PM Hails Canterbury Attitude

Attitude plays a significant part in pulling Canterbury clear of the recession ahead of other regions, Prime Minister Jenny Shipley says. In Christchurch yesterday to announce the region's top companies after a campaign called Movin' on Up, Mrs Shipley said Canterbury was leading the country out of recession for the second time this decade.

Latest economic data show the South Island is outstripping the North. It was a different story this time last year, however. Many businesses had their worst year in a decade as they struggled through a recession. In August the Christchurch city council and business leaders decided the economic malaise was all in the mind, declaring a "recession-free zone". The brainchild of former mayor Vicki Buck, the slogan Movin' on Up was adopted. The Press published a series of articles focusing on Canterbury businesses doing well despite the recession. Mrs Shipley said the campaign was a brave move, and while she believed the economic signs were already coming right last year, there was no doubt strong business skills, commitment, and flair had helped.

She paid tribute to The Press, saying while politicians often complained about the media for being overly negative, the newspaper had put the region's good news on the front page. The top Qantas Movin' on Up competition award went to exporter T. L. Jones Ltd, a Christchurch company that makes elevator door safety systems. Second prize went to Dolphin Encounter, of Kaikoura, and third prize to Soeur Design, a Christchurch fashion house. Others which made the finals were Aranui High School, Chaucer Press, the Arts Centre of Christchurch, Ceemee Signs, Mike Pero Mortgages, PBS Shuttles, and Safety Step NZ Ltd.