20 September 2015 Media Statement
Delivering for all New Zealanders – one year on
A year on from the General Election, the National-led Government is delivering on its commitment tohelp all New
Zealanders get ahead, says Prime Minister John Key.
“Our careful management of the books has meant we’ve been able to introduce new policies to support New Zealand
families,” says Mr Key.
“We have extended free doctor’s visits and prescriptions to children aged under 13, extended paid parental leave,
reduced ACC levies and we’re increasing benefit payments.
“We are helping young New Zealanders into their first home through our HomeStart programme, and by working with local
councils to free up more land faster through Housing Accords.
“We are continuing to invest heavily in health and education. Kids are staying in school longer and leaving with higher
qualifications, while in health we are delivering more elective operations and spending more on hospice and palliative
care.
“Families are also being helped by an economy which is continuing to grow. There were over 49,000 new jobs created in
the nine months to June 2015 and the average wage is up $1500. The services sector – which includes tourism – has seen
35 months of straight growth.
“We are continuing to back New Zealand businesses by rolling out ultra-fast broadband, investing in infrastructure and
in research and development, and negotiating free trade deals, such as the TPP.
“We remain firmly focused on rebuilding Christchurch. We’ve completed the first of the anchor projects, 75 per cent of
key infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, has been repaired, and we are making good progress on the red zone
properties.
“Like all New Zealanders, we have a shared interest in building a strong economy that provides opportunities for Kiwi
families and businesses to get ahead here in their own country.”
Attachment: Working For New Zealand – One Year On