PM's Press Conference 10/31/16: Free-trade & the US election

Prime Minister John Key began today’s press conference by discussing his recent trip to India, mentioning the importance of a free-trade relationship. Mr. Key mentioned the 14% increase in new housing consents, and looking forward, cited Nick Smith’s endeavours to require councils to make more land available for new housing. The latest crime statistics were released today, and Mr. Key acknowledged that crime rates have gone up recently but the numbers are down 15% since 2011.

Questions from the gallery probed the Prime Minister for a response to the possibility of a Trump victory on the US election outcome. Key replied that no one knows what will happen. Free-trade, TPP and security were key issues raised. Mr. Key stated that he believes the TPP has a 50/50 chance of passing if Clinton is elected president. On the recently announced intention of Australia to bar access to Australia for any people arriving by boat, the Prime Minister saw few immediate implications for NZ. New Zealand’s offer to take 150 refugees from Nauru is still on the table. No recent discussions about the offer had taken place, and in any case NZ has no interest in creating a “second-class” residency category whereby certain NZ residents would not enjoy free movement to Australia.

Other topics included RBNZ measures on housing, Super Fund/ACC investment in Kiwibank, the sake of solid energy assets and the likely fate of the TPP.

© Scoop Media