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Dear John,
 

I am excited that National has started the year in a positive and pro-active way that focuses on productivity and growth ahead of the first sitting of Parliament this week.

The newly announced Ministerial responsibilities made by our Prime Minister, in a number of key portfolios, show he is not afraid to make changes that will help the government be more effective at giving taxpayers more bang for their buck.

I am looking forward to my new role as Minister for the Public Service as this is a very key position for signalling how people specifically in government departments should approach their work obligations and provide better services for the people of New Zealand.

I feel that the transfer of the Science Innovation and Technology portfolio to Dr Shane Reti is positive and he will focus on carrying forward the programmes like developing systems for controlling and using AI and the introduction of Gene Technology in New Zealand. We will reap health benefits under both programmes as well as better outcomes for the climate, growing productivity and opportunities to export technology, knowledge and products.

I am humbled by the Prime Minister’s mention of the work I have done in these fields in his State of the Nation speech. He mentioned my work investigating how to attract foreign investment to New Zealand which I did on visits to Ireland, Britain and Singapore a couple of years ago, as well as talking to prospective New Zealand funders interested in investing in science and Tech startups.

I am right behind the Prime Minister’s announcements in two areas that will make a real difference in our economy to unlock growth, lift Kiwis’ wages, and boost investment.

First that we want more start-ups, more IPOs, more investment, higher incomes, and whole ecosystems of growth and innovation.

And second that we want the best ideas and the best investments from offshore making a difference here at home, creating the companies and the opportunities that Kiwis need to thrive by making New Zealand a great destination for investment and doing business. So, working with the Overseas Investment Office has been essential and already it is working to reduce processing times and make New Zealand a more predictable destination for investment that includes providing tailored support for foreign investors. We will help this along with more amendments to the Overseas Investment Act and the establishment of Invest New Zealand that will be the Government’s one-stop-shop for attracting foreign direct investment.

The objective is to increase capital investment across a range of critical sectors – like banking and fintech, key infrastructure like transport and energy, manufacturing, and innovation. Hon Todd McClay will be taking on this work in his new role as Minister of Trade and Investment.

I imagine he will be working with Hon Dr Shane Reti who is now the Minister for Science Innovation and Technology, as they focus on supporting our incredible scientists who work in New Zealand universities and the Crown Research Institutes and the new Public Research Organisations, to ensure that the bio-economy, earth sciences, health and forensic sciences and advanced technology, play their part in promoting growth, investment and greater commercialisation. This work will ensure that Kiwi talents are highly supported and valued for the economic impact they can have and the flow-on effects of higher incomes and more opportunities to get ahead that they will create for more of our people.

I am very pleased that my Science Innovation and Technology work over a number of years has set the foundation for more breakthroughs, more discoveries, more start-ups, more IPOs, and many more opportunities for Kiwis to compete on the world stage.  I am sure Hon Dr Reti will do an excellent job following this through.

Promoting secure safe use of Space

There is new legislation in the pipeline which I am supporting as Minister for Space, that will aim to manage risks posed by ground-based space infrastructure. This infrastructure will include the systems on Earth that carry out tracking and control of spacecraft, space surveillance, and the transfer of data to and from spacecraft.

They present important commercial and defence opportunities for New Zealand and we are therefore working to establish a regulatory regime for this infrastructure to support New Zealand’s interest in the safe, secure and responsible use of space. One of their purposes is to prevent the using of ground-based infrastructure in New Zealand by entities that do not share our values or interests.

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service is aware of such proposals by entities seeking to develop space infrastructure in New Zealand with the ability to assist foreign military activity that could harm New Zealand’s interests, despite claiming to be for civilian purposes.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is leading the development of the regulations. They will apply to all ground-based space infrastructure in New Zealand that is within scope, including those already established.

Govt issues tender to replace jets

Many New Zealanders will be glad to see that we have announced that the Royal New Zealand Air Force's two ailing jets, which have stranded a prime minister overseas several times in the last four years, are due to be replaced.

The NZ Defence Force has asked Boeing and Airbus to provide quotes to replace its Boeing 757s by the end of 2027.

The cost of maintenance and issues with reliability of the current fleet, alongside the competitiveness of the market for aircraft of this type, has meant the business case process has been fast tracked, which I am very pleased about.

I am also very appreciative of the number of you who have provided your advice and opinions on this matter. There certainly is a wealth of knowledge and definitely support, for this expenditure.

Transport progress

It has been a busy start to the year in regard to public transport in Auckland. I am looking forward to the opening of the new train station that will signal the start of the seamless connection between Papakura and Pukekohe from Monday 3 February. Hon Chris Bishop and Hon Simeon Browne as present and past Ministers of Transport, will do the honours.

I am sure we are all relieved that these Ministers are executing the legislation that will allow the speed limits on our roads to return to appropriate levels that allow New Zealanders to travel efficiently and safely. NZTA will be focussing on maintaining safety in black spots and around schools and the Police will be focussing on stopping drivers who are alcohol or drug impaired.

My best wishes to all as we celebrate summer and Waitangi Day in the week ahead,

Judith

Hon Judith Collins KC
MP for Papakura

 

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