Another eventful month

Parliament’s last four-week sitting has seen the implementation of a key part of this government’s agenda, namely, the launch of the new Families’ Package. This will see thousands of families receiving the largest increase in household incomes in a decade, with 384,000 of these families now on average being $65 a week better off.

This has been made possible through significant increases to Working for Families, as well as the new Best Start payment of $60 a week for all families with newborn children. There has also been an extension of paid parental leave from 18 to 22 weeks, which will rise to 26 weeks in July 2020, as well as the introduction of a universal winter energy payment for all senior citizens and beneficiaries.

This package demonstrates well the coalition government’s priorities, as opposed to the previous regime. We have used the money that National set aside for tax cuts, which would have disproportionately benefited the wealthy, and instead targeted those who need it the most — families with young children, pensioners and beneficiaries. I would encourage everybody to go online and check what additional support you and your family may be entitled to.

This government has shown it can dedicate significant additional support to people in need while still managing the economy responsibly, as demonstrated by the International Monetary Fund’s latest regular report on the New Zealand economy, released last week. The report praised the government’s broader economic direction, while singling out a number of new initiatives for praise. These included the review of the Reserve Bank Act, the Kiwibuild programme, and, not least, the Provincial Growth Fund, which I oversee.

With the right project selection, it said, the PGF will help regions to benefit from income gains more in line with the major urban centres. It also pointed out how improving the economic performance of regional areas can relieve the pressure on infrastructure in urban areas — not so much of a worry here in Northland, but certainly something that plays very much on the minds of our friends in the cities.

This goes to show that, despite a campaign of misinformation from the National Party, the government is governing in a sensible, pragmatic fashion while enacting policies that are progressive and making a real, positive impact on the lives of everyday New Zealanders.

Finally, I was pleased to see the announcement by Air Chathams of the reinstatement of the Ka¯piti to Auckland route, following Air New Zealand’s decision to cut the service earlier this year.

Keen observers will know that I was very critical of the move at the time, and I’m delighted that a deal has been able to be worked out. These regional air links are so important for maintaining regional connectivity and helping our smaller towns and cities to thrive.

"We have used the money that National set aside for tax cuts, which would have disproportionately benefited the wealthy, and instead targeted those who need it the most — families with young children, pensioners and beneficiaries."