9th December 2004
In Canterbury Today, the British Consul General Stephen Turner spoke about the relationship between Britain and New Zealand, saying:
"One of the great advantages for both of us is that when we are in each other's country it doesn't look that different. The institutions, the language and the people are very similar."
"This is partly because the ethnicity of New Zealand tends to be largely British. There is something like 70 percent of New Zealanders qualify for a UK passport."
"This is not the case in Australia where the demographic mix is quite different and is becoming less British."
"Because of the demographic patterns in New Zealand and the big 'OE' there is a linkage to the UK which is quite different from most countries."
Despite the similarities, he adds there is much the UK could learn from New Zealand.
"Business here (in NZ) is essentially about lifestyle."
"And the fact that NZ companies tend to be smaller, more innovative and tend to find solutions rather more readily, is an object lesson for Britain. A small to medium British enterprise could employ 100 people, in NZ it could be 10 to 15."
"One guiding principle in NZ businesses is the ability to develop products to suit purposes rather than having a product and trying to find somebody who wants it."
