“Small businesses are the heart of New Zealand’s economy, contributing around 42% of our GDP,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. “Small business owners take the risks, put in the hours, employ locally and keep our communities running. “Business liquidations are at a 15-year high, business confidence is falling and Christopher Luxon is telling hardworking business owners they’re too soft and to grow up. “Under a Labour Government, small business owners will get paid sooner, get more support to invest in the equipment they need, and keep more of what they earn,” Chris Hipkins said. “Running a small business should mean building something of your own, not spending your evenings chasing overdue invoices and filling in forms,” Labour Small Business spokesperson Dan Rosewarne said.