Zeroing In - Budget Target: Surplus by 2014-15

Monday, 2 April 2012, 6:13 pm
Article: Mark P. Williams

Today the Prime Minister's press conference focused on the budget.

He emphasised that it remained his intention to reach a budget surplus by 2014-15. The PM also announced that on Wednesday he would be rolling out a new initiative focusing on youth mental health. He said that New Zealand was likely to have another zero budget this year.

He went on to praised the Police for the low crime statistics released today and gave brief details of his forthcoming bilateral meetings in Indonesia and Singapore accompanied by the Trade Minister Tim Groser , and of his family holiday in Europe. While in Indonesia the PM will be meeting with President Yudhoyono, and the Foreign and Trade Ministers and Tourism and Creative Economy Ministers. He emphasised the importance of Indonesia as a trade partner for New Zealand. The PM spoke of being pleased to have the opportunity to address the Indonesia New Zealand Friendship Council, launched by Minister Murray McCully in 2010, and also to be addressing a conference organised by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In Singapore he will meet with President Tan and Prime Minister Lee to discuss science and technology, education and trade. He said he will also be thanking both Singapore and Indonesia for their support in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake.

The PM also welcomed Tauranga MP Simon Bridges to the Executive and Napier Minister Chris Tremain to Cabinet. He then took questions from the press gallery on a variety of issues.

Taken Questions

-- The PM was asked about ACC Minister Judith Collins' decision to undertake a defamation case against members of the Labour Party and Radio New Zealand
-- Further questions were asked regarding the PM's position on Judith Collins' decision to fund the case herself and whether the case was raised at Cabinet
-- The PM was then asked what New Zealand's response might be to the current situation in Fiji following the recent flooding
-- Several questions were raised regarding Auckland Sky City Casino and the decision to increase the number of pokie machines. The Prime Minister refused to give detailed comment on the figure of 500 new machines that was raised by members of the Press Gallery
-- Asked about the current MFAT consultations the PM acknowledged that there were a 'strongly held views by the heads of mission' but that a compromise would be reached
-- The PM was also asked about the possible implications of the Crafar Farms verdict

Video: 2 April - Post-Cabinet announcements from the Prime Minister – From NZ Nats on YouTube [does not include questions]

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