Building a better, stronger country
Last weekend I felt privileged to attend National’s annual conference in Wellington, along with a strong contingent from the Rangitikei. We were a diverse group representing all ages, stages and occupations and reflecting the diversity of our very large electorate. Yet we all agreed it was an inspiring and very positive weekend.
One of the highlights was Prime Minister Bill English’s speech on Sunday. He reiterated this Government’s focus and how it forms part of our vision for a better and stronger New Zealand. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some of the PM’s key messages.
Bill English talked about our strong economy and positive outlook, and how more New Zealanders are staying home to build their lives here. We’re confident about our place in the world.
Last month’s Budget focused on infrastructure, public services and raising incomes.
The Prime Minister went on to talk about the strength of National’s Cabinet and Caucus and how as a team we pride ourselves on being a party that cares about people and getting things done.
We are upfront about the challenges, and we are practical about the solutions. We believe in the empowering nature of free enterprise, individual freedom and personal responsibility.
These principles are the foundation of success for New Zealand. But he also reminded us that none of them is more important than the Kiwi belief in a fair go, and our willingness to give a hand up to those less fortunate. They are equally deserving of an opportunity to contribute to society and to set off down their own path to independence.
The Prime Minister reiterated that if we can build on our current success, we can offer everyone better opportunities. We have one of the fastest growing economies in the developed world.
We’re creating 10,000 jobs a month. The books are in surplus and debt is falling. Exports are growing.
He also talked about how some, like the opposition, don’t see it that way. They see it as too many people, too many houses, too many problems. But if that pressure is driven by a generation of New Zealanders staying home because they see better opportunities here, then I agree with the Prime Minister when he said, ‘‘Let’s embrace it’’.
National has chosen the path of growth and openness – and we govern with the ambition New Zealanders have earned. Because that’s the attitude that has delivered a strong economy and strong government finances. It’s delivered more jobs, more apprenticeships and more police.
Better roads, better classrooms and better broadband. Higher wages, higher school pass rates and higher benefits for struggling families. Less crime, less tax and less unemployment. Fewer regulations, fewer rheumatic fever cases, and 60,000 fewer kids in benefit-dependent households.
It’s a long list – and an impressive one.
Our Prime Minister Bill English delivered a rousing address that celebrated this Government’s achievements over the past nine years and outlined his ambition as the Prime Minister to deliver the economy, the environment, the infrastructure, the incomes and the public services to take New Zealand into the 2020s. It was great to be there with a strong team of people from the Rangitikei.