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The Provincial Growth Fund will play a vital role in New Zealand’s post-COVID-19 recovery. In light of the upheaval our regions will face as a result of COVID-19, it is essential the PGF reflects the new environment it will operate in, while continuing to work towards the long term goals of the fund. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced that $600 million from the PGF will be refocused on projects with more immediate economic benefits. The funding is comprised of repurposed PGF money and unallocated funding from the Regional Investment Opportunities Contingency. The first tranche of new projects to be funded includes up to $100 million for waterway fencing, riparian planting and stock water reticulation, $60 million for road and rail investments and up to $70 million for upgrades of marae, town halls, Pasifika churches and war memorials. Minister Jones said that the refocused PGF has three clear objectives: jobs, timelines, and visibility. We want to make sure our investments will create immediate redeployment and new employment opportunities and income growth. We aim to get projects underway as soon as possible. The special Resource Management Act powers made available during the recovery will help achieve that. We also want the PGF to be active in our regions, so Kiwis have confidence our social and economic recovery is underway. The PGF needs to be responsive to the changing situation on the ground in our regional economies. It has, and will continue to be, a reflection of New Zealand First's commitment to rejuvenate our regions, allowing them to thrive.
What’s new#Budget2020 allocates $45.8 million for our ambulance servicesA large portion of this will fund Emergency Road Ambulance Services which means additional roles for immediately life-threatening incidents as well as supporting systems to maintain response times. READ MORE: Funding boost for emergency services, prisons and justice sector
$280 million to retain postal services
Funding of $130 million from Budget 2020 will allow New Zealand Post to maintain service levels as it positions itself for the future of mail, while an equity injection of $150 million will also be provided from the Government’s Covid Response and Recovery Fund. Covid-19 has demonstrated how important our postal service is. During lockdown many New Zealanders and businesses relied on the services New Zealand Post provides. READ MORE: Postal services maintained for Kiwis
Investment in New Zealand’s history
Budget 2020 provides a major investment in New Zealand’s documentary heritage sector, with a commitment to leasing a new Archives Wellington facility and an increase in funding for Archives and National Library work. “Last year I released plans for a new Archives Wellington building – a purpose-built facility physically connected to the National Library by an air-bridge,” Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin said. “The funding in this year’s Budget means we can now press on with those plans and have a single campus that holds and preserves our unique documented history and taonga.” READ MORE: Investment in New Zealand's history
Drought relief announced for Northland and North Waikato
The Coalition Government will contribute $500,000 to a drought relief fund to help farmers survive through one of the worst droughts in living memory. The Government was asked to match a the contribution to a newly established drought relief fund. The fund will deliver a line of transport to get feed to farms where needed, helping to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers. READ MORE: Government announces $500,000 drought relief for Northland, north Waikato
Scrapping consents for low risk building work up to 30 sq metresInfrastructure Minister Shane Jones talks about freeing up NZ from the bureaucracy of the Resource Management Act and the Building Act. This will include a policy NZ First advocated for scrapping the need for consents of low-risk building work such as:
This will allow for the construction sector to fire back up quicker and assist the country’s recovery from Covid-19 --, particularly in the regions.
Redeployment for workers in the regions
The Government is funding projects in regions hard hit economically by #COVID19 to keep people working. Projects in Hawke’s Bay, Northland, Rotorua and Queenstown will be funded from the Government’s $100 million worker redeployment package, announced in March, to create employment for people who have lost their jobs. A number of projects will take place in Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua and Northland. This work will mostly focus on safety improvements and maintenance projects for roads and bridges, and footpath and cycleway construction. Training will be provided for workers looking to be deployed, tailored to the specific requirements of the jobs available in their area. Training can be done pre-employment or on the job and can be delivered by providers or employers. READ MORE: Redeployment for workers in hard-hit regions
$14.7m for jobs training and education
The Coalition Government is funding more pathways to jobs through training and education programmes in regional New Zealand to support the provinces’ recovery from the economic impacts of COVID-19, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones and Employment Minister Willie Jackson have announced. “New Zealand’s economic recovery will be largely driven by the regions and they need a well-trained workforce and sustainable employment opportunities to get their economies moving,” Minister Shane Jones said. READ MORE: $14.7 million for jobs training and education
Time to dip into your double Winter Energy PaymentIt's getting chilly New Zealand! Following the challenges of COVID-19, we don't want our seniors battling the cold as well -- so that's why we doubled the Winter Energy Payment. #NewZealandFirst has long advocated for more affordable electricity for all consumers, especially our seniors and those on low incomes. Find out more about the Winter Energy Payments
In the HouseWe update you on developments on New Zealand First members' bills in the House.
An amendment to the ‘Protection of First Responders Bill’ is being tabled which will see emergency department healthcare workers included in the legislation. The ‘Protection for First Responders Bill’ will see a mandatory minimum prison sentence of six months for those who intentionally injure our emergency workers. READ MORE: Nurses to get more protection, added to 'First Responders' legislation
NZ First Members' Bills drawn from the ballot:Mark Patterson MP - New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Fair Residency) Amendment Bill Darroch Ball MP - Protection for First Responders and Prison Officers Bill Darroch Ball MP - Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice Demerit Points) Amendment Bill
Have your sayNew Zealand First is committed to listening to voters. Answer our surveys and let us know where you stand on these pressing issues.
There has been a suggestion to add another one-off public holiday. New Zealand First wont support a new pubic holiday as it will cost many small businesses productivity. Do you agree? YES or NO? LET US KNOW: CLICK HERE
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