How will English’s reign begin?

Yesterday Bill English held his first press conference as the new prime minister of New Zealand. Here are the five big takeaways from what he said.

1. Superannuation

He will not be renewing outgoing prime minister John Key’s pledge to quit if there are any changes to the country’s superannuation age and entitlement. The most divisive single issue of recent years – and one of the major policy challenges facing New Zealand in future – may be back on the table.

2. Poverty

His speech was heavy on social assistance and helping those worse off. The extra $25 for families on a benefit announced under Key was a stake in the ground so expect to see more of that. English’s Government will support growth but ensure it is widely shared. This seems like one of the major tonal – if not substantive – changes from a Keyled government. ’’I’m firmly of the view that the Government can do a better job supporting the most vulnerable,’’ he said.

3. His role

English will not take a specific portfolio, as Key did with tourism or David Lange did with education – but he will maintain an overview of his signature ‘‘investment approach’’ to funding and solving social problems.

4. Conscience issues

Although a Catholic and social conservative on issues such as abortion and assisted suicide, English won’t use his position to be an activist for policy change. And he has done a major U-turn on his opposition to same-sex marriage, now accepting it does not threaten anyone’s marriage.

5. Where’s home?

The new PM and his family will not move into the official prime ministerial residence, Premier House in Thorndon. The last thing English needs is a reminder of the biggest controversy he’s faced over the last 10 years: when, in 2009, he claimed (but later paid back) $900 a week in taxpayer cash, plus an extra cleaning allowance, after he designated his Karori family home an official ministerial residence.