By 3 News online staff
Prime Minister John Key is giving his Government "an eight out of 10" for its performance in 2012.
Despite the controversy of the Kim Dotcom arrest, rising unemployment and public suspicion surrounding the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks, he believes his ministers have performed "pretty well" through 2012.
"The one number that sticks a bit is the unemployment rate, but actually outside of that things are generally on the improve," he told Firstline this morning.
Mr Key says the Government is focused on lowering the unemployment rate, which now sits at a 12-year high of 7.3 percent.
“We can have the odd make-work scheme but they don’t achieve a lot. The much bigger issue is getting out there and saying, 'Okay, how do we create that environment that ensures people will take on jobs?'"
Mr Key says New Zealanders are saving, not spending, which is hurting the job market.
"We have to give those New Zealand businesses confidence… it’s a major focus of attention."
3 News
source: newshub archive
