Boosting tomorrow’s economy

Hon John Key 

Spring is here, and the promise of warmer weather has lifted spirits around the country. Signs that we might be emerging from the global economic recession couldn't have come at a better time.

This is encouraging for our ethnic communities.  The National-led Government is determined to help businesses recover, create more sustainable jobs, and build a stronger economy. We'll base this on investment and exports - rather than the borrowing and spending of recent years.

We have been working hard to protect New Zealanders from the sharpest edges of the recession and secure a brighter future for them.

We have boosted spending on frontline services in education, health and justice. We've maintained income support entitlements like New Zealand Superannuation and Working for Families. And we cut personal taxes in April.

Now the worst of the recession appears to be over, we will help communities recover, and boost the economy of tomorrow.

We know most people will judge our recovery on whether they have a job, and we're doing everything we can to boost job opportunities. Unfortunately unemployment is likely to continue rising for the next few months along the road to recovery. 

But we are optimistic that New Zealand can emerge from the recession stronger than ever.  We believe our country can be a powerful exporter, with a much stronger economy and better job and income prospects for New Zealanders.

That's why we want to lift the economy's productivity and performance.

We recently announced an $8.7 billion investment in transport.   Building and improving roads, highways, and railways will boost our productivity long term.

We are also giving our next generation the opportunities they need to succeed. Young people were particularly hard hit by this recession. We recently announced our Youth Opportunities Package, which invests $152 million to help create work, education, and training opportunities for young people.

We're reducing red tape to save you time and money. We are overhauling the Resource Management Act, which has imposed unnecessary costs on our community for too long. We're also amending the Building Act, and reviewing electricity and telecommunications rules.

These are just a few of the things that will put New Zealand on the road to recovery. We all know there will be more challenges ahead, but National will continue its comprehensive plan to lift New Zealand's economic performance.

We are ambitious for New Zealand and determined to secure the brighter future you and your family deserve.