3 June 2011

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IMPROVING OUR WELFARE SYSTEM
This week I announced a ministerial group to lead work on improving New Zealand's welfare system.

I want this country to have a welfare system that encourages personal responsibility, helps people into paid jobs, and protects our most vulnerable.

The independent Welfare Working Group's recent report shows our welfare system isn't working as well as it could.

We have to do better for hardworking taxpayers, for beneficiaries who are falling far short of their potential, and for children growing up in welfare-dependent households.

Long-term welfare dependency robs people of confidence, motivation and aspiration. Ultimately it can rob their children of these things, too.

This Government is not prepared to leave this large group of New Zealanders behind. I'm ambitious for what we can achieve in this area, and I look forward to announcing our welfare reform policies before the election.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011
On Wednesday we marked 100 days to go until the Rugby World Cup. New Zealand will play the first game against Tonga at Auckland's Eden Park on 9 September.

The Government is committed to making sure the tournament is a great success. Preparations are on track, ticket sales are going well, and we're looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world.

It's a good time to think about how you can get involved. You could adopt a team, join the NZ 2011 Business Club, or get involved in festival events happening in your area.

Find out more at www.nz2011.govt.nz.

See photos of Parliament's '100 days to go' event here.

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
It's been two weeks since we announced Budget 2011. New Zealanders have shown strong support for our balanced decisions and responsible economic management.

Budget 2011 rebalances the economy towards savings and exports, and away from the borrowing and excessive government spending of the past. It's about paying for the rebuild of Christchurch, getting back into surplus sooner, creating jobs, and boosting incomes.

Find out more about what Budget 2011 means for you at www.national.org.nz/budget.

Read a one-page summary of Budget 2011 here.

DELIVERING ULTRA-FAST BROADBAND
Last week we delivered on one of our main 2008 election promises when we announced our deal with two further ultra-fast broadband providers. Starting now, we're rolling out broadband speeds of 100 Mbps to 75 per cent of New Zealanders where they live, work, and study.

Ultra-fast broadband is a key part of this Government's economic growth plan. It'll revolutionise the way many businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and communities operate. It'll also help overcome the tyranny of distance with the rest of the world, and new applications and ways of doing things will be developed.

Rural areas are covered by our $300 million Rural Broadband Initiative.

Find out more about our broadband initiatives here.

NATIONAL PARTY CONFERENCE SEASON
On Sunday I spoke at the last of the 2011 National Party regional conferences. It's been great to catch up with National Party members around the country and thank them for their hard work. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone in August at the national conference in Wellington.

Read my speech to the Northern Region conference here.

BUILDING THE CYCLE TRAIL
Last week I was in Queenstown for TRENZ 2011, which is New Zealand's largest tourism trade show. I also enjoyed a ride on the Shotover Jet.

In my speech to TRENZ delegates I announced that Olympic Gold medallist Sarah Ulmer has signed up as an ambassador for the New Zealand Cycle Trail project. It's great to have Sarah on board. I'm sure she'll be an inspiring ambassador.

We already have one Great Ride open - the St James Cycle Trail near Hanmer Springs - and 17 others are due to open in the near future.

Find out more about Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project here.

FROM MY DIARY
On Tuesday and Wednesday I was in New Plymouth for a number of events including a great public meeting organised by the Taranaki Daily News. Yesterday I was in Invercargill, and today I've been in the Rodney electorate.

I hope you have a good Queen's Birthday weekend. I'm looking forward to having a couple of days off to spend time with my family.

Best wishes,
John Key
Prime Minister

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ENDS

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