NEWSLETTER: Key Notes No.27

10 Comments
29 February 2008
NEWSLETTER: Key Notes No.27

FACEBOOK UPDATE
On Wednesday I posted a new video on my Facebook page thanking the 1,400 supporters who had already signed up. Already, hundreds have posted messages and many of the comments have been helpful. I hope you keep them coming. Together with the comments on my website they help give me a sense of your frustrations and your hopes, and what National can do to build a better New Zealand.

So please keep contributing. And if you haven't already visited my Facebook page, please check it out and sign up. I look forward to seeing you online.

YOUTH PLAN
I had a fascinating day in Wanganui this week looking at youth education and justice initiatives in the city. This was a follow-up to my State of the Nation speech, where I unveiled National's Youth Plan.

We visited the Gonville Community Police Station and learnt about the "Life to the Max" programme, which is helping young offenders step away from a life of crime. We went to the Wai Ora Christian Community Trust, the Youth Services Trust, and the YMCA to see how they help out young people in need. And we visited Land Based Training, which provides a range of practical courses in areas from agriculture to traffic management.

It was a great insight to the challenges we face helping young people succeed, and what community groups can achieve when you combine ingenuity, optimism, and a truckload of hard work.

I'd like to thank everyone who took time to show me around and tell me a little bit about their work. It's great to see so many people with so many good ideas getting stuck in, and I'm confident that the policies we have announced in our Youth Plan will help make a real difference in our communities.

THE EXCHANGE RATE

The New Zealand dollar is at a post-float high again, at well over US 80 cents, and with rising interest rates and growing fuel prices, our exporters are really feeling the pinch. This has some serious implications for our economy. Watch my comment on the dollar and the economic outlook here.

LOOKING AHEAD

I try not to comment too much on the polls, but as I've been travelling around the electorate it's clear that people are enthusiastic about our progress, and that the mood for change is growing.

Our team has had a great start to the year but there is a long way to go. We can't afford, for even a moment, to get distracted from rolling out our programme to build a better New Zealand. That will remain our focus until the election and beyond. Your help and your support will be essential every step of the way.

Kind regards,

John Key MP
Leader of the National Party

www.national.org.nz
www.johnkey.co.nz
www.youtube.com/nationalparty
http://flickr.com/photos/nznationalparty/

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#1 - Kevin 2008-02-29 19:36 - (Reply)

The best youth plan any party could have is to reward the 95% or so responsible hard working young people in this country. The best way to reward them is to move towards a sustainable economy that can keep them here or attract them back after their OE, with incentives such as good wages, conditions and affordable housing. The present government parties have failed to do this. I do not believe we can ever attract back the people we need if NZ is merely a high priced retirement village for NZers and others who have made their money overseas.

#1.1 - Peter Graham 2008-03-05 21:11 - (Reply)

Not so much responding to your newsletter but to express my disappointment at your handling this week of the National Party's policy on the cut-off for handling Treaty of Waitangi claims and the Government's changes to the overseas investment regime. I do not disagree with the party's policy on Waitangi claims providing it has some flexibility. But you must do your homework and present the policy clearing and wwithout prevarification. I think you need to make another statement to the media to do this. I cannot understand why you got in such a fix over the possible overseas investment in Auckland International Airport and the Government's change to the OI regime. The proposal has been around for quite a long time now and the Government has had plenty of time to make changes, if necessary. Why has it left this to nearly the last minute! And is a change really necessary when, my view is, the present regime is robust enough without further scaring off overseas investors. The airport was never going to be controlled by the Canadian Investment Fund, it was simply a good investment for them. In other words the Government is just playing politics over this which is despicable. You need to clarify National's position on this.

#2 - Philip D.Anker 2008-02-29 19:50 - (Reply)

What policy,if any,does the leader of the opposition adopt re. giving the referendum full recognition and a go-ahead in the coming months?!

#3 - mike 2008-03-01 12:59 - (Reply)

If you are to bring NZ into the 21st century and wealthy again, you must look at significant tax breaks for companies setting up new ventures in NZ, particuarly those intending to export from NZ and bring wealth and jobs to NZ.. Maori!? big issue.. good luck.

#4 - mike 2008-03-01 13:02 - (Reply)

One other suggestion. End waitangi related compensation completely. Then offer all students returning to NZ that their student loan debt will be erased comepletely.

#5 - Al 2008-03-01 14:25 - (Reply)

It is now disgusting to read NZ newspaper everyday. If it is not murder, it is rape or home invasion. Can't our representatives legislate laws like that in Singapore where everyone is free enough but still would feel safe???? Can't we have harsher laws against drug pushers, rapists, taggers, home invaders to let those offenders know that the government means business???? I know the Green Party will oppose this notion because they like to protect the human rights. How about the human rights of the victims???? I come from a third world country where peace and order is an issue and when I came to NZ, I was shocked to know that we can't defend ourselves inside our own house even if the home invaders are armed with knives or other deadly weapons. And the sad part of this scenario is if the home invaders got caught, they will end up in jail where they can have nice and clean place to stay because they have their human rights. How about the human rights of the victims??????? Can John answer this question if he gets elected??????

#6 - Matthew Newman 2008-03-03 09:28 - (Reply)

Good morning John and the National caucus Firstly I am delighted at the focus and discipline evident in the parties performance and conduct over the past 12 months - an essential ingredient if National is to be elected with a substantial mandate to govern Similarly I am very supportive of the relationship building with the minor parties particularly the Maori party who are likely to be an critical party post elcetion. It is a simple relaity of MMP that an open minded approach be adopted - I applaud you for this "inclusive" and proactive approach! Like many NZ's I am deeply concerned at the deterioation of social behaviours around the country. The recently announced youth policy is a very good start. I cannot help but think that the keys to turning this situation around over the next 20 - 30 years lie in "attitude". Specifically that policy focussed on a balance between "rights" and "responsibility" lead the way. Policy spanning the past 30 years has been underpined by a premise that the country "gives" and expects little back in return. That policy rewards poor behaviours rather than incenting good behaviours. I know this is a general point but think it lies at the core of how we should develop future policy. John you talk of developing an "aspirational" society. Congratulations!!!! I support your thrust 100%. The dificulty lies in New Zealander's understanding and believing that the country CAN be much better than it is. Most of us have a very narrow view of the world - we are what we are - too scared to reach for "more". How could this be addressed? I suggest that the party develop a policy that establishes for want of a better description a "national summit" with representatives from all walks of life - to engage in a debate as to what we want NZ to become - that results in a vision statement for the NZ that we aspire to be 5 or 10 years from now. To effect more than simply managing the status quo in this volatile MMP ebnvironment will require a broadly based and sustained national consensus at the widest possible community level of "where we are today and what we aspire to be" The devil of cause is in the detail. However if we are to fulfill our potential as a Nation we must establish a consensus and take the country along for the ride!!! Matthew Newman 3.3.08

#7 - Richard Walker 2008-03-03 14:59 - (Reply)

Im excited and apprehensive about this coming election. To me its do or die. If Labour take power again I think the hole we're in will be almost insurmountable. I might consider Aussie myself if that happens. I hope when National wins they sort out : -tougher penalities on crime (not just a wet towel); -serious and urgent tax breaks for all kiwis; - get economy moving ; -reverse legislation like anti smacking for one; - bring back social responsibility; -create incentives for workers & business owners; -sort out the hospital nightmare; and many other issues. And John, if you do get in, take some risks. You can't be Mr nice guy all the time and to everybody. Someone needs to get tough in this country and make the hard decisions. Too many people in this country are either taking it for a ride, bludging off the system at the expense of others and its a case of everyone for themselves to some degree. People need to get back the pride in this country, and be working together for a better lifestyle and a better NZ for us, our kids and future generations. Go for it and good luck.

#8 - Rex OConnor said:
2008-03-05 10:35 - (Reply)

John make sure that through the youth plan there is a connection with the business community and the education authorities. For Instance if there is a one man plumber for instance then he can contact youth plan and as a result interview young persons who have a interest oin learning the practical and the interlectual side and end up a registered plumber . But the most importnt thing for you to do is to eliminate the blocks weather they be monies or beuacratic . Rex OConnor

#9 - JA 2008-03-06 17:13 - (Reply)

umm ahh err.... John do you want to retain your lead at the elections and live your dream of becoming the PM? If so you really need to be able to both accurately and repetitively quote your party policy and also be decisive when talking with the media. Otherwise unfortunately the seasoned politicians of the left will simply roll all over you which will be most unfortunate for the future of this great little country.

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