Todd Talk

It’s been quite an eventful few weeks for me, starting with the easing of pandemic lockdown restrictions as we transitioned through to our current Level 2 on the 14th of May. Coming out of lockdown was exciting, and revisiting favourite businesses was like catching up with old friends. Shops, cafes, dry cleaners, airports and restaurants are still getting back up to speed around the region. We all appreciate the sacrifices they had to make for our country’s safety by closing for such a long time, and we’re all pleased to see them operating again.

However, our country’s lockdown has left some industries bereft of customers, and I fear we will see some businesses close down. While the wage subsidy has been extended for some employers, other significant costs still have to be covered at a time when our export markets are slow, and overseas visitors can’t get here. Growing unemployment will reduce the discretionary income in our local markets, so we have a huge challenge ahead.

The recently announced apprenticeship and training scheme may help people transition into new jobs, which is good news for our primary sector who have traditionally lacked domestic workers with the dairy, horticulture and agribusiness skills required. This is an opportunity for New Zealanders to develop new careers, and appears to have positive long-term potential; we look forward to seeing the details when they are announced by the Education Minister.

On the 22nd of May, my National Party caucus colleagues elected me as Leader. I am proud to be working with Nikki Kaye as Deputy Leader and our very talented team of MPs as we work hard to bring National back into Government this September. I have taken personal responsibility for the Small Business portfolio as I believe this crucial sector of New Zealand’s economy has been left unsupported by the Government’s economic response to Covid-19. As employers, they require a special policy focus beyond the current wage subsidy to help them meet the financial challenges they face in the post-Covid environment and my team, and I are currently formulating policy in this area.

Now that travel is allowed throughout New Zealand, please encourage your family and friends to holiday here in the Bay. Help us give our visitors a warm welcome in the Bay of Plenty’s wonderful accommodation, cafes, restaurants, shops and activities.