20 ways to save the economy

JOHN SELKIRK/Dominion Post

THE BOSS: John Key addresses the summit.

JOHN SELKIRK/Dominion Post

KEY PLAYER: Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard told the summit he was prepared to lower interest rates further.

JOHN SELKIRK/Dominion Post

THE FLOOR: Delegates listen to Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard.

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They are the country's movers and shakers. Two hundred of our top business, government, banking and union leaders, who gathered in a giant auditorium yesterday to brainstorm over how to get the country through a prolonged, and probably nasty, recession.

Together they represent 80 per cent of the country's gross domestic product. This is their top-20 list of things to do.

* A nine-day fortnight.

* A new seasonal work market.

* Keep people in education and add a training clause to government procurement contracts.

* Better matching of training to available jobs.

* Better support people affected by redundancy.

* Better use of iwi assets and Maori land.

* Ensuring that government services to Maori are effective.

* Aggregation of local government debt for cheaper rates. An investment plan across central and local government with a jobs focus.

* Reduced compliance costs and red tape. A moratorium on drinking water and air-quality standards.

* Fast-tracking of big projects.

* A freeze on new rules.

* Government to put money into a $60 million fund, in partnership with the private sector, for tourism promotion and development.

* Accelerated energy, environmental and water initiatives.

* Streamlined regulatory approval processes for major projects.

* Export credit scheme extended to domestic firms that need cash.

* Remove provisions in government procurement contracts that discriminate against local businesses.

* A streamlined debt market.

* Government and banks to set up an equity investment fund.

* Commitment by banks to providing capital to New Zealand firms.

* Banks to conduct a financial literacy campaign for customers.

- © Fairfax NZ News