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Dear John In this issue:
National's Policy AnnouncementsDealing with the Cost-of-Living Crisis
Labour's solution to every problem is to spend more, but it doesn't hold itself accountable to achieving outcomes. The recent budget was no exception. Economists have predicted increases in inflation and interest rates due to increased government spending. Labour's economic mismanagement is driving the cost-of-living crisis. New Zealand needs to grow the size of the economic cake – our exports of products and services – so we can each have a bigger slice, and so New Zealand can afford world-class services like health and education. If elected on 14 October, National will achieve this by:
See National's policy here. Our economic plan will enable businesses to thrive. Without businesses there are no jobs. See my Facebook video here.
Electrify NZ
Karāpiro Turbine Upgrade. Photo courtesy of ANDRITZNew Zealand needs investment to double the supply of renewable energy generation and cut carbon emissions. Around 40 per cent of New Zealand’s emissions come from transport and energy. Public transport, commercial, and private vehicles need to be powered by clean energy – solar, wind or geothermal power – not coal. Our current planning system puts barriers in the way of developing these sources. It can take much longer to get resource consent than it takes to build a wind farm for example. Labour’s RMA 2.0 laws will make this worse. If elected in October, National will require resource consents to be issued within a year of application, and they will last for 35 years. National will also eliminate consents for upgrades to existing infrastructure and most new infrastructure which will encourage investment in transmission and local lines. See National's Electrify NZ policy here.
Karāpiro Power Station. Photo courtesy of ANDRITZVisit to Karāpiro by Austrian Delegation
I was invited to join Austrian Federal Minister of Labour and Economy, Professor Martin Kocher (pictured above) and his Austrian delegation who visited the Mercury Karāpiro power station recently to see the Karāpiro Refurbishment Project. Mercury's programme of replacing turbines at power stations along the Waikato River began in 2012 and will be completed in 2038. Austrian company ANDRITZ supplied the state-of-the-art turbines which will not only increase electricity output at Karāpiro by 17%, but will also incorporate technology like water lubrication which decreases the risk of oil and grease entering the river. There are nine hydro dams along the Waikato River. When the turbine upgrades are completed, around 10 per cent more electricity overall can be generated with very little impact to the environment. It is great that New Zealand companies like Mercury can work alongside world leaders in this field. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel – or the turbine in this case.
Photo courtesy of ANDRITZWaipa Networks Business Awards
Congratulations to the following winners of the Waipa Networks Business Awards who I have recently visited. They were all thoroughly deserving.
Local eventsPost-Budget Business BreakfastsI dissected the so-called 'Bread-and-Butter Budget' at well-attended Post-Budget Business Breakfasts in Cambridge, Taupō and Tokoroa recently. When Labour took office, the annual government spend was $76 billion. It has grown to $237 billion. While the government promised $4.5 billion in additional spending, it has announced a $5.5 billion spend. Treasury has warned this increased spending will cause interest rates to rise further to cool inflation, and rates will remain higher for longer. This will affect every New Zealander with a mortgage or a credit card, and the costs of business borrowing will be passed on to consumers. What was expected to be a $461 million deficit in the coming year has now blown out to a $7.6 billion deficit – that’s $7,139 million more than expected. This is the biggest current account deficit in history. Government debt, which was $5 billion in 2019 will grow to $95 billion by 2026. We all pay for that. Growth in the economy is expected to remain weak, slowing to just one per cent by the middle of next year. Unemployment is forecast to climb to over five per cent through 2024. Labour’s only solution to problems is to spend more. They don’t have a Plan B. National will stop wasteful spending, provide tax relief, invest in the skills, infrastructure and innovation New Zealand needs to get ahead. Out and AboutNew Zealand's oldest person dies days after his 107th birthdayNew Zealand's oldest man, Taupō resident Jack Coe, turned 107 on 11 May and sadly died on 14 May.
He recommended walking, biking, fishing, hunting, chocolate and beer as a recipe for longevity. He was joined on his special day by well-wishers including family and Taupō Mayor David Trewavas who shared a piece of birthday cake with him. It was an honour to meet him. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Upcoming engagement opportunitiesVolunteer Week 2023 New Zealand would not function as efficiently as it does without the invaluable help of volunteers. As part of National Volunteer Week's The Big Shout Out, I'm looking forward to thanking some of you in person at the Taupō, South Waikato and Cambridge volunteer events. If you would like to attend, please call your local office for details. Taupō: Monday 19 June, 8 a.m.–9a.m.
South Waikato: Monday 19 June, 2.30 p.m.–4.00 p.m.
Cambridge: Friday 23 June, 8.00 a.m.–9.30 a.m.
National FieldaysI will be at National Fieldays again this year. Come along and have a chat to our MPs at the National Party stand. Facebook LiveJoin me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you. My next live chat will be: Tuesday 13 June 8 p.m. Friendly ForumsMy next round of Friendly Forums is in June: Taupō: 9 June 2023, Lake Taupo Rotary Club, 12 Story Place, Taupō
South Waikato: 26 June 2023, The Plaza, 50–56 Kensington Street, Putāruru
Electorate AssistanceIf you need help from my team, please get in touch. Phone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected] Kind regards, Hon Louise Upston |
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