While it may not have lived up to predicted rock star status, the economy has been relatively kind to business. Business New Zealand’s Performance Manufacturing Index has shown continued growth since mid-2014, and the recently released results of the 2014 Exporters Survey undertaken by Export NZ shows exporters planning for growth, which augurs well for 2015.
So from the business perspective 2015 is shaping up to be another good year with low inflation, falling petrol prices, interest rates held at the current historically low level, GDP growth forecast at around 3% and the NZ dollar finally back below the 80c mark. However there is always a flip side and that is the large drop in the price of milk based export products and the revenue that this will take out of the economy.
It has been another busy year for the GETBA team and a special one in that it is 20 years since the Association was incorporated in 1994. I would like to pay tribute to Henry Jansen, GETBA co-founder and Association Secretary for all of those 20 years. His service to the East Tamaki business community has been unstinting and much appreciated.
On behalf of the GETBA Committee, I’d also like to take the opportunity to wish GETBA members a Merry Christmas, safe holidays and a prosperous 2015.
Richard Poole