BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

It's about a week since the election campaign started and I've been busy explaining National's plan to build a brighter future for families and the country.

On 26 November, voters have a clear choice. By giving your party vote to National you're voting for a strong, stable government that will deliver a brighter future.

In this issue of Key Notes, I talk about some of our policies so far.  

Check out National's election videos here.       

BALANCING THE BOOKS SOONER  

I launched National's fiscal policy on Monday. We have a straightforward and comprehensive plan to build a more competitive economy. 

We're balancing the books sooner by getting back to surplus in three years. That means less debt and lower interest rates for households and businesses. We're also creating incentives for people to work hard, save and get ahead, through changes to tax and welfare. And we're building better roads, broadband and other infrastructure so businesses can grow.

Read my speech on the economy here.   

STAYING STRONG ON CRIME

Today I announced the first part of National's law and order policy, which puts a stronger emphasis on victims. We'll double the penalties for breaches of protection orders, fund security improvements for the homes of family violence victims and continue to improve services for victims.

Click here to view our law and order policy for victims.  

TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS WITH MIXED OWNERSHIP FUNDS

At the National Party campaign launch on Sunday I announced we'll set up a Future Investment Fund with the proceeds from the mixed ownership model. We'll put $1 billion from that fund into modernising and transforming schools. This is part of our plan to build better public services and create 21st-century schools across the country.

Read my speech on our policy to transform schools here.

REFORMING WELFARE

National is improving the welfare system to encourage more people into work. On Tuesday in Hamilton I announced the Government's next steps, which include replacing current benefits with three new ones - Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support and Supported Living Payment. The welfare system will always be there to support those who cannot work, but National believes that anybody who can work should be required to look for a job.

Read my speech on our welfare changes here. 

RMA CHANGES SUPPORT GROWTH, CREATE JOBS 

In Tauranga on Wednesday I announced the next steps in National's plan to streamline and simplify the Resource Management Act. This includes a new six-month time limit on processing consents for medium-sized projects. Sensible management of our resources is critical to protecting our environment and building a stronger economy with more real jobs.

Click here to view National's resource management policy.

WORKPLACE POLICIES TO CREATE JOBS

National's employment relations policy brings better balance to labour market rules. It encourages growth, creates jobs and protects workers' rights. One of the changes we will bring in is a starting-out wage for young first-time workers.

Click here to view National's employment relations policy.

BOOSTING SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

Yesterday I announced the Government is boosting investment in the science sector. The high-tech manufacturing and services sectors have great potential, but need more support to grow, increase exports, and ramp up productivity. That's why we're transforming Industrial Research Limited into an advanced technology institute, which will focus on industry development.

MORE POLICIES

Check out all the policies we've announced so far at: http://www.national.org.nz/policy.aspx.  

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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THE RENA

On Tuesday I went to Tauranga again to get a further update on the container ship Rena, which is stranded on the Astrolabe reef. I also met the local chamber of commerce.

The salvage team is working to pump as much oil off the ship as possible so that it doesn't spill into the sea.  But the weather is very variable and, even in calm conditions, this is a very difficult task.

At this stage, we don't know how long the recovery might take. The ship remains stranded and it's very much a waiting game. This is as frustrating for the salvage team as it is for everyone else.

The Government is putting every available resource into the clean up and recovery efforts, and this will continue.

I'd like to thank everyone who has volunteered so far. I've met people who are going out of their way to clean up beaches, protect wildlife, and help in any way they can. We'll continue to need the help of volunteers, so if you are able, please sign up at www.boprc.govt.nz/oilspillvolunteers/.   

For further information please visit Maritime New Zealand's website at www.maritimenz.govt.nz. It includes an extensive timeline of the Government's response since the ship was first stranded.

GO THE MIGHTY ALL BLACKS

I'll be joining thousands of others at Eden Park on Sunday night for the Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and France. It'll be a tough game, but I'm backing Richie and the boys all the way to play the best rugby of their lives and bring home the Webb Ellis Cup.

BUILDING SAVINGS & INVESTMENT

On Tuesday Finance Minister Bill English announced that the Government intends to do a one-off KiwiSaver auto-enrolment exercise in 2014/15. This is subject to the government's books returning to surplus by then.

All workers who are not already in the KiwiSaver scheme would be automatically enrolled, with the ability to opt out.

This is another step in National's plan to build genuine national savings. We are working hard to return to surplus, repay debt, and build long-term economic growth.

BOOSTING TRADE

Yesterday in Auckland I launched the New Zealand Inc India Strategy. It's a plan that outlines how New Zealand can make the most of the opportunities India provides.

India is emerging as an economic superpower, and stronger ties between our two countries will benefit us hugely.

This will be the first of many NZ Inc country and regional strategies. In addition to India, strategies are being developed on China, the United States, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the European Union.

By trading more with the rest of the world, we will build a stronger economy, create jobs, boost incomes, and raise living standards for Kiwi families.

REBUILDING CHRISTCHURCH

Last week data was released showing that Canterbury's economy is making steady progress.This shows just how resilient the people of Canterbury have been despite the challenges of the past year.   

Manufacturing and exports have grown consistently since the February earthquake, while job advertisements have increased sharply in recent months. Other indicators are stable, showing that many businesses are managing well, although some industries such as tourism and retail continue to struggle.

The Government is spending $5.5 billion over six years to rebuild Christchurch. For more information on the steps the Government is taking, visit www.cera.govt.nz. 

FROM MY DIARY

On Wednesday in Christchurch I opened the Raeward Fresh store in Harewood, spoke at a lunch for young businesspeople, and opened the High Street Medical Centre. I then attended the funeral of Christopher Doig before flying to Auckland for Style Pasifika, which was a great show. Yesterday in Auckland I opened Sir Peter Leitch's sports museum in Manurewa. Today I'm in South Canterbury for a number of events. Then I'm returning to Auckland for the weekend for a number of meetings on Saturday and the big game on Sunday.

Next week British Prime Minister David Cameron will visit New Zealand.

I hope you all have a safe and happy long weekend, and enjoy the chance to spend some time with family and friends.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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I've been to Tauranga again this afternoon and I want to give you an update on the situation there.

As many of you will know, a container ship grounded on the Astrolabe reef, east of Tauranga, last Wednesday. It was carrying 1360 20-foot containers and had 1700 tonnes of heavy diesel oil on board.

As of about 6pm today, an estimated 350 tonnes of oil has leaked into the sea, some of which has reached Tauranga's beaches. Some of the containers have fallen overboard and there are large cracks in the ship which could cause the ship to sink.

I want to assure you that the Government has done everything it can to reduce the environmental impact of this situation, from the moment the ship hit the reef.

Currently weather conditions are delaying salvage attempts, which is frustrating for all of us. Some people have asked why the salvage team didn't get the oil off the ship earlier, while the weather conditions were clear.

The nature of the ship's grounding, and the holes in ship's hull and keel, created a number of very difficult issues for the salvage team. This included extensive damage to the ship's own piping when it hit the reef, which meant the salvage team had to cobble together pumping and piping systems in order to pump oil from the ship.

The Government is putting every available resource into the clean up and recovery efforts, and this will continue.

Experts are working to salvage the ship and transfer oil to another ship as soon as possible. We've also got environmental response teams working to protect wildlife, the Navy has ships at sea, and civilians and defence personnel are cleaning up the beaches.

I'd like to pass on my thanks to everyone who has helped the Government's response so far. There will be much more hard work to come.

For the latest updates and information, please visit the Maritime website at www.maritimenz.govt.nz. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is also hosting community briefings around the area - click here for details.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

Click here to watch my latest video journal on YouTube

BUILDING A STRONGER ECONOMY

New Zealand is not immune to the slowdown in growth in Europe and the United States. This is a time of global uncertainty, but National has a clear and balanced plan to navigate through the challenges ahead. It's a plan we've been implementing since we came into office almost three years ago, and it's a plan we're making good progress on.

We've cut personal and business taxes. We've overhauled regulation to reduce costs to businesses and consumers. We're spending billions to improve infrastructure such as roads, rail and broadband. We're getting on top of government debt. And we've set a faster path back to surplus. 

Last week ratings agencies Fitch and Standard & Poor's downgraded New Zealand's long-term foreign currency rating to AA with a stable outlook, noting the more uncertain global environment. However, they acknowledge that the Government has made progress in getting its deficits and debt under control, despite the global financial crisis and cost of the Canterbury earthquakes. New Zealand retains a top notch AAA rating with a stable outlook with Moody's.

BUILDING A SAFER NEW ZEALAND

This week Police Minister Judith Collins announced that recorded crime dropped 7 per cent per head of population in the year ended 30 June. This is a good result and it reflects the hard work by Police and other government agencies to make our communities safer.

National will continue to back our police and build a safer New Zealand. We've already provided hundreds of extra frontline officers, passed no-nonsense new legislation, and given police new tools to fight crime.

REMEMBERING LANCE CORPORAL LEON SMITH

It was with sadness that New Zealanders learnt of the death of New Zealand SAS soldier Lance Corporal Leon Smith in Afghanistan last week. Lance Corporal Smith was shot while the SAS were mentoring the Afghan Crisis Response Unit during an operation.

I was privileged to attend the private funeral yesterday, to celebrate the life of this remarkable soldier and to pass on my condolences to his family and friends.  

Lance Corporal Smith's death doesn't alter New Zealand's commitment to helping Afghanistan. It remains our intention to keep the SAS in Afghanistan until March as planned.

RETIRING NATIONAL MPS

On Wednesday, four National MPs who will retire at the election gave their final speeches. They were Coromandel MP Sandra Goudie, North Shore MP and Minister Wayne Mapp, Minister Georgina te Heuheu, and Rangitikei MP and Minister Simon Power.

These MPs have all made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand and will be missed. On behalf of the National caucus, I wish them well for the future.

This week Tamaki MP Allan Peachey also announced his retirement due to ill health. Allan has been a great representative for the people of Tamaki and valued member of our caucus, and we wish him all the best for his treatment and recovery.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE QUARTER-FINALS

Although Dan Carter is out of the Rugby World Cup due to injury, we know the mighty All Blacks can still bring home the Webb Ellis Cup. I'm looking forward to watching the quarter-final against Argentina from the Christchurch fan zone on Sunday.

The World Cup and REAL New Zealand Festival are going really well. I've had great feedback from the locals and visitors I've chatted to throughout the country, and I know the atmosphere will get only better as we head towards the quarters, semis and finals.

FROM MY DIARY

Today I'm in Northland. Tomorrow I'll be back in Auckland to celebrate the Diwali Festival of Lights in Aotea Square.

Parliament has now risen until after the November 26 general election, so I'll be on the road a bit more. I'll be visiting electorates up and down the country, listening to the concerns of people in our communities, and explaining National's plan to build a brighter future for New Zealanders.

Best wishes

John Key
Prime Minister

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GETTING BEHIND THE WORLD CUP

I've really enjoyed getting along to some of the Rugby World Cup games. The atmosphere has been fantastic. Kiwis have been embracing the tournament, showing the world just how much we love rugby, and welcoming visitors all over the country.

Ticket sales are going well, with about 1.4 million sold. Half a million fans have attended matches so far, and that's set to jump after some sell-out matches this weekend. 

After initial difficulties with transport in Auckland, I'm told that last weekend systems ran well in the city and that people enjoyed themselves at the game and down at the fan zone on Queens Wharf.

With just over four weeks to go, I encourage you to buy a ticket if you haven't already, or take part in some of the festival events happening around the country.

Tonight I'm going to sample the atmosphere in Wellington for the Australia versus USA game. Tomorrow I'll be back in Auckland where the mighty All Blacks take on France and get one step closer to bringing home the trophy.

HELPING BUSINESSES SUCCEED

On Monday I congratulated the five winners of this year's Prime Minister's Business Scholarships.  The recipients, three of whom are from Christchurch, will study at prestigious institutions including Harvard and London Business School.

I launched the scholarships last year. They're aimed at helping our businesses succeed, by developing skills in management and international business leadership.

The recipients choose which business programme they attend and each will receive up to $110,000 to cover half the costs of their course and direct expenses.

Click here to see photos of the award ceremony at Parliament.

HAVING YOUR SAY

Thanks for keeping in touch on Facebook, Twitter and my website www.johnkey.co.nz. I'm on Google Plus too - find me here.  I'm always keen to hear your views on the things that matter to you.

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FROM MY DIARY

I started this week in Wellington for our weekly Cabinet meeting. On Tuesday I was in the Hunua electorate, on Wednesday in Tauranga, and yesterday I went to the South Island's West Coast.

This morning I was in Christchurch for a number of events, including presenting awards to some of the great young people from the University of Canterbury Student Army.

Next week I'm looking forward to spending some more time around the country, including in the Wairarapa and Palmerston North.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

  
Click here to join me on Google Plus.
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Click here to read Bill English's Focus on Finance.
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