PM Press Conference 20/02/17: Election Speculation, or Not

Prime Minister Bill English began today’s press conference by thanking the emergency services workers for their efforts to tame the fire in Christchurch this past week, and expressed the need to continue to improve emergency responses. The Prime Minister will be heading back to Christchurch this Wednesday for the anniversary of the 2011 earthquake. He also mentioned his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and their discussions on trade, international economy, security and the pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders.

The Prime Minister was asked for a response on the MANA/Maori party deal and if he would do any deals with them and work with them. Mr English was then asked about whether his support for Peter Dunne would be contingent upon him voting for the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill. Questions about last year’s salary increases for Super Fund board members arose, and the Prime Minister stated that the pay has no reflection on the performance of the Fund and that this issue will be taken into account when it comes time for reappointment.

Mr English was asked whether mental health funding for the Canterbury District Health Board is “enough.” He mentioned that the money given recently was to assist those suffering from mental health issues after the Kaikoura earthquakes and that DHBs can move more money to mental health if they want to. More questions about election speculation arose and the Prime Minister stated that he will not rule in or out any hypothetical party situations.

Other questions from the gallery were about housing and infrastructure, and intelligence and security. Mr English was also questioned about a policy to abolish Maori seats that he said that, if it is “on the books” it is not one they are pursuing.

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