Sadness as Buy NZ made campaign axed

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The suspension of the Buy New Zealand Made campaign by the new Government has saddened one of the policy's architects, Green MP Sue Bradford.

Minister of Economic Development Gerry Brownlee said yesterday that no more money would be committed to the campaign, unless a review showed it to be effective.

The campaign had an original budget of $6.3 million and was paid up until Christmas.

The advertising campaign and related policy was part of the Greens' deal with Labour following the 2005 election.

It had originally been the brain-child of the late Green Party leader Rod Donald, with Ms Bradford taking over the reigns following his sudden death.

Ms Bradford questioned Mr Brownlee's decision, and said that since it began the campaign had resulted in more people supporting local products.

The television advertising featured local actor Oliver Driver and was also backed up by print, website and radio ads.

- NZPA