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Hello Friend, New Zealand has recorded no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the second day in a row. These are encouraging results, but we should still remain vigilant or else risk a potential second wave of infections. Under Alert Level 3, many businesses resumed their operations which has been vital to our economy. However, much like the rest of the world New Zealand faces serious economic challenges ahead as a result of this global pandemic. If we are to rise above a post-COVID-19 recession, we cannot return to “business as usual”. We need to enact fundamental reforms to give jobs to thousands of unemployed New Zealanders and to save countless struggling Kiwi businesses. New Zealand First is resolved that our economic future should have these features about it: If we can grow it or make it at near-competitive prices then we should grow it, make it, use it, or export it before wasting valuable offshore funds importing it. If a job can be filled by a New Zealander, then it should be filled by a New Zealander – trained, skilled, and paid properly to do it. We need to put up the shutters to offshore ownership of this country’s economy and go back to owning as much of it as we possibly can. In short, the New Zealand economy needs far greater autonomy. The pitfalls of globalism had been laid out dramatically before us, NZ First have known this and have been talking about it since our inception. You can count on us to continue fighting for New Zealand’s economic future in the coming months. In coming out of the COVID-19 crisis, we will put our people and our country first.
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What’s newIncreased Winter Energy Payments have begun
Watch the Hon Tracey Martin discuss the Winter Energy Payments The Government’s Winter Energy Payment boost first payment started on the 1st of May. A COVID19 economic response measure was to double the payment for 2020 (which runs 22 weeks from May 1 to October 1). Eligible couples and people with dependent children will now get $63.64 a week and single people will now get $40.91 a week. New Zealand First has long advocated for more affordable electricity for all consumers, especially for our seniors and those on low incomes. CLICK HERE to find out more about the Winter Energy Payment “New Zealand companies should be protected from foreign takeovers” – Winston Peters
Hear what the Rt Hon Winston Peters had to say on Q+A The Rt Hon Winston Peters was on Q+A to discuss New Zealand’s economic future. He told Jack Tame that the Australian government “made the right move” in protecting some of their key assets from foreign investments in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. Mr Peters hinted that New Zealand could follow suit, and that he is one of those pushing for the same reform to be applied here. “The last thing we want is at a time of depressed prices caused not by the fault of our businesses, that we become some sort of a knock shop for overseas buying.” “We cannot afford to lose our asset wealth base so that when it’s over, we own less of our economy not a chance to own far more of it,” Mr Peters added.
Winston Peters congratulates the NZ Warriors for paving the way for a future “Trans-Tasman bubble”
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters congratulated the National Rugby League and New Zealand Warriors for potentially paving the way for a future “Trans-Tasman bubble”, and thanked the Australian Government for making it possible. “Congratulations to the NRL and the Warriors for being the first to participate in what we hope will become, further down the track, a COVID-19 trans-Tasman bubble,” he said. “The Warriors’ participation in the NRL in Australia shows that a trans-Tasman bubble could work seriously well.” READ MORE: Foreign Minister congratulates the Warriors and NRL for paving the way Minister Tracey Martin gives a message on International Firefighters Day
The 4th of May was International Firefighters’ Day. While we give a thumbs up to all our essential workers during this time, it is important to recognise New Zealand’s world-class Fire and Emergency and their families. Theirs is a critical community service to the nation. The Minister responsible for Fire and Emergency Hon Tracey Martin gave a video shout-out to our firefighters and their families to commemorate the day.
Up to $100k interest-free government loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
The Coalition Government announced that it will provide interest-free loans for a year to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 economic shock. This is to support their immediate cashflow needs and meet fixed costs. The Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme will provide assistance of up to $100,000 to firms employing 50 or fewer full time equivalent employees. READ MORE: Government boosts cashflow support for small businesses
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The Minister of Foreign Affairs has suggested establishing an "ANZAC bubble" where travel between New Zealand and Australia can take place during level two. Do you agree? YES or NO? LET US KNOW:https://www.nzfirst.org.nz/anzac_bubble_survey
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Watch the Hon Tracey Martin's message
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