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Dear John In this issue:
In the HouseBudget 2024Finance Minister Nicola Willis has released her first Budget on behalf of the coalition Government.
We have great news for New Zealanders. We have kept the promises we made and have delivered tax relief for the first time in 14 years. Check out our tax calculator to see how you will be better off. As soon as we came into government, we undertook a cost-saving exercise across the public sector and restored value and respect for taxpayer dollars. This has meant that you can keep more of what you earn. We know kiwis have been doing it tough, which is exactly why this was one of our priorities in this budget. Tax relief for the squeezed middle will see a couple on the average income receive up to $102 more per fortnight, and an additional $150 for eligible families with young children for childcare. A total of 3.5 million New Zealanders will keep more of what they earn! It is important to mention that two thirds of our spending initiatives are directed at delivering better public services like health, education and law and order—because we know that’s what New Zealanders want. This includes a $16.68 billion multi-year funding boost for health services, $2.93 billion for education and $2.92 billion to restore law and order. Here are the Budget 2024 highlights:
Within my portfolios we are also working hard to resource the front line. Because of acquired savings, we can invest an additional $1.1 billion to frontline employment support. We know that the forecasts are not looking positive, with an estimated 200,000 people expected to be on the Job Seeker Support Benefit by early next year. That is exactly why we are making this investment—to have a proactive welfare system so we can reach our Government target of 50,000 less people on the Jobseeker benefit by 2030. We are also investing $1.1 billion over five years to support disabled people and address demand and cost pressures. It is very important to our government that people get the support that they need. There is an independent review underway into disability support services provided by the Ministry for Disabled People, Whaikaha, which will help inform a sustainable way forward. We are proud that Budget 2024 lays out the foundations for growth in New Zealand and sets out Government’s plan to rebuild the economy, ease the cost of living, deliver better health and education services, and restore law and order. I'm hosting post-budget business events next week for those interested in more detail. See below. Minister's NewsAcross my ministerial portfolios there has been a lot going on. We are charging ahead with our plan to make the welfare system more proactive about helping people off welfare and into work. This month I announced that new job seekers will need to attend a work seminar with the Ministry of Social Development within two weeks of their benefit starting to come up with their next steps for re-entering the workforce. These Korero Mahi – Let’s Talk Work seminars will make sure job seekers are getting the support they need and are on the right path to finding work. I also announced an independent review of the disability support services funded by the Ministry for Disabled People – Whaikaha. I’m pleased to say Budget 2024 also provided a $1.1 billion funding boost for these services over five years to give the disabled community access to the essential services, equipment, or support they need. During my recess weeks I have been out in the community on many visits, speaking with local organisations about how our Government’s policies affect them. I am very much looking forward to the upcoming Volunteer Week, which begins on June 16. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate everyone who gives back to our community and acknowledge the service of our volunteers. I hope many of you can get involved. I will also be attending Fieldays at Mystery Creek and hope to see many of you there to celebrate our primary industries. Porirua Careers and Jobs Expo It was great to see the range of employers advertising jobs and the keen potential employees asking them questions at the recent Porirua Careers and Jobs Expo. The hands-on help with CV writing and interview skills will be invaluable for our young rangatahi.
As Minister for MSD, I'm intervening early to get job seekers on the pathway to work. As part of our plan with Let’s Talk Work seminars, jobseekers will have their employment needs assessed. If they’re ready to work, they could be helped to apply for a job. If they need re-training or upskilling, they could be referred to a programme that can help. As mentioned, Lets Talk Work seminars will make sure all new Jobseeker beneficiaries get the support they need and understand what’s expected of them. Those who do not attend without a good and sufficient reason could be sanctioned.
New Zealand Sign Language AwardsAs the Minister for Disability Issues, I was honoured to host the
2024 New Zealand Sign Language Awards at Parliament.
I shared the stage with incredible advocates like Jon Tai-Rakena
and NZSL champion Carter Ferguson.
Deaf Aotearoa do a fantastic job of representing our deaf
community.
Sign Language is one of our official languages. Have a go at
learning to sign here.
Parly FernsWe had a blast playing the Federated Farmers netball team in Gisborne recently. I won't mention the score, but we were pleased to be part of the $500,000 fundraising effort between Federated Farmers and Woolworths to help Gisborne and Hawke's Bay farmers replace fencing lost in the cyclones.
Electorate NewsMooving DayTomorrow is 1 June, Mooving Day. It's also King's Birthday weekend, so be patient on the roads. Farmers have been asked to clean plant material and soil from machinery like diggers, harvesting equipment, ploughs and undersowers which potentially harbour some of 80 pest or weed species (including the highly invasive velvetleaf) before taking it onto another property. Weed infestations cause financial loss to farmers and growers and harm the natural environment. Landowners should be vigilant about allowing only clean machinery to enter their farms. FieldaysFieldays (12–15 June) is just around the corner. Congratulations to Taupō electorate finalists in the 2024 Fieldays Innovation Awards:
Tokoroa Business ParkLast year Government gave $3 million to boost South Waikato District Council and South Waikato Investment Fund Trust funding for the Maraetai Road Intermodal Business Park. The aim is to attract business to Tokoroa, bringing up to 200 jobs to the district. The park should be complete by this time next year. Over the Moon is Over the Moon!Congratulations to Over the Moon Dairy which recently won prizes at New Zealand Cheese Awards in Hamilton. Great for the already-bulging trophy cabinet! Youth Advisory BoardI'm looking forward to getting feedback from our youth at next week's Youth Advisory Board. If you, or someone you know, would like to be involved in the Youth Advisory Board on 7 June, please email Jane Matthews at [email protected] urgently. Upcoming Engagement OpportunitiesPost-Budget Breakfasts:Taupō: Wednesday 5 June, 7.30 a.m. – 9 a.m. Tokoroa: Friday 7 June, 7.30 a.m. – 9 a.m. FieldaysIf you see me at Fieldays come and say 'Hi'. ClinicsClinics are by appointment only. Please see office contact details listed below. Cambridge: Friday 10 June & Monday 15 July Taupō: Friday 12 July South Waikato: Tuesday 16 July Facebook LiveJoin me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month. My next live chat will be: Tuesday 11 June 8 p.m. See this month's Facebook Live here. Electorate AssistancePhone 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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