Investing in New Zealand’s future

If elected, National will offer New Zealanders minority shareholdings in four state-owned energy companies and Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand has operated successfully under this mixed ownership model for almost a decade.

The Government will keep at least 51 per cent of these businesses and Kiwis will be at the front of the queue for shares. We expect around 85-90 per cent of these companies will be owned by New Zealanders.

It’s important to remember that we’re talking about less than 3 per cent of taxpayers’ total assets of $245 billion, which will still grow by $22 billion over the next four years.
The alternative is a lot more debt, which is what Labour is promising.

The mixed ownership programme will free up billions of dollars for the Future Investment Fund to invest in new priority assets such as modern schools, hospitals, and public infrastructure - without the Government having to borrow more from foreign lenders. We would rather pay dividends to New Zealanders than interest on more debt to foreigners.

Finally, it will give New Zealanders – many of whom lost money in collapsed finance companies - an opportunity to invest in this country’s future.

The mixed ownership programme will achieve all of these things while ensuring our country doesn’t go deeper into debt.

This is a smart policy that will strengthen the New Zealand economy.

For more information, click here.

National’s plan to build a stronger economy

National is committed to growing our economy so we can provide more jobs and higher wages to help raise the standard of living of New Zealanders. We are doing this by providing the right economic incentives, and regulating responsibly to maintain safety and protect the environment, but without strangling businesses in red tape.

National has set out its building blocks for a stronger New Zealand economy, in a 120-point economic development action plan.

The action plan complements National’s strong and responsible finance policy to get New Zealand back into surplus within three years and to start paying down debt. Our plan details National’s commitments to building modern productive infrastructure, improving regulation, developing a skilled workforce, and investing in innovation and trade.

It is crucial that we have all our export industries working positively if we are to turn New Zealand into a more competitive economy that provides better jobs and growth for all New Zealanders.

For more information, click here.

National to ramp up immunisation targets

National is working hard to protect and grow our public health service. We’re focused on delivering the healthcare Kiwi families need.

By the end of 2014, National will make sure we are immunising 95 per cent of eight-month-old babies with three scheduled vaccinations. We know children are more likely to complete all vaccinations if they begin early. All babies will be automatically enrolled with a GP and WellChild provider.

Early intervention can help families get a good start and set up youngsters for a happy and healthy childhood. We will bring local maternity professionals together to regularly review births, expand the number of midwives in our voluntary bonding scheme, and grow B4 school checks. We also announced $54 million in new mother and newborn baby services in Budget 2011.

Boosting immunisation and maternity services is part of National’s special focus on children. We want to give all Kiwi kids the opportunity to succeed.

For more information, click here.

Building confidence in the welfare system

Our welfare system is one of the most generous in the world and, under National, that safety net will always be there to help New Zealanders in need. For most people, this is a temporary support while they get back on their feet.

However, a small number see welfare as a free ride on the taxpayer, and there are those who are facing a future of life-time welfare dependency.

National will invest in helping those at risk of long-term dependency find work. There will also be a stronger, more proactive stance against those who abuse and defraud the welfare system.

Jobseekers whose recreational drug use gets in the way of a job will face having their benefit cancelled. For those with genuine addiction problems, we will help them get support to deal with their drug or alcohol addiction.

Beneficiaries on the run from the Police will have their benefit cancelled if they continue to evade Police with arrest warrants. And National will make it easier to catch fraudsters sooner by data matching with other government agencies.

For more information, click here.

Safer roads under National

National is determined to keep reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. We will invest about $620 million a year from the National Land Transport Fund to improve road safety.

Since coming to office we have focused on tackling our road toll as we work to build a safer New Zealand. We are on track for a record low road toll this year but there is still work to be done.

National will continue to make changes that build on the solid progress we have made in the past three years. We will introduce legislation to stop drivers staying on their learners and restricted licenses for long periods so they learn to drive properly. We will also introduce a tougher restricted licence test and strengthen motorcycle licence testing.

A big focus in the road safety area is making major improvements to our high-use highways through the Roads of National Significance programme. We will be investing $12.2 billion on improving the highway system across New Zealand over the next 10 years.

For more information, click here.

National to step up trade missions

National will lead at least 28 high-level trade missions to Asian countries over the next three years to expand trade and business links.

The party’s trade policy also says National will continue to pursue high-quality trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and bilateral free-trade agreements.

Enhancing and growing New Zealand’s international trade links is a key part of National’s plan to build a stronger economy and create more jobs with higher incomes.

National has made substantial progress in improving New Zealand’s access to other countries’ markets, and we aim to build on that progress.

For more information, click here.

Government targets loan sharks

Preying on vulnerable people by loan sharks has to stop, and the National Government is doing something about it. The Government plans to overhaul consumer credit laws to protect unwary consumers from being preyed on by unscrupulous credit companies.

There has been significant and much-needed reform of the investment side of the financial sector over the past three years. However, credit providers remain largely unregulated and have no conduct requirements, leading some to exploit vulnerable people, resulting in severe financial hardship and spiralling debt.

Cabinet has approved a package of changes that was shaped by the Government’s Financial Summit, held in August, which brought together 250 people from community groups, budgeting services, NGOs, banks, financial regulators, and credit companies to look at ways of tackling irresponsible lending.

These changes represent a multi-pronged approach towards promoting responsible lending by increasing consumer protections, requiring lenders to give borrowers more information, and beefing up the powers of enforcement agencies.

Because this is a complex area, the Government intends to release draft legislation for consultation on the proposed changes in advance of introducing final legislation to Parliament.

For more information, click here.

National committed to protecting communities

National is building a safer New Zealander. Since coming to office in 2008 we’ve embarked on a comprehensive programme of reform to protect communities, prevent crime, and put victims first.

We’ve strengthened sentencing, parole and bail. We’ve cracked down on gangs and P, and put more Police on the beat. National is putting victims first and giving them the support and services they need.

If re-elected National will stay tough on criminals, we will screen parole applications to reduce unnecessary hearings, increase penalties for child pornography, and introduce civil detention order for the most high-risk offenders who are at imminent risk of serious sexual or violent re-offending.

For more information, click here.

Strengthening our health workforce

National will keep increasing the number of elective operations, reduce waiting times, and deliver faster, more convenient healthcare for all New Zealanders.

Under National, 500 extra people a week are getting important elective surgery including hip and knee replacements, and cataract, tonsil, and gall-bladder removals.

We will reduce the waiting time for elective surgery from six to four months by the end of 2014. National will also make sure an extra 4000 people a year get the elective surgery they need.

We'll work to make sure emergency patients, those waiting for important tests, and cancer patients have much shorter waiting times. All cancer patients ready for radiation treatment currently get it within the world gold standard time of four weeks, and we will expand that to include chemotherapy patients.

For more information, click here.

Shorter clinical waiting times and more medical professionals

National will further strengthen our health workforce to deliver New Zealanders the responsive and robust service they deserve.

In the past three years, an extra 800 doctors and 2000 nurses have been employed in our District Health Boards.

We will expand our successful Voluntary Bonding Scheme for health graduates to include medical radiation therapists, medical physicists, and other hard-to-staff areas as needed.

National will also expand rural training initiatives such as the Rural Immersion Scheme, to better support rural GPs and the rural health workforce.

National will work with clinicians to further reduce waiting times for important diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, angiograms and colonoscopies.

For more information, click here.

Building a stronger primary sector

The primary sector is the backbone of our economy. National is proud to champion our farmers and growers. We’re delivering the solutions needed for an innovative, prosperous, and competitive rural sector, and we’re working hard to improve its performance.

We will establish the Crown Water Investment Company and provide up to $400 million from the Future Investment Fund to make equity investments in well-designed irrigation projects that help increase productivity, grow our rural economy, and create jobs.

We have already received proposals for our $35 million Irrigation Acceleration Fund to support the development of irrigation proposals to the ‘investment-ready’ prospectus stage.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research suggests this could boost exports $1.4 billion a year by 2018.

We are also reducing ACC levies for our rural businesses – including a 21.3% reduction for dairy farming and 13.8% reduction for sheep and beef farming in April 2012.

For more information, click here.

Protecting our environment and responding to climate change

Our environment is a valuable resource that must be protected. It’s a big part of our quality of life and central to our international reputation, primary sector, growing tourism market, and wider economy.

National believes sensible management of our resources can go hand-in-hand with faster economic growth and job creation. A stronger economy can better provide the means to restore, maintain, and enhance our environment.

We will introduce new environmental reporting systems, pass legislation to protect our Exclusive Economic Zone, and clean up nationally-significant lakes and rivers.

We will also continue to make sure New Zealand does its fair share on climate change with policies that carefully balance the costs to households and businesses with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

That's why we intend to slow the phasing in of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) - as recommended by the Review Panel - from 2013 to 2015, at which point we will look to align our scheme with that in Australia.

For more information, click here.

New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup

Rugby World Cup 2011 has been a phenomenal event with the final outcome that every Kiwi was hoping for. The Cup is ours again, after 24 long years.

There have been celebrations up and down the country, and there will be more to come over the following months.

The success of our handling of this major tournament has demonstrated that New Zealand is a very capable host for large-scale international events. More than 5,000 volunteers around the country put their hand up to help out.

The tournament has also done wonders for lifting our international profile as a tourism and business destination. To this end the Government was proud to fund the REAL New Zealand Festival, Sector Showcase, and Business Club to support this.

The Reserve Bank has estimated an economic gain to New Zealand of $700 million, so we will continue to see benefits from the tournament.

More information, click here.

Service Academies getting results for students

An Education Review Office evaluation shows improved participation, behaviour, and academic achievement for students enrolled at Service Academies.

The military-focused academies offer courses such as leadership and outdoor education while students work towards achieving at least NCEA Level 1 literacy and numeracy. Students are motivated to learn new skills and earn qualifications, giving them a real chance to succeed. Many of the young people involved are Maori and Pasifika and come from low-decile schools.

Service Academies are part of National’s wider Youth Guarantee initiative. By the end of 2012 there will be places for 10,000 16- and 17-year-olds who are at risk of dropping out of education.

More information, click here.

National makes the public safer with stronger bail laws

New Zealanders have a right to feel safe in their homes and their communities. That’s why National is staying strong on crime and making bail laws stronger.

Strengthening bail laws fulfils National’s 2008 election promise to review aspects of the bail system. It builds on the work we achieved in our first 100 days in office to reverse Labour’s decision to make it easier for defendants to get bail.

Changes will be included in the Bail Amendment Bill which will be introduced to Parliament next year. These changes will reverse the burden of proof to target defendants arrested for the worst crimes and those at the highest risk of offending while on bail.

These changes will get the balance right between public safety and a defendant’s right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

More information. click here.

Free after-hours doctor visits for under-sixes

The Government is extending free doctor visits for children under six to include after-hours visits.

After-hours fees for under-sixes average about $17 but can be nearly $100. District Health Boards will work with local GP networks and after-hours clinics to roll out the scheme.

Currently 87 per cent of under-sixes, including 95 per cent of low-income household children, receive free doctor visits during the day.

As with the daytime free under-sixes scheme, there may be some clinics which do not take part. DHBs will ensure there are alternatives available within a reasonable distance. Parents shouldn't be put off taking young children to the doctor because of the cost.

The scheme will cost $7 million a year which will come from existing budgets. National’s excellent management of the health budget has led to improvements in health care.

More information, click here.

Government on track for surplus

Treasury this week released the Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU). It forecasts average annual growth of about 3 per cent between 2012 and 2016, more than 150,000 new jobs over the forecast period and strong growth in wages and household incomes. This reaffirms National’s commitment to building a stronger economy based on more exports, and delivering more real jobs.

National is committed to balancing the books sooner. The Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update shows we are on track for a return to surplus in 2014/15 with our economy continuing to pick up pace. The economy has now grown in eight of the past nine quarters and growth in the first half of this year has been stronger than forecast in Budget 2011 in May. Getting back to surplus as soon as possible is one of the most important things the Government can do to lift national savings and rebalance the economy towards our productive sectors.

This year's PREFU is in stark contrast to that delivered three years ago, which revealed a decade of deficits and sharply rising debt. The Government has worked hard to turn those forecasts around, while managing the many challenges we have faced along the way.

It's crucial we stick to our programme of responsible financial management and policies that build a more competitive economy if we are to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

More information, click here.

Update on Rena

The Government, Maritime New Zealand, and experts and volunteers are continuing in their efforts to get oil off the Rena and reduce the environmental impact of this disaster.

Some oil has been successfully taken off the Rena and experts are continuing in their efforts to pump oil off the ship.

Protecting the environment is at the forefront of the Government’s response. We’ve got to get as much of the oil safely off the ship and restore the affected beaches, estuaries, and rocky shorelines.

Further down the track the issue of compensation and who pays for this disaster will be decided. The Prime Minister has made it clear that the owners of Rena will be expected to pay up and contribute to the clean-up efforts.

The Government is also looking at a temporary compensation package for those affected by the situation such as local businesses.

Currently two investigations are looking at why the grounding happened so it can be avoided in the future and also looking at whether further prosecutions for any wrongdoing are necessary.

The National-led Government is doing all we can to try and reduce the harm of this disaster. We’ll continue to put every available resource into the clean-up and recovery efforts.

More information, click here.

New strategy to open doors to India

National has launched the NZ Inc India Strategy, which sets ambitious goals and clear direction over five years towards realising the potential of our relationship with India.

India has emerged as a major Asian power, and its growth rate is second only to China’s among the world’s major economies. Two-way trade between New Zealand and India is worth more than $1.2 billion a year. India has also become our third-largest source of international students, and our 10th largest source of visitors.

Only by lifting our economic performance can we create jobs, and boost incomes for our hard working Kiwi families.

This is the first of many NZ Inc country and regional strategies, which will bring government agencies together to work collectively. We are developing, strategies on China, the US, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the European Union.

More information, click here.

Drug Court pilot announced

A Drug Court pilot will be established in Auckland to deal with offenders with severe alcohol and drug dependencies.

This is in response to the Law Commission’s recommendation in their review of the Misuse of Drugs Act that a Drug Court pilot be set up, subject to a full analysis of the likely cost-effectiveness and availability of funding.

Funded by National’s $10 million investment package for drug and alcohol treatment, the pilot will run for five years. It will use a pre-sentence model by way of adjournment and deferral of sentencing. It will deal with approximately 100 offenders a year.

This delivers on priorities in the Drivers of Crime strategy which includes reducing alcohol-related harm and improving the availability and accessibility of alcohol and drug treatment services.

For more information, click here.

National invests additional $10 million for alcohol and drug treatment

National is committed to reducing harm from alcohol and drug abuse. That’s why we’re investing a further $10 million into alcohol and drug treatment.

This investment will be funded from alcohol excise revenue and will be in addition to the $120 million which is already spent on alcohol and drug treatment services each year.

Our additional investment goes hand in hand with the Government’s work to reduce alcohol-related harm through the Alcohol Reform Bill and the Drivers of Crime strategy.

The package will pay for increased use of alcohol screening, alcohol and drug services for youth, programmes for drink-drivers aimed at reducing repeat drink driving, community-based treatment and training and workforce development for frontline workers.

More information, click here.

KiwiSaver auto-enrolment to go ahead

National will go ahead with KiwiSaver auto-enrolment in 2014/15 subject to returning to surplus. This is another step in National’s programme to build genuine national savings.

Our focus remains on returning to surplus and starting to repay debt which is part of our plan to build long-term economic growth to create jobs, lift incomes, and raise living standards to help all New Zealanders get ahead.
As signalled in Budget 2011, we believe there is merit in a one-off KiwiSaver auto-enrolment exercise, where people in the workforce not already in the scheme would be signed up with the ability to opt out.
With about 1.8 million members, KiwiSaver funds are expected to rise rapidly – from about $8 billion this year to $25 billion by 2015 and almost $60 billion in 10 years. Auto-enrolment will accelerate that growth.

More information, click here.

Bowel screening pilot launched

The National-led Government has launched a $24 million, four year bowel screening pilot at Waitemata DHB in Auckland. Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in New Zealand. If detected and treated early, there is a very good chance of survival.

The $24 million pilot will provide vital information to help determine whether a bowel screening programme should be rolled out across the country.

In the first phase, 500 people from two GP practices will be randomly selected and invited to take part. They will be posted a simple test kit to complete at home and send back. People will be offered a colonoscopy if their test result shows they need further investigation.

Once the pilot is in full swing, about 1300 invitations and test kits will be sent out every week. The pilot will be strictly monitored and independently evaluated.

More information, click here

Earthquake levy rise realistically reflects costs

This National-led Government is committed to rebuilding Christchurch and supporting the people of Canterbury.

The Earthquake Commission levy is being increased to ensure EQC can meet its long-term costs and continue to provide disaster cover around New Zealand.

The levy will rise from February next year, to help rebuild the EQC’s Natural Disaster Fund and to more realistically reflect EQC’s operating costs.

This will add about $2.65 a week to most homeowner’s insurance bill.

Raising the levy for those who benefit from earthquake insurance cover is the fairest way to ensure EQC can meet its long-term costs.

More information, click here

More social workers in schools and on the frontline

The number of social workers in low-decile schools and on the frontline has been increased by the National-led Government.

The Social Workers in Schools programme, which covers 285 schools, will be expanded to all decile 1-3 schools. The total number of schools with social work support will increase to 673.

There will also be an increase of 10 per cent in the number of frontline care and protection social workers. This is an additional 96 social workers to support at-risk kids and help give them the protection and security they deserve.

Focusing on vulnerable children is an absolute priority for National. This investment in more social workers will provide more specialist support to help tackle child abuse and neglect.

More information, click here

Update on Rena

A container ship grounded on the Astrolabe reef, east of Tauranga, on Wednesday 5 October. It was carrying 1360 containers and had 1700 tonnes of heavy diesel oil on board.

The Government is doing everything it can to reduce the environmental impact of this situation.

So far about 350 tonnes of oil has leaked into the sea, some of which has reached Tauranga's beaches. Some containers have fallen overboard and there are large cracks in the ship which could cause it to sink.

Maritime New Zealand is leading a massive clean-up with around 500 people on the beach. There are six vessels patrolling the harbour picking up debris and there are two vessels preparing to use booms offshore should this be possible.

Three salvage experts were winched down to the Rena today. The barge Awanuia is putting new mooring arrangements in place to allow for the safer transfer of oil.
The salvage company Svitzer is responsible for collecting the containers in the water. The Police and Fire Service are helping recovering containers that have reached the shoreline. The oily waste is being collected by two approved waste companies.

The Government is putting every available resource into the clean-up and recovery efforts, and this will continue.

More information, click here

ACC levies cut for workers and businesses

National has announced ACC levy reductions of more than half a billion dollars a year for workers and businesses.

This is because of the huge improvements in ACC's finances from deficits of $7.2 billion under Labour to surpluses $6 billion under National.

The levy reductions will save households $340 million a year, and save businesses $247 million. For someone on the average wage that's a saving of $170 a year. This is money that will go back into the pockets of hard working New Zealanders, helping our economic recovery.

This is another example of National delivering better value for taxpayers and improving public service performance.

More information, click here

New Social Housing Unit to support third sector

A new Social Housing Unit will work with the third sector to grow the amount of niche, social, and affordable housing in New Zealand.

The third sector is non-governmental organisations that provide social housing, such as Habitat for Humanity. The unit will provide these groups with funding, land, or excess state housing stock. Some third-sector organisations have delivered up to $3 worth of housing for every government dollar invested.

We have allocated $40 million to grow social housing this year, and the unit will determine how it is spent. Moving responsibility for third sector funding out of Housing New Zealand means it can focus on providing housing for those most in need, for the duration of that need.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36243

Government increases funding to restorative justice

The National-led Government is increasing funding for adult restorative justice by $2 million over the next three years.

Restorative justice helps address the harm done to victims, holds offenders to account, and reduces re-offending. Increasingly evidence here and overseas highlights the positive benefits of restorative justice for both victims and offenders.

Offenders who plead guilty are eligible for restorative justice, but only about 5 per cent of them can participate in restorative justice conferences. The reprioritised funding will help increase the number of conferences, particularly in areas with high Maori populations and high offending.

Increasing restorative justice supports National’s commitment to addressing drivers of crime.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36254

Eight new ECE services to be built

The National-led Government is investing $9.5 million to build eight new early childhood education (ECE) services in South and East Auckland.

The services will create 440 new places for children in communities where ECE participation is lowest, and where some of our most vulnerable families live. These follow the 1198 new ECE places already created for children in Counties-Manukau under National.

The new centres in Māngere, Manurewa, Otara, and Glen Innes are part of the Government’s $91.8 million participation programme that will create 3500 extra ECE places for children from Māori, Pasifika, and lower socio-economic families. Most of the new building projects will be completed by late 2012.

ECE is a priority for National. Budget 2011 allocated $1.4 billion for ECE this year, with an extra $550 million available over four years.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36260

Negotiations for a new convention centre to boost growth

The Government is negotiating with SkyCity to build a large international convention centre in central Auckland.

The New Zealand International Convention Centre will be a major boost to our economy. It will attract some 33,000 convention delegates, create around 800 new jobs, and pump $90 million in international visitor spending into the economy each year.

Under the proposal, SkyCity will pay the estimated $350 million to build the 3500-seat centre. SkyCity has asked the Government to consider some alterations to gambling regulations and legislation. There will be no discussion on reducing the age of entry to casinos, allowing SkyCity an internet gambling licence or additional casino licences.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36233

Wages rising faster than inflation

After-tax wages are continuing to rise faster than prices, helping New Zealand families get ahead.

The Government appreciates that things remain challenging for many families. But the real after-tax average wage increased 2.5 per cent in the past year, after taking into account all consumer price increases including food prices and the one-off rise in GST last October.

And since September 2008 real after-tax average wages have gone up 10 per cent. This compares with just 4 per cent over the previous nine years.

National is committed to helping New Zealanders get ahead and enjoy higher incomes and lower interest rates.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36242

Better protecting our oceans

New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is an important part of our environment and needs protecting. That's why we're introducing new laws to manage the environmental effects of offshore activities such as petroleum exploration and mining.

This area of ocean, 20 times bigger than New Zealand's land area, offers significant economic opportunities. But robust laws must be in place to protect the environment.

National will introduce new legislation to make the Environmental Protection Authority responsible for monitoring activities and enforcement. All consents will require public consultation and an environmental impact assessment. Most of all the new law will put responsibility on consent holders to avoid, or remedy, adverse environmental effects of any activity in the EEZ and the Extended Continental Shelf.

This is part of National’s plan to grow the economy while protecting the environment.

For more information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36166

SuperGold discount extended to Australia

New Zealand SuperGold Card holders and Australian Seniors Card holders are now able to use their commercial discounts in both countries thanks to a reciprocal agreement.

Around 100,000 New Zealand seniors head to Australia each year, and 70,000 Australian seniors come here. This initiative will help their tourist dollars go further in both countries.

Discounts offered by the scheme will be met by the businesses involved, and they must opt-in to the agreement. The agreement does not include initiatives funded by the Government, such as the free off-peak travel subsidy in New Zealand. The Ministry of Social Development will be encouraging businesses to enter the scheme over the next few months.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36168

Fewer people reliant on welfare

Benefit figures for May show the number of people on welfare fell by 2295. More than 9000 beneficiaries found work, including around 3000 young people. The number of people on the Unemployment Benefit also fell by 3000.

Our Future Focus changes, which were part of National's 2008 election policy, are delivering positive results. Our requirement that someone on an Unemployment Benefit must reapply after one year has seen more than 5000 people cancel their benefit.

We’ve also seen more than 1000 people leave the Domestic Purposes Benefit to go into work within a month of getting intensive support from Work and Income.

However, as was clear from the Welfare Working Group's report, we’ve got to do more to tackle long-term welfare dependency. The special ministerial welfare group is leading further work on this, which will be announced later this year.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=36208

Path to surplus and job growth

The National-led Government is doing everything it can to give businesses the confidence to invest, grow, and create new jobs. This includes mapping a faster path back to Budget surplus, investing heavily in infrastructure, and getting better results from the public sector.

The latest forecasts from the Reserve Bank suggest the pace of growth is picking up. The central bank is predicting 4.6 per cent growth in the year to March 2013, somewhat higher than Treasury’s 4 per cent forecast in the Budget.

The bank also has a strong outlook for job growth, forecasting an additional 180,000 people employed by March 2014.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36028

Encouraging savings and investment to build a stronger economy

The mixed-ownership model that National is proposing for five companies will help reduce government debt, increase investment opportunities for Kiwi mum and dad investors, and improve the companies' financial performance.

Over the three to five years from 2012, we plan to extend the mixed-ownership model to four state-owned energy companies, and reduce the government’s shareholding in Air New Zealand while keeping majority control.

We'll be putting New Zealanders at the front of the queue, and we're confident there will be strong local take up. We'd rather pay dividends to Kiwis than interest to foreigners.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36031

Container cell block proves to be safe, cost effective, and efficient

National is working to make prisons more effective. Rimutaka Prison’s first container cell block has exceeded expectations proving to be safe, cost effective, and efficient. The unit, along with expanded use of double-bunking has averted the prison capacity crisis.

Made of recycled shipping containers, the unit was constructed much quicker and 30 per cent cheaper than comparable, traditionally built units.

In its first year of operation, the number of incidents within container units has been significantly lower than in comparable units. This reflects the secure design of the unit and good management and vigilance of Corrections staff.

National’s commitment to improve prisons, enhance safety, and get value for money is proving effective.

For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/container-cell-block-exceeds-expectations

Cancer patients seen faster

The National-led Government’s Health Targets are producing great results. 99 per cent of patients ready for cancer radiation treatment are starting that treatment within the world gold standard of four weeks. 100 per cent of cancer patients now getting radiation treatment within 6 weeks.

Our other Health Targets are also proving successful. 89 per cent of emergency department patients are admitted, discharged or treated within 6 hours, 89 per cent of two year olds have been immunised, and there have been huge increases in elective surgery.

National is committed to providing better, sooner, more convenient health care to all New Zealanders. There are now 400 more people every week getting elective surgery compared to when we took office. We’re working with District Health Boards to continue to help more people and to help them faster.

For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/q3-health-targets-cancer-patients-seen-faster

Canterbury water now has a resource plan

The completion of the Canterbury Natural Resources Regional Plan is a major step forward for Canterbury.

The lack of a plan over the past 20 years saw important resource decisions being made in a vacuum. The lack of progress was a major reason for the Government’s intervention in Environment Canterbury in 2010. And now, one year after Commissioners were appointed, Canterbury has a natural resources plan.

The plan covers policy and rules on water quality, quantity, the beds and margins of lakes and rivers, wetlands, groundwater and soil conservation.

It is more important than ever in the wake of Canterbury’s devastating earthquakes that we have this plan in place. It will help in Canterbury’s economic recovery by giving greater certainty over the rules for sustainably developing the region’s natural resources. The plan will be operative from 11 June.

For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-welcomes-canterbury-resources-plan

Rolling out faster broadband

The final two deals to deliver ultra-fast broadband to New Zealanders were signed this week. Deals with Telecom partner Chorus and Canterbury's Enable Networks complement those signed last year with Northpower and WEL Networks.

The nationwide network will deliver broadband speeds of 100 Mbps and higher to 75 per cent of Kiwis where they live, work, and study by 2019.

Vastly improved broadband speeds is a key part of National's plan to build a stronger economy, lift wages, and provide world-class health and education services. The Government’s $1.5 billion investment will be at least matched by its commercial partners, bringing Kiwis the best network at minimal costs to taxpayers.

National’s plans for faster broadband will see New Zealand leapfrog its competitors to become one of the world’s most connected countries.

For more information: http://www.national.org.nz/broadband.aspx

Budget 2011: Student loans – better value for taxpayers

National believes in encouraging personal responsibility and getting better value for taxpayer money. To deliver on this and make the interest-free student loan scheme more sustainable, we will limit lending for borrowers who are less likely to repay their loans, while also ensuring that all borrowers who have repayment obligations are meeting them.

The student loan scheme still remains one of the most generous in the world, offering interest-free loans for all borrowers who remain in New Zealand. We need to ensure that borrowers understand that when they choose to access the loan scheme, they are choosing to take on all the responsibilities that come with it.

The changes in budget 2011 will free up $276.6 million operating spending,and $170 million capital over five years. In 2011/12 the Government will still lend about $1.58 billion in student loans. These changes are responsible and balanced.

For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Student_loans-keeping_loans_interest_free.pdf

Budget 2011: Changes to better target Working for Families

Budget 2011 will see Working for Families remain a large and generous scheme, but its cost has almost doubled from about $1.5 billion in 2005/06, to about $2.8 billion this year. That is unsustainable.
Better targeting to lower income earners will ensure it remain sustainable into the future, and save $448 million over four years. About 280,000 families will receive an increase.
The changes are expected to take place in four steps between 1 April 2012 and 1 April 2018.
For information on these changes visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Working_for_Families-targeting_families_in_need.pdf

Budget 2011: Kiwi Saver, increasing private savings

Changes to KiwiSaver in Budget 2011 will encourage a higher level of private savings from individuals and employers, and reduce the call on borrowed government money for contributions.
This will make the scheme more financially sustainable for the future and free up $2.6 billion over four years. KiwiSaver funds are expected to reach almost $60 billion in 10 years, and the initial $1000 Kick-Start payment will remain unchanged.
For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Kiwisaver-Increasing_private_savings.pdf

Budget 2011: Extending the mixed ownership model

We will extend the mixed ownership model to four state-owned energy companies, and reduce the Government’s majority stake in Air New Zealand, while retaining majority Government ownership. This will put Kiwi investors at the front of the queue for shares.
National believes there is significant merit in extending the mixed ownership model to help reduce Government debt, increase investment opportunities for investors, and improve the companies’ financial performance.
For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Mixed_ownership-more_savings_opportunities.pdf

Budget 2011: Rebuilding Canterbury

The National-led Government has established the $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund to provide certainty for the rebuild. We are also creating an earthquake Kiwi Bond, which will generate funds to help meet the Government’s share of rebuilding Christchurch.
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) will receive $25 million over two years to support the rebuild, and the welfare of residents.
To meet future needs, construction-related training will have 1500 extra places worth $42 million, taking the total to 4,500 places. Budget 2011 also allocates $10 million for social service agencies and counselling support.

Over the next five years CERA will work as a stand-alone government department to provide an effective, timely, and coordinated recovery effort following the two devastating earthquakes in Canterbury. This new authority is an important step towards restoring the social, economic, cultural, and environmental well-being of Canterbury.
CERA will worth with local Councils, businesses, non-government organisations, and Cantabrians to get Canterbury back on its feet.

For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Rebuilding_Canterbury.pdf

Budget 2011 Justice: Building a safer New Zealand

The justice sector will receive $157 million more over two years to build safer communities, boost access to justice, and increase public safety.
This includes $34.1 million in 2010/11 and $69.4 million in 2011/12, to address funding shortfalls in legal aid, and an extra $4 million in 2011/12 for Community Law Centres.

The Serious Fraud Office will receive $8.3 million over two years, to continue the fight against white collar crime.
Budget 2011 will also support the increased demand and associated costs for Crown prosecutions, with $22.5 million over two years, and a capital injection of $3.2 million.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_a_safer_New_Zealand.pdf

Budget 2011: Supporting vital infrastructure

Vital infrastructure will receive $1.6 billion more in Budget 2011. Capital spending is targeted at broadband, rail, and schools. This is alongside investments in the highway network and the national electricity grid.
We’re investing $942 million to complete the Government’s funding commitment in ultra-fast broadband, and $28 million to connect fibre to schools. In education we’re allocating $109 million towards leaky building remediation, and advancing a public-private partnership for two schools at Hobsonville.

KiwiRail will receive $250 million more to help fund its 10-year Turn Around Plan, and Wellington's Metro Rail will receive $88 million.

Well targeted infrastructure investment helps lift productivity, which over time means better wages and higher living standards for New Zealand families.

For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_infrastructure_for_growth.pdf

Budget 2011 Education: Building skills and knowledge

Education spending has been boosted to a record $12.2 billion in 2011/12, with an extra $1.4 billion over four years. The National-led Government has now invested $4.4 billion more in education since 2009.

Early childhood education gets an increase of $550 million over four years, and will focus on helping increase participation rates for Maori, Pacific, and low income families.
Primary schools will continue to receive support as National Standards identify children who are struggling, and provide parents with plain-language reports on their child’s progress.
There is also $66.5 million to increase the number of Trades Academies and Service Academies, to keep more 16- and 17-year-olds engaged in education and training as part of the wider Youth Guarantee. And at university level, we’re funding nearly 3000 extra places over the next two years.

National is committed to help lift student achievement. Budget 2011 delivers on this commitment, and will help our children get the best possible start in life.

For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_skills_and_knowledge.pdf

Budget 2011 Health: Building better healthcare

Budget 2011 delivers record funding for health. We're investing an extra $2.2 billion in public health services over the next four years, including an additional $585 million in initiatives in 2011/12.

We are building on our record increase of 4,000 extra operations a year, by providing $68 million for even more elective surgery. We’re putting $54.5 million towards maternity initiatives to improve safety and quality, including 54,000 extra WellChild visits with a focus on first time mums. An extra $44 million over four years will go towards caring for people with dementia.
We are also investing $18 million in 40 extra medical training places, delivering on our promise to boost training places. And, we're spending $20 million this year for more medicines. That’s $180 million over National's three years in office.

National is working hard to improve frontline health services. We're committed to a protecting and growing our public health service.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_better_healthcare.pdf

Budget builds a growth platform and faster path to surplus

Budget 2011 sets a credible path back to surplus by 2014/15, a year earlier than projected.
We are redirecting $5.2 billion of existing spending to priority public services, and reducing deficits - saving $1.2 billion in operating spending out to 2014/15.
Forecasts show the economy growing by 4 per cent in 2012, and over 170,000 new jobs being created by 2015. We are firmly on a path of creating new jobs, achieving faster growth, and posting consistent budget surpluses.
This will help keep interest rates low, free up resources for the competitive parts of our economy, and improve living standards for all New Zealanders.
For more information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/budget-frees-52b-higher-priorities

Budget 2011 Overview: Building our future

Budget 2011 sets out the next steps of the Government’s programme to build faster growth, increase national savings, and create sustainable jobs built on savings, exports and productive investment.

It also sets up a $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund to help rebuild Christchurch after the two devastating earthquakes.
We have continued to protect the most vulnerable New Zealanders through extensive programmes such as Working for Families, New Zealand Superannuation, and welfare benefits, as well as investing significantly more in health and education.
This is a responsible and balanced Budget for the times. It takes steps to ensure the Government returns to Budget surplus by 2014/15. We can then start repaying debt and contributing to higher national savings, so that New Zealanders have the jobs and higher incomes they deserve.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Budget2011-at_a_glance.pdf

Next Steps in Road Safety

National’s Safer Journeys Action Plan 2011-12 adds to road safety improvements we’ve already made and will help reduce New Zealand’s road toll.

While a lot of progress has been made on road safety in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. Our action plan includes looking at maximum time limits for learner and restricted licences, strengthening motorcycle licence testing, and making high risk roads safer.

This builds on new laws to improve the safety of young and high-risk drivers. We’ve increased the driving age from 15 to 16, made restricted licence tests tougher, introduced a zero drink drive limit for young drivers and repeat drink-drive offenders, and doubled the maximum sentence for drivers who cause death.

The action plan continues the ‘Safe System’ approach set out in National’s Safer Journeys strategy, released last year. Safer Journeys is an important part of National’s work to build a safer New Zealand.

Canterbury Trades Training Boost

Budget 2011 will provide up to $42 million for trades training for Canterbury, to ensure that Cantabrians can build their skills and contribute to the rebuild of their city.
This investment will fund up to 1500 extra training places as part of a cross-agency response to meet labour demands for the reconstruction programme called ‘Skills for Canterbury’.
The ‘Skills for Canterbury’ package also includes up to 3000 more places in polytechs for construction-related training from existing funding, accelerated training programmes at polytechnics, and further funding and measures to help place more people into the construction industry.
Polytechnics and ITOs have places available now and the Government encourages people who want to be involved with the rebuild of Christchurch to contact their local provider.

A responsible and affordable Budget

Budget 2011 will be responsible and measured, build a platform for faster growth and more jobs, and ensure expensive programmes such as KiwiSaver, Working For Families, and interest-free student loans are affordable into the future.

These programmes now cost almost $5 billion a year. They were introduced during a debt and consumption-driven economic bubble, and it is clear that they are unaffordable.

The mix of contributions to KiwiSaver accounts will change, with less coming from borrowed government money and more coming from both individuals and employers. The $1000 kick-start for new KiwiSaver members will stay.

Increased contributions from people and businesses will happen at a time when the economy will have well and truly recovered, and both wages and employment will be increasing.

Working For Families will be better targeted at lower-income families, who have a much greater need for assistance, and a little less generous to families higher up the Working for Families scale. We will do this gradually, in a way that minimises the impact on families. The Student Loan Scheme will be adjusted but will remain interest-free.

Fresh Start for Fresh Water

Water is New Zealand’s most valuable natural resource. It is our greatest competitive advantage when it comes to our primary and tourism industries.

National has announced a Fresh Water Package that includes a National Policy Statement on Fresh Water Management that will require councils to set clear limits on water quality and minimum flows. To support councils and communities in water clean-ups we’ve created a $15 million contestable Clean Up Fund, taking our total clean up commitment to $265 million.

It also includes an Irrigation Acceleration Fund of $35 million over five years to help get irrigation projects underway. Looking forward, we will consider investing up to $400 million of equity in the construction of regional-scale irrigation schemes.

Our Fresh Water Package strikes a balance that will support a growing economy, while better caring for our rivers, lakes and aquifers.

Focusing on how we value, nurture, and protect our children

The Government will start a national discussion on how best to protect vulnerable and at-risk children by releasing a Green Paper in August this year.

The Green Paper will focus on infants to 18-year-olds, with a special focus on under-fives. Particular issues will include information sharing, tracking at-risk children, mandatory reporting of child abuse, and the “whānau first” policy.

A six-month public consultation period will follow the release. All New Zealanders will have the chance to discuss and respond to the issues and solutions raised.

The Green Paper will then form the basis of a formal policy document, including a Children’s Action Plan, to be released in August next year.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/green-paper-puts-priority-children

Rural Broadband Initiative underway

The Government has completed negotiations for our Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI), which will deliver vastly improved broadband speeds and mobile phone services to rural New Zealand.

About half of rural homes cope with dial-up, and just 20 per cent have broadband. The Government’s initiative, (in partnership with Telecom and Vodafone), will see that jump to 86 per cent. It will also deliver ultra-fast broadband to 95 per cent of rural schools, meaning 97 per cent of all New Zealand schools will have access to speeds of at least 100 Mbps.

The new rural network will be achieved through the extension of Telecom’s existing fibre network and Vodafone building new cell phone towers and upgrading technology on existing infrastructure.

Competitors will be able to access rural broadband infrastructure and offer competitive prices to rural broadband customers.

National is working hard to build a better-connected, digitally-enabled, productive and growing economy and the Rural Broadband Initiative will ensure our rural communities do not miss out on the promise of the digital age.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rural-broadband-initiative-underway

Immunisation week puts spotlight on children’s health

Immunisation week starts on 23 April, highlighting the importance of protecting children against diseases such as whooping cough, measles, and diphtheria.

More children under two are being immunised than ever before. Last year, a record 87 per cent of two-year-olds were immunised. Compared with 2008, 6000 extra two-year-olds now have protection from preventable diseases.

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of Maori children who are fully immunised at the age of two has jumped to 85 per cent, and 91 per cent of Pacific children are now being immunised.

Immunising children under two is free. National has highlighted immunisation as one of our six health targets, and we’re getting great results.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/health-targets-update

Putting victims at the centre of the justice system

The Government has announced reforms to give extra support to victims of crime. This is the result of public consultation since December 2009 on the document “A Focus on Victims of Crime: A Review of Victims’ Rights”.

A Victims Centre will be established within the Ministry of Justice to oversee victims’ services. The Centre will develop a new Victims Code to help victims understand their rights, the services available to them, and the complaints process.

Other changes include reforming Victim Impact Statements, changing the Victim Notification System, introducing new accountability requirements and complaints processes, and a wider use of restorative justice. A Victims of Crime Reform Bill will be introduced by mid-2011.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/enhancements-will-empower-victims-crime

Employment opportunities for thousands of young people

More than 10,000 young people have been given employment opportunities with National’s Job Opportunities Package. Māori and Pacific youth make up over one third of this number, with more than 3500 placed in Job Ops positions to date. Of the more than 4500 young people who have completed their Job Ops programme, around 90 per cent are not on a benefit. We know that more than 70 per cent of these young people are still working. Job Ops provides employers with a $5000 subsidy for employing an unskilled 16- to 24-year old. A real difference has been made in these young people's lives, helping them learn new skills and stay connected to the labour market. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/ten-thousand-young-people-job

Government tackles unaffordable legal aid costs

We can’t keep ignoring the significant cost pressures the legal aid system is facing. That’s why National is taking steps to get costs under control. The legal aid bill has grown 55 per cent in the last three years to $172 million in 2009/10. Left unchecked, the bill for legal aid services could blow out by $402 million over the next five years. We expect to reduce spending by $138 million over four years, starting in 2011/12. National remains committed to ensuring access to justice for those who need it. Changes to eligibility will not affect cases involving vulnerable parties, the care and protection of children or serious criminal matters. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/proposals-tackle-unaffordable-growth-legal-aid

Measures to further protect children introduced

The National-led Government is making changes to further protect children from assault, neglect, and ill-treatment. These changes will be made through the Crimes Amendment Bill (No 2) which was introduced to Parliament this week. Failure to protect a child or vulnerable adult from the risk of death, grievous bodily harm, or sexual assault will be a new offence under the bill. This will make sure household members who fail to tell authorities about abuse are held to account. The bill will also double the maximum penalty for cruelty to a child, and extend a legal duty on parents and caregivers to take reasonable steps to protect a child or vulnerable adult from injury. Children are among our most vulnerable members of society and they deserve special protection. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt-fast-tracks-moves-further-protect-children

$8.5 billion government bill to rebuild Christchurch

The Government expects to spend about $8.5 billion over the next four or five years to help rebuild Christchurch. The earthquakes do not fundamentally change our economic situation or the Government’s programme. They simply make the task of returning to surplus a little more difficult. Latest estimates put the direct cost to the Government at about $5.5 billion, which will be fully provided for in the Budget on 19 May. About $3 billion of this relates to our share of local government infrastructure, roads, insurance excesses on schools and hospitals, temporary housing, and land remediation agreed after the September quake, demolition costs in the CBD, ACC costs, and the business support package. The remaining $2.5 billion is expected costs of decisions we have yet to make – the biggest cost is likely to be remediation of land damage from the February quake. The direct cost to EQC of meeting residential property damage will be at least $3 billion, making a total direct cost to Government of about $8.5 billion. We need to get the rebuild underway quickly. This means borrowing more in the short term. The Budget will clearly set out the Government’s plan to return to surplus, so we can start paying off this debt. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt-spend-85b-rebuilding-christchurch

CERA legislation an important step

Rebuilding Christchurch after the devastating earthquakes on 4 September and 22 February is one of the Government’s main priorities. The Government will spend about $8.5 billion over the next few years to help rebuild Christchurch, and the job requires a centralised response. The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) will lead the recovery, which must be effective, timely, and coordinated. This week Parliament passed the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill, which gives powers to CERA and the responsible Minister. A parliamentary committee heard submissions in Christchurch from local organisations. Christchurch City Council and other stakeholders have been closely consulted, and are very supportive of the new structure. The Government will continue to support Canterbury over the coming weeks, months, and years. This legislation represents an important step towards restoring the social, economic, cultural, and environmental well-being of Canterbury. More information: http://www.cera.govt.nz/

Reforms improve legal aid

The Legal Services Act was passed earlier this week, paving the way for big improvements to New Zealand's legal aid system. The Act is part of the National-led Government’s response to Dame Margaret Bazley’s report on the legal aid system. The report identified system-wide failings and called for urgent action to restore trust and confidence in legal aid. The new Act provides for more efficient and cost-effective legal aid services. We will soon announce measures for better management of the Government’s spending on legal aid. These changes will focus on the long-term financial sustainability of the legal aid system. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/parliament-passes-legal-aid-reforms

New schools to be built under Public-Private Partnership

The Government will commission two new schools in Hobsonville, northwest Auckland, under a public-private partnership model. A new primary school is scheduled to open at the start of 2013, and a secondary school at the start of 2014. For each school the private sector partner will be responsible for financing, designing, building, and maintaining the property for 25 years. They will also carry the risk around time-consuming and expensive problems like leaky buildings. Schools and Boards of Trustees will be able to focus on teaching and learning, without the added responsibility of managing the property. Boards of Trustees will be in charge of governance and day-to-day running of the schools. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/hobsonville-schools-ppp-will-bring-wider-benefits

More doctors and nurses throughout New Zealand

The National-led Government has seen more than 1000 extra nurses and 500 extra doctors added to our health work force. Our voluntary bonding scheme has attracted 1400 medical, nurse, and midwifery graduates into specialities and locations where we need more of them. This year nurses who choose to work in mental health and aged care will have priority under the scheme. We are focusing on keeping our health professionals by offering more opportunities for clinical leadership and research. Vacancy rates in hospitals and nursing vacancies are at an all-time low, and hospital staff turnover has fallen dramatically. There are also more general practitioners working in primary care than at any other time. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/health-workforce-nz-seminar-speech-notes

Benefit numbers down

nThe number of New Zealanders on a benefit fell by 12,531, or 3.6 per cent, last month. This is on top of a drop of nearly 10,000 in February. Unemployment Benefit figures have fallen below 60,000 for the first time in 11 months. Encouragingly, the number of young people on the Unemployment Benefit has fallen by 4 per cent over the past year. This is higher than the overall decrease in the Unemployment Benefit. However, benefit numbers are expected to increase as a result of the 22 February earthquake. The Government’s Earthquake Support Package is currently supporting Cantabrians who have lost their jobs, so benefit numbers are not yet reflecting the earthquake. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/benefit-numbers-not-yet-reflecting-earthquake

Support for AMI policyholders

The Government is providing a back-up financial support package for AMI Insurance to give certainty to tens of thousands of policyholders, and to ensure an orderly rebuild of Christchurch in the aftermath of the two earthquakes. It was the Government’s judgment that a support package was necessary to give certainty to policyholders that their claims would be covered. This applies to all AMI policyholders – not just those in Christchurch where AMI has about 35 per cent of the residential insurance market. The support package would be a last resort if AMI’s own reserves have been exhausted. If the package is called on, the Government would invest up to $500 million of equity in AMI, with the right to take ownership and assume control of the company if it needs to. The alternative of doing nothing would potentially leave thousands of AMI policyholders without the insurance cover and financial resources needed to rebuild. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/back-financial-support-ami-policyholders

National encourages public submissions on bail system

The Government is calling for submissions on a discussion document which reviews parts of the bail system. We are committed to making the public safe. That’s why we reversed Labour’s 2007 changes which made it easier for people to get bail.

Other aspects of the bail system have been brought to our attention, including whether people charged with serious offences such as murder should be eligible for bail. The Government wants the public’s help to answer these questions. We’ll use public feedback to help develop bail policy that ensures the appropriate balance is struck in bail decisions.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/public-submissions-called-parts-bail-system

National looks to trim local body borrowing costs

A new local government funding agency is being established to reduce borrowing costs for councils. A bill to set the agency up is expected to be introduced to Parliament shortly.

The New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency was an idea that came from the Government's Jobs Summit two years ago. It will operate as a large-scale borrower that will then re-lend to councils. Councils borrowing through the new agency expect to pay lower interest rates than councils borrowing on their own.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-agency-trim-local-body-borrowing-costs

Offender levy exceeds expectations

The Government’s $50 offender levy has reached its first-year target of $2 million nearly five months earlier than expected.

National is committed to putting victims at the heart of the justice system. The offender levy, which was an election promise, funds eight additional entitlements and services for victims of serious crime. This includes help with costs to attend court proceedings, access to trained advisers, and support material.

Since July 2010, all convicted offenders must pay a $50 levy at the time of sentencing. National is addressing the impact of crime on victims. We can’t take away the pain of victims’ loss or injury, but we can help smooth the way.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/offender-levy-collection-rate-exceeds-expectations

Focus on reducing debt

The Canterbury earthquakes are likely to slightly delay the return to budget surplus, but it is important the Government gets debt back to pre-earthquake levels to absorb future economic shocks.

In tackling government debt, we had intended to get back to surplus in 2014/15. It now seems more likely that we will return to surplus in 2015/16. Meeting the Government’s share of the immediate earthquake costs will require a bit more debt in the short term, as well as taking a close look at our existing spending priorities.

In preparing for the Budget on 19 May we will make careful decisions about where we prioritise spending. Any changes will ensure that the Government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and maintaining public services continues.

We need to press on with our broader economic programme to reduce New Zealand’s vulnerability to foreign lenders, get the Government’s finances in order, and build faster growth based on higher national savings and exports.

Only a strong economy can provide financial security for families, real opportunity for young people, safer communities, and the high-quality education and health services that all New Zealanders need. That is the best way we can help the people of Christchurch.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/surplus-remains-sight-focus-reducing-debt

National Memorial Service to remember quake victims

A National Memorial service will be held on March 18 to give people the chance to reflect on the huge impact of the February 22 earthquake. There will be a provincial holiday in Canterbury so people can attend the service.

The service will be at Christchurch’s Hagley Park from 12.45 pm, with two minutes’ silence observed at 12.51 pm. It will be broadcast live nationwide. Prince William will be in attendance, as will Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott and Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

Royal Commission of Inquiry into earthquake

There will be a Royal Commission of Inquiry on the Canterbury Earthquake. It will examine issues around the built environment in the Christchurch CBD, including the CTV and PGC buildings. It will also look at the adequacy of building codes and standards into the future.

A technical investigation is already underway by the Department of Building and Housing into the performance of the Canterbury Television, PGC, Forsyth Barr, and Hotel Grand Chancellor buildings. The Royal Commission will take this investigation into account.

An interim report will be made in about six months, including any recommendations that may be relevant to the construction of new buildings in the CBD.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-announces-royal-commission-earthquake

Benefit numbers down in February

The number of New Zealanders on a benefit went down by nearly 10,000 during February, to 344,060. There were 3779 fewer on an Unemployment Benefit, half of whom were young people.

It’s a real positive that fewer people are on benefits. Our challenge now is dealing with the effects of the earthquake on unemployment, which are yet to filter through to benefit figures.

Work and Income offices continue to list around 1500 new jobs every week.

More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/benefit-numbers-decrease-february

Ministry merger will cut back-office bureaucracy

The Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will merge on 1 February 2012.

This will deliver better results by reducing back-office bureaucracy and lowering the cost of delivering government services.

Annual savings from the merger will be at least $10 million, with further savings expected over time through merging corporate administration processes and rationalising accommodation.

We are focused on policies and changes in the State sector that build a stronger economy, focus our resources, and get better results from the public service for New Zealanders.

More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/ministry-fisheries-merges-maf

Jerry Mateparae welcomed as new Governor-General

The Queen has approved the appointment of Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae to succeed Sir Anand Satyanand as Governor-General of New Zealand.

Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae is a highly regarded leader with a distinguished 38-year military career. He joined the New Zealand Army in 1972, and rose through the ranks, serving and commanding in a wide variety of roles.

Lieutenant General Mateparae will be New Zealand’s 20th Governor-General. He will bring great mana and a wide range of qualities to this role, including judgment, energy, and an enthusiasm for encouraging excellence in others.

More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-welcomes-jerry-mateparae-next-governor-general

Ongoing support for Christchurch

The Government’s initial Earthquake Support Package will help people get through the next few weeks while we consider medium-term solutions.

More than 6500 employers have taken up the Earthquake Support Subsidy, helping keep more than 37,000 staff in jobs. More than 3700 people have taken up the Job Loss Cover.

We’ve broadened the criteria for the support package to include large employers, and lengthened the payment period to six weeks. We recognise the widespread impact of the earthquake, and the work that needs to take place.

Civil Defence has paid more than $10 million in emergency payments to cover essentials such as food, clothing, petrol, and accommodation.

More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/support-package-provides-much-needed-assistance

Stronger economy will help Christchurch

Helping support and rebuild Christchurch is among the most important things the Government will do this year, and into the future.

Treasury has provided a preliminary assessment of the earthquake's economic impact, and it is clear it will affect our economy and the Government's books significantly, through both increased costs, and reduced tax revenue.

The Government will balance these costs through a combination of a bit more debt in the short term, and taking a close look at our existing spending priorities. We will work through these issues carefully as we prepare for the 19 May Budget.

The earthquake has made it more important to press ahead with National’s policies to build a faster growing economy based on savings, exports, and productive investment. Building a stronger national economy, more jobs, and higher incomes is the best way we can help the people of Christchurch.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/briefing-costs-earthquake-recovery

National Memorial Service to remember those affected

A national memorial service will be held on 18 March to allow people the chance to reflect on the huge impact of the 22 February earthquake. There will be a provincial holiday in Canterbury so people can attend the service if they wish. Legislation has been passed to make this possible.

The service will be at Christchurch’s Hagley Park from 12.45 pm, with two minutes silence observed at 12.51 pm. This is an opportunity for the people of Christchurch to mourn together, and celebrate the lives of those who have been lost.

Prince William will attend the memorial service and also visit the families of those killed in the Pike River coal mine tragedy.

More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/national-memorial-service-planned-christchurch

Canterbury earthquake – We will do what it takes

The 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch on Tuesday 22 February was one of New Zealand’s biggest disasters, and a great tragedy. Christchurch residents are dealing with the loss of family members and friends, the stress of ongoing aftershocks, and the reality of trying to live in an earthquake-ravaged city.

There are no words to express or spare the pain Cantabrians and New Zealanders are feeling. We are a small nation, and there are few of us who don’t have a connection of some kind to Christchurch. We share the grief Cantabrians are feeling, and all around New Zealand, people are reaching out to help in whatever way they can. The Prime Minister has promised the Government will do whatever it takes to get Christchurch back on its feet. Watch and read the PM’s speech here: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=35231

For the first time in our history, the Government has declared a Civil Defence national State of Emergency. This means we can make decisions very quickly about hospitals, roads, communications, and essential services such as water, power, and support for those directly affected by the earthquake.

Canterbury earthquake – How you can help

Many people want to know what they can do to support people in Christchurch. Cash donations are the best way to support people affected by the earthquake, as this is the quickest and easiest way to help organisations on the ground get exactly what they need.

If you would like to help, you could contact:
• Red Cross – www.redcross.org.nz
• The Salvation Army – www.salvationarmy.org.nz
• Rotary New Zealand World Community Service - www.rnzwcs.org

Many banks are also offering ways to help Canterbury, so contact yours to find out.

Businesses wanting to offer expertise, and people wanting to volunteer, are asked to please wait and not send staff and resources, or go to Christchurch themselves. When local authorities have a clear idea of what is needed and are in a position to manage goods and volunteers, they will advise publicly what is needed and where.

All other offers of earthquake assistance from the public – including offers of accommodation outside of Christchurch – should be redirected to earthquakehelp@msd.govt.nz

Canterbury earthquake – Civil Defence, Police, and armed forces supporting the search

Civil Defence is coordinating urban search and rescue operations, the treatment and care of injured or affected people, and national resources in support of the local response.

The focus has been the rescue of people alive and trapped in the rubble. Police, civil defence, emergency services, and military personnel will keep working until everyone in Christchurch is accounted for. More than 230 police from around New Zealand have been sent to Christchurch, and assistance has been gratefully accepted from Australia, Britain, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States.

More information: http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/

Canterbury earthquake – Supporting those in need

An event on this scale can test even the most resilient Cantabrians. The Government is saying don’t tough it out alone, because people are there to help.

The government has established welfare centres to provide trauma counselling, basic supplies, access to financial assistance, help with emergency accommodation, and referrals to medical facilities. Work and Income staff continue to make contact with elderly people living alone in Christchurch. More than 10,000 calls have been made. Some emergency help and home visits have been needed, but most people are coping well.

Civil Defence payments are available to those who need it. This assistance is designed to meet the immediate needs of people affected by the earthquake. Special Needs Grants and Recoverable Assistance Payments are also available to meet other urgent needs.

More information: http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/

Canterbury earthquake – Health services pull together

Our health services, both public and private, are pulling together to support Canterbury.

Some of Christchurch's most vulnerable residents are being moved to safer accommodation. In some cases that means moving out of the region.

Some hospital patients are being transferred to other hospitals around the country, and specialist staff are arriving from outside the region. Primary care is coping well, and private hospitals are providing x-ray and surgery to help out. There are also triage centres around the city to help take the pressure off, and ambulances and paramedics have arrived in Christchurch from different regions around New Zealand.

The teams in Christchurch are doing an incredible job. We are seeing New Zealand's health professionals at their best once again.

More information: http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/

Canterbury earthquake – Temporary accommodation for those who need it

Housing New Zealand will provide a temporary accommodation service to people displaced by the Canterbury earthquake. This is in addition to its normal business as part of the Civil Defence response.

Housing New Zealand is accepting nationwide offers of accommodation on behalf of the civil defence effort, and will work directly with the people of Canterbury to match them to the most appropriate accommodation available.

If you have accommodation you can offer, or you are looking for help with accommodation following the earthquake, please contact 0800 HELP (0800 435 700) or go to www.housinghelp.govt.nz.

Welfare Working Group Report – helping people into work

Almost one-in-ten working-age New Zealanders – or 354,000 people – are on a benefit. More disturbingly, over 140,000 people have spent ten of the past twenty years on welfare.

We set up the Welfare Working Group because New Zealand needs to do better – socially and financially. The working group’s final report includes 43 recommendations to address long-term benefit dependency. See the report here: http://ips.ac.nz/WelfareWorkingGroup/Index.html

National is committed to providing more support for beneficiaries to get back to work, increase their income, and gain better opportunities. We will carefully consider the report and form new policy. We won’t make changes to the benefit system without a lot of work, and we’ll be seeking public input throughout this process.

We will not cut main benefits. We are not interested in short-term, punitive measures. There are better ways to achieve long-term change.

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill update

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill update

This week the Select Committee report on the Marine and Coastal Area was tabled in Parliament.

The Government has responded to feedback asking for greater transparency. The bill will be amended so agreements negotiated with the Crown to recognise customary title must be passed into legislation. This ensures full public and Parliamentary scrutiny, and prevents any future government from closed-door negotiations on customary title.

The Marine and Coastal Area Bill will now go through full second, third, and Committee of the Whole House readings in Parliament.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/common-marine-and-coastal-area

Record funding for Early Childhood Education

National is committed to ensuring more children receive high-quality early childhood education. We are investing $1.4 billion in ECE – the most ever spent by any government.

In some parts of New Zealand, four out of ten children start school having never attended ECE. We recognise the need for improvement, so we are investing $91.8 million for community-led participation projects to provide an extra 3500 new places in areas where participation is low.

We have already extended 20 Hours ECE to include playcentres, kohanga reo, and five year-olds. This gives parents more choice in ECE, and encourages the sector to be more responsive to parents' preferences.

Together, these measures will help maintain a quality ECE sector, and ensure ECE is available to those families who are not currently taking part, but who would benefit the most.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/early-childhood-education-funding-record-14-billion

Minimum wage increased again

The minimum wage has been increased from $12.75 an hour to $13. The new rate comes into effect on 1 April 2011.

The National-led Government is working hard to lift the long-term performance of the economy. We’re committed to creating and protecting jobs while ensuring a fair wage. Since being elected, National has raised the minimum wage by $1 – this is $40 a week.

The 25-cent-an-hour increase, along with tax cuts last year, means workers still have the buying power of their wages. Taking a careful and balanced approach has helped prevent workers being priced out of the market.

We want New Zealanders to earn more, but legislation is not a long-term solution. Good economic policy, good infrastructure, good skills, a good tax system, low levels of debt, and an outward facing economy are what will lift people off the minimum wage.

More information: http://www.http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minimum-wage-increased-13

Building better results from public services

Building better results from public services

The National-led Government is focused on building better results from public services to improve the lives and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

We are committed to delivering high-quality health care by streamlining bureaucracy, providing better frontline services, and focusing on our health targets. We want an education system that gives New Zealanders the skills they need to participate in the global economy.

We aim to improve results from welfare by addressing long-term benefit dependency, and helping people back into work. We are committed to a strong and effective justice system for a safer New Zealand.

We will scale up what works, get rid of what doesn’t, and move resources to the frontline. We made structural changes in several government agencies in 2010, and are looking at further reforms to streamline and improve the performance of the government bureaucracy.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/statement-parliament-2011

Building a stronger economy

This year the National-led Government will continue building a brighter future for New Zealand.

Our next steps are to put the Government's finances in a stronger position so we don't need to borrow as much. We will continue to roll out our wider economic programme aimed at building stronger, enduring economic growth that raises New Zealanders' incomes.

We are working on two fronts to lower the cost of living for New Zealanders and their families. Our plan to borrow less will help keep prices and interest rates lower, and our economic programme will help build stronger growth and faster rising incomes.

On average, real after-tax wages have risen considerably faster than prices under this Government. After-tax wages have gone up 16 per cent, due to normal wage growth combined with the effect of the tax cuts, while inflation – the price of goods and services – has increased 6 per cent.

This year we will work to ensure after-tax wage growth continues to outstrip price increases.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/statement-parliament-2011

Budget on 19 May will focus on savings and investment

Our third Budget will be delivered on 19 May. It will continue our programme to build New Zealand’s national savings, increase investment, create jobs, and lift incomes, as well as reducing the country’s vulnerability to foreign debt.

In Budget 2009 we had to get through the recession in reasonable shape and turn around the appalling forecasts we inherited – never-ending deficits and ever-increasing debt. In Budget 2010 we changed the tax system to reduce the incentive for excessive spending and borrowing, and to encourage savings. We will continue along that line in Budget 2011.

We will ensure the Government plays its part in lifting national savings by returning to budget surplus as soon as possible and by requiring better and smarter services from the public sector.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/budget-19-may-savings-and-investment-focus

Taking back our Communities

I have huge respect for our Police. They have the unenviable task of keeping our communities safe. That job has become much harder. Some people see the Police as the enemy, fair game when they interrupt them in their illegal endeavours.

The two recent incidents of serious assault on Police in Dunedin are examples of this abhorrent and unacceptable behaviour. This is not a game. The Police go to work each day wanting to make a positive contribution to our community; to feel as though our place is better for their efforts. They do not expect to be routinely abused, spat at, fled from, and assaulted.

I’ve seen some blogs in response to Mayor Dave Cull’s comments on the attacks. They reject his call that the community take responsibility, and suggest that what is needed is politicians to get some backbone, make the hard calls and change the laws to stop such attacks happening. I’ll return to the merits of that view later. But it is worth remembering that no government in recent history has done more to build a safer New Zealand than this National-led Government.

We’ve put more police on the beat. Six hundred extra officers will be on our streets by the end of this year. They now have more tools including expanded DNA collection, and on-the-spot protection orders to combat domestic violence. Parole is harder to get and sentences for our worst repeat offenders will be longer.

We’ve declared war on gangs and P. Police have new powers to intercept gang communications, dismantle drug fortifications, and seize the proceeds of crime.

We’re making progress with the Alcohol Reform Bill. This focuses on minimising alcohol related-harm including crime. It zeros in on where harm is happening – particularly around young people.

But this is also a community responsibility. Governments can pass laws continuously but unless the community is prepared to support those laws with a low threshold for anti-social behaviour, unless we become concerned neighbours again, and above all respect the Police who keep us safe, those laws will be far less effective.

Over to you.

Early Childhood Education Funding Sensible, Affordable.

This financial year, the Government will invest $1.4 billion in Early Childhood Education (ECE). That’s an increase of $200 million over the previous financial year. So it is simply not true to say that funding for ECE has been reduced. The per-child funding of ECE is now $7600 per child per year. This compares to an average of $5528 for a primary school student and $6733 for a student at secondary school. Despite Dr Clark’s scaremongering, 20 hours free ECE is still in place.

However, while the goal of the previous Government was to increase participation in ECE, the massive increase in government funding has resulted in just a 1% increase in participation and in some parts of the country up to 40% of pre-school children are missing out on ECE. So we are making sure that funding reaches those children who need it the most. We are investing $91.8 million over the next four years in five intensive community-led participation projects in high priority areas. This will lead to an additional 3,500 places in ECE, targeted at Maori, Pasifika, and children from lower socio-economic areas.

So why all the fuss about ECE? Put simply, this is about the qualifications of the staff into whose care we entrust our children. The previous Labour Government committed to a goal of 80 % qualified ECE teachers by 2010 and 100% by 2012. This unrealistic target would have led to up to a thousand ECE centres having to close. At the moment only 67 % of teachers in the sector are registered. We amended the target to 80% by 2012.

In Budget 2010 we also announced that we would align funding to the 80% goal. Thus, prior to 1 February 2011, in a facility where the mix and age of children required say 5 staff, the Government would fund all five if they were registered teachers. After 1 February funding will be for up to four registered teachers and one unregistered staff member. The unregistered staff member could be an experienced teacher aide or parent of grown children returning to the workforce but without formal qualifications.

The staffing adjustment could be achieved by attrition. ECE centres have had eight months’ notice of this change and with the turnover in the sector of around 20%, there was plenty of opportunity to do so. Furthermore, given the demand for registered teachers, no registered teacher would be out of a job. The likely impact would be an increase in the proportion of registered teachers in those ECE centres that presently have numbers below 80%.

The union that represents ECE teachers, NZEI, cites research that qualified teachers are a key factor in the provision of quality early childhood education that provides the most benefit for children. I agree with this. However, given the care and safety aspects of ECE I have no doubt that an experienced parent or caregiver can make a meaningful contribution to an ECE facility as part of a team led by registered teachers without compromising educational outcomes.

Dunedin’s ECE facilities were faced with choices in response to the Government’s funding change. Disappointingly, some ECE centres have chosen to burden already financially constrained parents with a fee increase based on the ideological belief that the 80% model would materially compromise the quality of ECE. As the parent of a preschool child, I strongly disagree with this view. What is also disappointing is that some ECE centres unilaterally increased fees without asking parents if they would be happy with the staffing model the Government is funding. My child’s ECE facility wrote to parents outlining the four options the centre was considering. The options did not include the 80% model which avoids the need for fee increases. It did not ask parents whether they would be satisfied with a staffing complement that would avoid the need to increase fees.

In affirming Labour’s commitment to restoring the goal of funding 100% registered teachers, Dr Clark makes no attempt to explain how this (and many other hollow Labour promises) will be funded or how much debt a Labour Government would be prepared to burden those same children with repaying in the future.

My Government’s response is sensible in the constrained economic circumstances without compromising the quality of ECE in New Zealand. I believe this as much as a parent as I do as a politician.

More money for primary sector innovation

The National-led Government has announced a further $107 million of funding from the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) for primary sector innovation.

This money will support innovation in the aquaculture, wildfish harvesting, and timber industries. The investment takes the Primary Growth Partnership's spending in our world-leading primary sectors to more than $475 million.

The Ministry of Science and Innovation was launched this week. It will lead our drive to harness scientific and innovative capability across the business, science, and government sectors.

Last month, the Government announced public and private investment of $17.25 million over five years in a wool research consortium, tasked with lifting the economic return of the wool industry. The Ministry of Science and Innovation is contributing $8.6 million.

National is committed to lifting economic growth through primary sector innovation.

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/primary-sector-innovation-fund-tops-475-million
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/launch-ministry-science-and-innovation
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/1725m-wool-research-consortium-set