Luxon visits the ‘Google of New Zealand’ in his own electorate

Health, education, transport and law and order are still important, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is travelling the country with one key word on his mind – growth.

That’s as in economic growth and the coalition Government’s desire to grow the New Zealand economy to improve Kiwis’ quality of life, strengthen local business, lift incomes, and create opportunity across the country.

The Botany MP was joined by Finance and Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis at an ‘Economic Growth Business Visit’ to Fisher and Paykel Healthcare in Highbrook on January 31.

Fisher and Paykel Healthcare describes itself as a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of products and systems for use in acute and chronic respiratory care, surgery and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

The company’s multi-building facility is so large and spread out that reporters arriving to cover the event were given a map to help them navigate it.

Luxon and Willis toured the company’s expansive facility and spoke to its managing director and chief executive, Lewis Gradon, and other senior staff members.

Their tour included being shown some of the latest technology in its hospital simulation lab by category marketing manager Lily Pittman, who explained how the company’s staff work to improve its products.

While crossing between buildings, Luxon and Willis encountered some of the many university students currently interning at Fisher and Paykel Healthcare.

Luxon told them the company is akin to the Google of New Zealand and it would be  great place to work.

He then spoke to reporters, saying Fisher and Paykel Healthcare is an “outstanding New Zealand company”.

“Two-billion dollars’ worth and exporting to 120 different countries all around the world.

“Advanced manufacturing, health technology, everything that we want to see a lot more of across New Zealand.

“It’s been a real privilege for Nicola and I to come and visit this company and understand how they continue to grow so strongly.

“And also to be able to sell high quality New Zealand products and services out to the rest of the world.”

Luxon said he was pleased to see a report from the New Zealand economic consultancy Infometrics NZ that morning which suggested “there is optimism in the economy as we look to, as they say, a projected growth of 2.5 per cent by the middle of the year”.

“But we know we’ve got a lot of work to do this year which is why Nicola and I keep saying it’s all about growth, growth, growth.”

The Infometrics report Luxon referenced also said the weaker New Zealand dollar, higher fuel prices, and “concerns about more persistent price pressures internationally could cause a small uptick in inflation later this year”.