6 May 2011

HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE INTO JOBS
I'm always impressed by the young people I meet around the country. They're ambitious for themselves and they make me optimistic for New Zealand.

But those who get knocked back during the crucial early years can quickly lose confidence. During the recession, 18- to 24-year-olds became the fastest-growing age group on the unemployment benefit.

I know how damaging a long period of unemployment can be for young people starting out. That's why I announced a new $55.2 million Youth Employment Package on Tuesday with Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

The package is about getting unemployed young people into good jobs and training. It'll help about 15,000 young people over four years.

National is offering employers $5000 subsidies to take on unemployed young people and provide training opportunities. We're also expanding our successful Limited Service Volunteers programme, which is a six-week course delivered by the Defence Force. It gives young unemployed people basic military and life training skills so they have the confidence to find a job.

Read a one-page summary of National's Youth Employment Package here.

Check out photos of my visit on Tuesday to the Limited Service Volunteers programme at Trentham, Upper Hutt.

VISITING THE UK AND FRANCE
On Monday I returned from my visit to the United Kingdom and France.

I met with a number of leaders, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron. David and I have been friends for many years, so it was good to catch up and also talk about the issues facing our two countries.

On Anzac Day I was at Hyde Park Corner in London, where I spoke at the Dawn Service and attended a very moving service at Westminster Abbey.

I also met with Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle. I know the Queen cares very deeply about New Zealand, and she wanted me to pass on her best wishes to the people of Christchurch and the Pike River families.

The day before the Royal Wedding, I met Prince Charles for the first time at Clarence House and we enjoyed chatting about a number of issues.

Then at the end of the trip, my wife Bronagh and I had the privilege of attending the Royal Wedding. William and Kate are a great couple and I'm sure they'll have a wonderful life together.

See photos of my visit to the UK and France here.

CRACKING DOWN ON P
When I became Prime Minister I promised to tackle methamphetamine - commonly known as 'P'. Our action plan includes cracking down on the precursor chemicals of the drug, breaking supply chains, and providing better treatment and support for P users.

The latest progress report shows we're delivering on our promise and containing the growth of New Zealand's methamphetamine market.

Police and Customs officers have seized large amounts of P and the chemicals used to make it in the past year. We've also boosted help for P users who want to turn their lives around, and we've reached our target of 60 new treatment beds six months ahead of schedule.

BOOSTING MATERNITY SERVICES
Yesterday Health Minister Tony Ryall announced extra funding to help mothers and babies in Budget 2011.

An extra $54.5 million over four years means our public health service will be able to give pregnant women, new mothers, and babies the extra support they need. Initiatives include more WellChild visits with a focus on new mothers, local clinical reviews of all births, and making sure new mothers have access to the health and social services they need.

Despite the tight financial times, we've put an extra $1.2 billion into health services in the past two years. And it's one of the only areas getting extra funding in Budget 2011.

Click here to read a one-page summary of how we're improving maternity services.

STANDING ALONGSIDE CANTABRIANS
I've spent the day in Christchurch today. It's been good to catch up with some Cantabrians, including the kids at Sumner School and the great staff at Elastomer Products.

This week Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee announced the alliance that will rebuild infrastructure such as roads, water, wastewater, and storm water systems. This will be the fastest and most effective way to get the job done.

Rebuilding Christchurch is the Government's main priority this year. It will be a long, complex, and costly task. But I know that in the end we will see an even more vibrant and prosperous Christchurch emerge.

Budget 2011 allocates $5.5 billion over the next few years to rebuild the city.

Visit www.cera.govt.nz to read more about what the Government is doing to help Canterbury.

FROM MY DIARY
Tomorrow I'm speaking at the Grey Power annual meeting in Hamilton, and then I'm off to Gisborne for the Central North Island National Party conference.

Best wishes,
John Key
Prime Minister

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ENDS

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