
“I’m worried about regional economies, your businesses and government talking farmers and rural companies down.
“But looking at GDP down today, the chickens are coming home to roost,” Bridges said.
Bridges believes the balance is about right in the existing Dairy Industry Restructuring Act.
“I am worried about one thing and that’s the potential for it to become a political playground.
“I don’t like ministers sticking it the bigger companies. It’s not good for anything.”
While competition is good to drive innovation it has to be remembered while Fonterra is NZ’s biggest multi-national, on the global scene it’s really not that big, Bridges said.
Farmers questioned Bridges on immigration and the desperate need for more workers, especially in the dairy industry.
“Ashburton is unique in that we are virtually zero unemployment with not enough people to staff farms and rural agri-businesses – how do we make it better to get more people,” Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Ford asked.
“While the Labour-led Government promised more workers into the regions, the bad news is, it’s a bit more complex than people say.
“Don’t hold your breath, you will go blue,” Bridges said.
He questioned the Government’s spending priorities saying the 125 working groups it had created cost millions and basically just provided jobs for consultants and retired politicians in Wellington.
Meantime, he assured farmers National remains positive about farming.
“Farmers are doing a great job and we are focused on working with and for farmers and farming industries.
“Government runs best when there is less of the Beehive and more of you.
“I believe we set you up with the infrastructures and the policy and let you get on with it.”
