Over National's first year in
government, rebuilding New Zealand's economy so Kiwis can get ahead
has been priority number one. Now, fresh economic data shows that, in
the last year, incomes have grown faster than the cost of living.
It's more evidence that our plan
to beat inflation and get on top of the cost of living is working.
Wages grew slower than inflation for three years in a row under Labour
before we entered government at the end of last year.
I understand it's still tough
for so many people, but it's another sign that our plan is starting to
work and your dollar should start to feel like it’s stretching further
than it has over the past few years.
That lift in incomes comes on
top of the cost of living support that our Government has delivered
for Kiwis, through tax relief, increases to Working for Families, and
FamilyBoost childcare payments.
There's still a lot more to do
and that’s why we’re pushing ahead with scrapping red tape, stopping
wasteful spending and finding new opportunities for trade and
investment.
Boosting trade is hugely
important for a small trading nation like us. Better trade agreements
means a better deal for our farmers, winemakers and manufacturers
overseas and, in turn, more jobs and higher incomes here at home.
A
few days ago, Trade Minister Todd McClay finalised negotiations on a
trade agreement with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council which
will deliver duty free access for 99 per cent of our exports over 10
years. That’s great news for our exporters and the communities
that rely on those exporters to grow and succeed.
