Dear John 

The Labour Government has announced their plan for moving New Zealanders back to prosperity through its Budget 2021/22. 

It's titled the "Wellbeing Budget" however, this isn't a budget that is aspirational for all New Zealanders's wellbeing.

It shows no actual plan to grow the economy nor does it detail how it intends to reduce the ever-growing debt that will become a burden for generations to come.

All New Zealanders are feeling the pinch right now, not just those on benefits. This was an opportunity for the Government to take an all-inclusive look at how it can help everyone in New Zealand get ahead.

It is clear that there has been an escalation in hardship in the last few years which started before COVID. Benefit increases will assist many in hardship.

Yet, there is nothing in this Budget for low or middle-income earners in New Zealand. Nothing to ease the burden for families who don't receive a benefit, but whose rents too have jumped by $100 a week.

There is no extra money for those who have seen their power bills increase due to the impacts of the oil and gas ban by this Labour Government but who don’t qualify for additional financial support.

There is also no plan for how to support those on benefits to get back into work.

Businesses have seen their costs of doing business rise through minimum wage hikes and unionism but they too have largely been overlooked.  Those SMEs that can't find skilled workers due to this Government's immigration settings still don't have any certainty that their outlook will be any less bleak this year.

Business groups, Chambers of Commerce and employers associations have expressed their disappointment at the lack of real benefits for business in this year's Budget.   

The EMA had “hoped for better growth projections and more practical support for businesses.” BusinessNZ called the Budget a “missed opportunity for growth”.  PwC’s analysis of the Budget acknowledged the investment across several of Labour’s priority areas but also noted: “it is less clear how this Budget will help businesses to continue their recovery in a COVID-19 world.”

So, where is the actual plan to take the entire country back to prosperity? 

A National Government would be more aspirational for New Zealanders. We don’t want Kiwis to just exist on a benefit. We want them to have jobs, to prosper and to have a future.  Watch Judith Collins' speech here.

Where your money goes - quick facts

Photo credit: Felippe Rodrigues, Stuff

Opportunities to meet me to discuss Budget 2021/22

I'm hosting Post Budget Breakfasts, Coffee Catch Ups and Friendly Forums where we'll be discussing in more detail what this year's Budget means for our businesses and communities in Cambridge, South Waikato and Taupo.  I'll also be going live online on Facebook and hope you can join me with any questions you need answers to.

Post Budget Business Breakfasts - RSVP essential for catering

• Taupo - 27 May, 7.30am - 9am, Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre, Conference Room, 14 Northcroft Street, Taupo. RSVP here
• Cambridge - 28 May, 7.30am - 9am, Cambridge Health and Community Centre, 22a Taylor Street, Cambridge.  RSVP here
• Tokoroa - 14 June, 7:30am - 9am, Lions Room, South Waikato Sport and Events Centre, 25 Mossop Road, Tokoroa.  RSVP here

Coffee Catch Ups

• Turangi - 31 May, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Hydro Eatery, 17 Ohuanga Road, Turangi.  RSVP here
• Taupo - 11 June, 10am - 11am, Victoria's Cafe, 127 Tongariro Street, Taupo.  RSVP here
• Cambridge - 12 June, 10am - 11am, Absolute Coffee House, 88 Alpha Street, Cambridge.  RSVP here
• Tokoroa - 14 June, 10am - 11am, Robert Harris, 284 - 294 Main Road, Tokoroa.  RSVP here

Friendly Forums 

• Cambridge - 28 May, 10am - 11:30am, Cambridge Health and Community Centre, 22a Taylor Street, Cambridge. RSVP here
• Taupo - 9 July, 10am - 11:30am, Rotary House, 12 Story Place, Taupo. RSVP here
• Tokoroa - 12 July, 10am - 11:30am, Tokoroa Community Link, Te Rakaunui Room, 8-10 Torphin Crescent, Tokoroa.  RSVP here

Fieldays

• Visit me at National's stand at Fieldays on 16 - 17 June

Live with Louise

• Tuesday 1 June, 7pm - I'm hosting a live catch-up online on Facebook on Budget 2021/22.  Send me your questions and join me on the day to have them answered.    

If you aren't already connected with me, please do visit my page and follow me to receive notifications of when I'm going live. I'm also on Instagram and Twitter.

I hope to see you soon, if you have any questions or need assistance in the meantime, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Hon Louise Upston
http://louiseupston.national.org.nz/