The National Party says the latest survey showing a slump of business confidence underlines the government's incompetence.
National Party leader Simon Bridges Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
The Institute of Economic Research's (NZIER) quarterly survey, out yesterday, shows business confidence is at its lowest level in a decade.
It shows a net 35 percent pessimism level in the outlook for the broad economy compared with a net 34 percent level in June.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said such surveys revealed more about opinion than data.
But National Party leader Simon Bridges said a plan for growth was needed.
He told Morning Report his first priority as prime minister would be to reinject business confidence.
"That would involve a package of tax release - personal and small and medium business. There's too much of red tape and regulations that's hurting businesses, that's making them gun-shy about moving forward and investing in their business."
"It's being serious about infrastructure to get New Zealand moving - both in housing and transport," he said.
When National was in government it did "do the right things albeit two years too late".
Looking at figures he said social housing numbers "have doubled, rent's gone up $50".