NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) : Why is the Opposition so grumpy that it cannot acknowledge a bit of good news? Today we have seen a spark in the New Zealand economy. The boat, or perhaps the bike, as Opposition members might prefer to call it, is going slightly faster, with GDP data showing that the economy grew 0.1 percent in the June quarter. Although it is a positive sign, it is really important that we do not get ahead of ourselves. For many New Zealanders, particularly young New Zealanders, the measure of a good economy is having a job to turn up to on Monday or a regular pay check for their family. That is why young Kiwis are taking up our Job Ops package. Over 1,200 young people are being offered opportunities as a direct result of that scheme. Today’s result is positive.
There are many builders, electricians, and insulators who are staying afloat as a direct result of the Warm Up New Zealand package. Over 8,000 homes have been retrofitted in the first 8 weeks of the scheme, and a further 172,000 homes are on the cards. That is a lot of work for builders and electricians who will be in jobs because of the Government. The Youth Guarantee is about saying to young New Zealanders that they should not go on a benefit and instead should take up one of the 2,000 places that our Government is offering to study and learn practical skills.
It is important, though, to contrast our commitment and approach to job opportunities with the Labour Party’s. Under the Opposition’s plan, debt would spiral from $6 billion to $18 billion by 2012. Other brainstorms include the “Donald Trump Welfare Scheme”. That scheme would not see New Zealanders who are most at need getting welfare; it would see millionaires on benefits. The Opposition has reverted to typical ideology in terms of its “Welfare for Everybody” policy. The Opposition also proposes a populist policy of no more dividends from power companies, after it conveniently forgot the $3 billion that those companies ripped off New Zealanders in the good times.
The contrast is very clear. We are seeing positive signs in terms of our economy. This is about delivering smart, solid policies aimed at reducing debt and getting people into jobs. The news today is good, but we will continue to work harder to get people into jobs. As the Labour Party cranks up its barbecues this summer and Phil Goff puts on his bomber jacket to ride around the country to hold on to his leadership, the National Government will continue its progress. There was a spark in the New Zealand economy today. The bike is going slightly faster, focusing on getting young New Zealanders and other New Zealanders into jobs. We are doing a good job and we are focused on what matters.
