Hui-Tānguru/February Update from Grant
Ngā mihi ki a koutou. It has been a busy start to the year. The Government hit the ground running with the biggest infrastructure investment in a generation. I’ve had some days up in Waitangi with the PM, and enjoyed taking part in some great events on the Wellington summer calendar. And, the election date has been set for the 19th of September. All in all, it has been a pretty great start to 2020.
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The Big New Zealand Upgrade
Since my last update, we announced the Big New Zealand Upgrade. It is our infrastructure programme to address a decade of underinvestment. The neglect of our infrastructure from the last government has been a handbrake on our economy and productivity. It is time to do better. We’ve announced billions for smarter roads and rail to upgrade our transport. We’re putting hundreds of millions more into improving our health system and decarbonising the economy. It is a huge programme that will future proof our infrastructure. One example is roading. Instead of building a four lane highway, we’ve funded projects to be a two lane highway with dedicated bus lanes and cycleways. Our investment in rail will ease congestion and transition us to a lower carbon way to move freight. For Wellington, on top of the billions we're putting into Let’s Get Wellington Moving, we’re investing in easing congestion out of the city with the expressway being extended. This package will boost our productivity and help lower our carbon emissions. You can read more about the many projects we announced here.
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Waitangi Day
2020 marked another wonderful welcome at Waitangi. I spent Waitangi Day up north, but it was great to see the so many people celebrating down at Waitangi Park. Wellington was lucky with many talented performers and a beautiful day to match. Waitangi is a great time for reflection and accountability. As the PM said “Waitangi is the place where we acknowledge our past but it must also be the place where we challenge our present, but where we will be collectively hopeful about our future.” We’re proud of the mahi we’ve achieved so far, with the lowest Māori unemployment in 10 years, 8000 Māori across the country in apprenticeships, and integrating Te Reo into our curriculum just to name a few achievements. But there is more mahi to do.
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Bringing certainty to earthquake strengthening
Some big news this month with our assistance scheme for earthquake strengthening. For many unit owners, fixing an earthquake prone building can be difficult if not impossible because there are limited financing options. It has meant that too many have been uncertain about how to meet the costs of strengthening their homes. So, we’ve stepped in to provide low interest loans of up to $250,000 to owners facing hardship. It means more people can do the necessary work needed to strengthen their homes. We’re really pleased to give some certainty in what can be a difficult time financially. If you want to read more about the criteria and how to apply, you can find more details here.
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Enjoying the Summer Events Calendar
There have been some incredible events on this summer. The New Zealand Festival of the Arts has been featuring some outstanding talent. We’ve had celebrations of culture with events like the Pasifika Festival. And, like every year, we’ve had Round the Bays as a great excuse to get active with thousands of Wellingtonians. This is my twelfth year in a row taking part, and although my number was no indication of where I placed, I did take a minute off last year’s time! It is inspiring to see thousands of Wellingtonians come together and enjoy a day raising money for mental health. It really speaks to the values we’ve built as a city. Congrats to everyone who got out and took part!
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It has been a busy month, and it will only be getting busier. Thank you for following along, and if you’d know someone who would enjoy these monthly updates, you can send them this link to sign up. Wishing you all the best for the month ahead.
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