Mahuru/September Update from Grant
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. I want to start by acknowledging Queen Elizabeth's extraordinary life of service. The Prime Minister is in the UK to attend the funeral, along with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Kiingi Tuhetia and other New Zealanders. New Zealanders can mark her passing next Monday the 26th of September, with Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day, a one-off public holiday.
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COVID Traffic Lights
You will have seen that last week we retired the traffic light system. Our COVID framework has changed and shifted as the virus has evolved. It has served us well, helping to save lives and livelihoods. We still have one of the lowest death rates and have had some of the longest periods without restrictions.
Now, based on public health advice we are moving to just two elements: isolating for seven days if you get COVID and wearing masks in health settings, like hospitals, the GP, or aged care facilities. We have always said we only wanted to ask people to do what the evidence indicated was necessary. That’s still the case now. Please respect those who still wear masks, and think of other’s needs. We will keep monitoring and looking out for any new variants, but for now, thanks to everyone for your hard work.
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Economy
I think New Zealand has every reason to be optimistic for the future. Despite the challenges that come from a global pandemic, the effects of the war in Ukraine, and the rising cost of living, Aotearoa is well placed to look to the future. We are a country in demand, with goods exports near records highs, and our green credentials growing stronger.
Here at home we’ve supported lives and livelihoods through lockdowns, and now we are working to ease the pressures of the cost of living. The last instalment of the Cost of Living Payment is being paid out on the 3rd of October, half price public transport fares continue through to the end of January, and we're cracking down on the excess profits that supermarkets make.
Our economic plan for the future can be summed up in one sentence: to grow a high wage, low emissions economy that provides security in good and bad times. There is always more to do but we are making good progress.
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Local Elections
You should be receiving your voting papers in the mail. The Wellington City Council makes some really important decisions about our city, and these elections are your chance to have your say in that. I’d really encourage you to vote – turnout in local government elections is traditionally much lower than a general election and we can all do our part to improve that. Head to vote.nz for more info.
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Apprenticeship Boost Success
When I am asked to reflect on our COVID response I often say that one of the things I am proudest of is our work on apprenticeships and trade training. We made apprenticeships and targeted trade training free, and through the Apprenticeship Boost we supported businesses to keep apprentices on to finish their qualifications. I really believe this approach has contributed to lower unemployment and more productive firms. Recently we celebrated 50,000 people being supported through the Apprenticeship Boost – read more here.
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