It was great to see some of you at the Annual Conference yesterday and reflect on the huge number of achievements we’ve made since coming into government.
 
While things are still tough for a lot of Kiwis, our economy is starting to head in the right direction – inflation is easing, mortgage rates are coming down, farmer and business confidence is lifting, and tourism is recovering.
 
We are backing the things that keep New Zealand moving and growing: farming, tourism, innovation, more export markets and infrastructure through building more roads, schools and hospitals.
 
That’s why yesterday we announced we are fixing the Conservation Act to create more jobs, more growth, and higher wages. 
 
Currently it’s taking some businesses more than two years to get permission to operate on conservation land. That’s completely unacceptable. 
 
This is about striking the balance between economic growth and ensuring our natural environment is around for generations to come. 
 
We also announced that we are going to charge international visitors access to high volume sites- Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Track and Mount Cook.  This will generate about $62 million a year which will go back into conservation.
 
National is serious about keeping Kiwis at home, creating jobs, and increasing wages for all New Zealanders, so we are saying yes - yes to investment, yes to jobs and yes to long-term economic growth. 
 
Christopher Luxon

Leader of the National Party