NEWSLETTER: Key Notes No.16

21 Comments
10 August 2007
NEWSLETTER: Key Notes No.16

Fighting for the Future

I really enjoyed National’s Annual Conference in Auckland last weekend. It was great to catch up with so many people from around the country and discuss our latest thinking. I’d like to thank Judy Kirk, the party, and the delegates who came from so far away. Your commitment, your energy, and your hard work are vital to our success.

In my speech on Sunday I spoke about Fighting for Tomorrow. I touched on the policies we’ve already announced. I spoke about how New Zealand needs to make the most of our opportunities, how we need to help our struggling families, and how National wants to make homes more affordable for young Kiwis (see below). To read and comment on my speech, click here.

Many of our Shadow Cabinet also gave major speeches including:

- Katherine Rich on Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom
- Tony Ryall on A New Partnership with the Health Professions
- Simon Power on Reducing Crime, Redeeming Lives
- Nick Smith on Simplifying and Streamlining the Resource Management Act

And, in New Zealand: At a Turning Point, Bill English spoke about how we want to achieve success for New Zealand in the global economy, because that’s the best way to look after the old, care for our young, and inspire our youth.

Making homes more affordable

Rising property prices, rising interest rates, and over-taxation have made it harder for young Kiwis to buy their first home.

Home ownership is a big part of the New Zealand dream. When people buy their first home they don’t just shake off the landlord. They make a life for themselves and their families in their neighbourhood. They take a stake in their community, their local school, the economy, and New Zealand’s future.

That's why National wants to make buying a first home more affordable again. And that's why, in my conference speech, I announced our four-point plan to improve home affordability. The four points are:

- Ensuring people are in a better financial position to afford a house.
- Freeing up the supply of suitable land.
- Dealing with the compliance issues that drive up building costs.
- Allowing state house tenants to buy the houses they live in.

There will be more to come. But in the meantime, every young New Zealander should know that, under National, if they work hard and are disciplined about saving, they can expect to buy their own home.

To read my speech and comment, click here.

Labour gets personal

You may have seen Helen Clark and her Ministers attacking me this week. Clearly, Labour is rattled by our polling, the policies we’re rolling out, and our relentless focus on New Zealand’s future. And, just as clearly, they are out of ideas about how to fix the big issues facing our country, such as:

- Our over-stretched infrastructure.
- The 1 in 5 Kiwis who leave school unable to read, write, and do maths at the minimum expected level.
- Skilled people deserting the country in droves – each week 760 people leave New Zealand to live in Australia.
- The frustration that people feel about the bureaucracy and over-regulation that hampers almost everything they try to do.

I won’t get distracted by personal attacks. My team and I are focusing on our job. While Labour spends its last year in office looking back and digging up dirt, we’re looking forward and developing policies to ensure New Zealand’s success.

Click here to watch and comment on my video diary - or here to listen to me discuss this on Jamie Mackay's Farmingshow.

Bay of Plenty visit

I had a great trip to the Bay of Plenty last week with East Coast MP, Anne Tolley, and our Maori Affairs team, Georgina Te Heuheu and Tau Henare.

We visited Ngati Awa in Whakatane, and went deep into Ngai Tuhoe to the historic Owhakatoro Marae inland of Ruatoki, where we had the privilege of being among the first MPs to be welcomed since Sir Apirana Ngata. It was good to talk with the iwi, hear their concerns, learn about their aspirations, and discuss our vision for New Zealand.

We also visited Trident High School in Whakatane, where we learnt about the innovative forestry programme the school is running. The programme teaches students practical skills that will help them get jobs in forestry. It’s a great fit for the local community, but the school doesn’t get enough funding for it from the Government so has to take money from elsewhere in its budget.

We want more schools to develop practical programmes that suit their community’s needs, and the initiatives we’ve announced on trades and industry training will go a long way towards helping out high schools like Trident and communities like Whakatane.

John Key MP

National Party Leader

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#1 - Anthony Kidd said:
2007-08-10 14:51 - (Reply)

Keep up the good work John, you have my support. My only hope is that you have a true mandate to govern after the next election and that the smaller parties dissappear. Tony Kidd

#2 - John Brock said:
2007-08-10 15:52 - (Reply)

Keep it up John, Don't allow Labour to get you frazzled. Stick to the real issues - the economy / cost of living, health,crime and welfare taxes and NZs competivness in a global environment. Too many cheap goods coming in to NZ Your stance at the last election was strong. lately you seem to have been confused? I will vote for u anyway and I believe you will grow into the position with some time. I think national can make a difference but the public is missing a vision of what NZ can be with good governance.

#3 - Christopher Webster 2007-08-10 15:58 - (Reply)

The points reported from the conference seem like a useful way forward, especially this business of educating children and future-proofing their development. We in south Christchurch are facing an interesting situation with an ICT learning centre which teaches Ministry Curriculum strands to pupils from 23 schools, is not to funded any more by the ministry. Imagine that; setting a teaching objective and then not having policy to fund it.... We are trying to get some traction on this ridiculous situation. See Perspective article below published in The Press August 1. Opinion Article *ICT Learning in South Christchurch; Learner pays.* By Christopher Webster It is 2007 and as New Zealand struggles to position itself for the online world, the government declines to fund an ICT learning centre in south Christchurch. The South Learning Centre uses modern business ideas of concentrating a critical mass of teacher talent, current hardware and software, real broadband and centralised planning to deliver ICT learning to teachers and children in class sized groups using common equipment. State schools could neither come remotely close to creating this with existing operational funding levels; nor could they utilise it economically. Initially funded in 2003 from surplus funds after the closure of Sydenham School, and grants from the private sector, funding ran out in mid 2007. A submission to the minister gained a blunt refusal urging participating schools to fund it themselves. Anyone following the education debate knows that schools can’t do that; they have neither the funding nor the technical or training expertise. The City Council has provided interim funding until December 2007. In an era highlighted by educational controversy and failures, South Learning Centre has been a stunning low cost educational success. To continue operating for another five years the SLC needs $205,000 annually. Not even the middle class suburbs of south Christchurch could bake, sell or eat enough chocolate cakes to resolve this funding shortfall. So, what do we know to be true? Most importantly the SLC actually teaches Ministry of Education ICT curriculum strands to students from 23 schools; it is not some loose on-line internet fun space. Teaching children as a class is the most cost efficient, and by any measure the most effective method to deliver this kind of knowledge. The City Council provides a world class facility, maintains the software and hardware, and most importantly provides qualified teachers. Additionally the SLC delivers a spectrum of horizon programs and personalised learning for both special needs, and talented and gifted children which would otherwise not occur. The SLC is booked out by schools for the remainder of the year. With no certainty of funding beyond the City Council lifeline expiring in December 2007, do we assume that the SLC doesn’t fit the Ministry of Education model for ICT learning. The Ministry know and accept that some schools with a computer only in the school office will simply not deliver the ICT curriculum strands; and that seems acceptable to the Minister. The City Council and Ministry of Education have showcased the SLC to visiting Australian and Malaysian educators; they think it’s really clever but don’t know it is under threat. Less than 10% of computing hardware in schools has been bought using Government funding; which means over 90% has been bought by selling cakes and raffle tickets. So the message to parents is, the government thinks every school should have a room full of computers but will not fund that capability; ironically they won’t fund this centralised resource either. Centralisation provides economies of scale for every aspect of the SLC, more importantly it creates a centre of excellence to jump start whole cohorts of children, often with parents, into the on-line world. This seems lost on the Minister. In an address to the Taradale Labour Party Conference in Napier in May 2007- subject - Our Education System: One of the Best in the World - Steve Maharey stated that ‘…if we don’t move forward all we are doing is using old skills, information and knowledge and trying to make the challenges of the future fit into that old framework. Or as Charlie Brown in Shultz’s cartoon Peanuts said so succinctly, “How can you do new maths with an old maths mind?”.....’ The Minister didn’t count on the Internet bringing this mantra to the schools and families of South Christchurch that need the on-line world, and want to do new maths with a new maths mind. To the minister, parents in South Christchurch say ‘..put your money where your mouth is..’ Christopher Webster is a housefather with three children at the gates of the on-line world, and he is not baking any more cakes to prop up the Ministry of Education. 17 July 2007

#4 - Robert James Walker 2007-08-10 16:32 - (Reply)

Keep at it , you are confronted by left wing jurno's and Parties that have a lack of understanding of what truth is . Hold your ground , make them play on it , dont play on theirs . Dont be goaded into giving them your plans for the election time , be strong on that one .

#5 - Jill Jeffs 2007-08-10 16:43 - (Reply)

When will you sort out doctor fees and make then equable? Even with a Community Card superannuitants here pay up to $40 to go to their GP.Younger working people pay less than pensioners now. It is ridiculous. They can't afford to pay a fifth of their pension, so do not go, end up in hospital as the illness becomes worse, so where is the saving of health funds. If you didn't tax pensions at source which is about $80 a week for a married couple, then they could afford health care, even medical insurance. Nowhere else in the world are pensions taxed. Why can't politicians showcommon sense? And compassion for the elderly? Thousands of votes could be won!!!

#6 - William Fraser 2007-08-10 17:35 - (Reply)

Please refer to we citizens as New Zealanders, and not Kiwis. We deserve to be refered to as New Zealanders. That is what the rest of the world Knows us as. Helen continually descibes us as Kiwis. We deserve better than that from you

#7 - Ian Blair 2007-08-10 18:41 - (Reply)

I am all for making first homes more affordable but how to do it? Lowering Tax rates must continue to be one of your planks as this allows descretionary income for all. Also addressing hold ups from the resource management act must be part of the solution...yes raise the concern but do not let one noisey constituent hold back progress. On Crime when a child molester gets 7 years this should mean seven years...not parole at 2. Keep up the good work...hold some of your policies back until next year....avoid labour being me to

#8 - Michael Ashmore 2007-08-10 21:14 - (Reply)

How can we respect our politicians when we constantly see them behaving like frenzied demented low life's in parliament. No wonder politicians are rated near the bottom of the respect ladder just above real estate agents and used car dealers. It would be nice to see National and its leader bring a more dignified and respectful attitude to parliament and not condescend to scumbag tactics, leave that to Labour, in the long term it may do them more harm. I'm sure the non party voters National needs would warm to intelligent, honest and respectful politicians and political parties, however, those attributes are probably naive wishful thinking on my part. Finally, I totally agree with the comments from John Brock and hope they are taken on board.

#9 - Grant Scoones 2007-08-11 08:58 - (Reply)

Regarding affordable housing for all. I think this one might have flown the coop, and it might be time for New Zealanders to join the rest of the developed world and accept that leasing rather than owning a home might not be such a bad thing. Affordable "homes" rather than "houses" by way of long term lease would then free up personal capital for other retirement and investment opportunities.

#10 - wayne mitchell 2007-08-11 10:19 - (Reply)

John keys Not to worry about the rantings of Nana and Grandad. They are just professional politicians whose only concerns seem to be social engineering to suit there lifestyles and inventing as many ways to create taxes and hold them for buying elections. It amazes me how much time the Laborious party spend on everthing but the issues. Thankyou for looking at overhauling the resource management act- this is way overdue.

#11 - Bob Devereux 2007-08-11 11:10 - (Reply)

Good one John even when you lead Labour (which you are at present in the polls) the country will benefit. Please look into reintroducing the referendum about Corporal and Capital punnishment which we used to have at each election so as the country can determine the issue not the few that are elected to Parliment. Tio be fair to all it is an issue that needs the people to determine not you few who might not reflect personally the majority of Kiwis. It is interesting to note that when hanging and caning was abolished the murders and violence increased in this country and the respect of authorities particularly in schools dropped. It is very hard to get male teachers today because of this. You drop this onto the electrate and Labour wont know what hit them let thje people decide and soon and if they want hanging and caning back it will be there for our Judicial System and Teachers to use should they want or if it was necessary and then you will start a process of getting back the respect that we need as a nation of good Kiwis. Something we could fight for in our future.

#12 - Lyn Duthie 2007-08-11 11:50 - (Reply)

Please do not sink to the level of Cullen and co in the House. If you keep your dignity they will be powerless. New Zealanders are sick of seeing these displays on the news.

#13 - Moira Forsyth 2007-08-11 11:53 - (Reply)

Whatever you do John, do not sink to Labour's level in Parliament. Their antics this week disgusted us - we teach our children not to be bullies and then we see our nation's (so-called) leaders shouting vitriol and personally attacking others. Great to see you maintain the high ground and hold back from personal attacks - only loses you respect. Anyone can call others names, but few can grasp the issues and implement the best solutions. We need our leaders to debate the issues, not the person. By the way, I agree with the earlier email regarding "Kiwis" - I HATE being called a Kiwi, I am a New Zealander not a bird - and yes, Helen does it all the time - again, not a good look.

#14 - Tom Topping 2007-08-12 13:41 - (Reply)

Hi John We came to NZ 3 years ago from Australia, Australia is also a very bureaucratic country, although there seems to be more opportunity here, and less state help here (this could be why so many go that way), one gripe, your electricity, possibly the most expensive in the world, why? Tom Topping

#15 - Ross Calverley 2007-08-12 14:36 - (Reply)

And for another thing, those with benefits that are caught for serious drug offences should have their benefit reduced in the first instance then if it happens again totally cut. The Labour Party are only attacking you because you are doing so well in the opinion polls and have a strong sensible long term plan. Their only plan is to win the next election at any cost. Please don't let them stuff up the country anymore than they have. Ordinary Nzers are crying out for a break.

#16 - john greenfield 2007-08-13 09:51 - (Reply)

Don't use figures like - each week 760 people leave New Zealand to live in Australia. - you lose your credibility, just state - over 700 - The labour party have done such a hatchet job on the public, that you should take a Page out of Ronald Reagans successful campaign using the slogan - Let's get the govt off our backs"

#17 - Kiran Chandra 2007-08-13 10:53 - (Reply)

As a general comment, you took the gutter-type political swipe like an upcoming professional statesman..pls do not stoop low as the Labour 'stalwarts' display of their own character and traits. You were above them in the eyes of the majority of the NZers ..the new polls prove d that! Good on your utternaces on the issues than cheap mudslingings and gutter politics. You will survive these rusty polies in 2008 D-Day> March forward regardless!

#18 - Doug McLean 2007-08-15 13:50 - (Reply)

For the first time in years we see some dignity in the house. The fact that people like Clark and Cullen seem to get some childlike enjoyment out of turning the house into some sort of bullring just shows them up for what they have always been. Why haven't people woken up to the cheating, lies, fraud? How many more dishonest MPs do we have to have before people see the Labour Party for what they are? Why do some still accept Clark when she sneers so much at anyone who thinks differently than her? Sure she has some intelligence but where is the morality, decency, caring. Stand up as you are John. Ignore these people ranting and raving. Everytime they do they must surely lose more votes.

#19 - Les McGreevy 2007-08-15 13:55 - (Reply)

Like you I enjoyed the Conference-well done.Re The Parliament You wre not surprisingly attacked last week, but I thought you were above sewer rat comments

#20 - Earl Trass 2007-08-27 13:06 - (Reply)

Interesting to receive your newsletter but please don't exaggerate so called facts. I do not believe that 1 in 5 leave school unable to read or write or do basic maths. Where do you get you facts from. Also you continually go on about the number of Kiwis leaving for Australia and highlight the bureaucracy as a reason. I also believe that we have too much bureaucracy but Australia is much worse and we consistently rate as one of the easiest countries in the OECD to do business in in world surveys. More constructive comments in these and other areas would aid the cause of a change in government.

#21 - Nigel Hitchcock 2008-07-19 19:18 - (Reply)

I have no doubt that National will be the next goverment in NZ after the November election. National has Labour on the ropes and there is no doubt you will win. My concern is that you are talking about bringing Winston Peters alongside National. If it is at all possible, give this guy a wide berth. I feel sure that National will be strong enough to leave this person out of your cabinet.

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