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Budget 2020 is a key milestone in our response to the COVID-19 crisis.

When the lockdown started New Zealand First knew that the country faced a massive economic downturn.

We also knew the government would need to intervene to keep businesses running and people employed.

It was clear that we must balance the immediate needs of the people with the long-term need to refashion a vibrant future economy.

We are pleased to say that Budget 2020 achieves this balance.

The establishment of a $50 billion COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund will target stimulus investment at protecting existing jobs, creating new ones and provide support for workers to retrain.

It also helps businesses survive as well as targeting support to those sectors most affected by the virus.

The $4 billion Business Support Package, including a further extension of the wage subsidy scheme will be welcome news for struggling businesses.

The Trades Training Package worth over $1.4 billion will provide opportunities for New Zealanders of all ages to acquire new practical skills as they adapt to dramatically changed labour market conditions.

This Budget also provides $3 billion in infrastructure spending across the country. This is in addition to the $12 billion from the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

The focus is threefold – immediate job creation, income growth and construction activity to be under way within coming months.

Rail also received $1.2 billion in additional funding, bringing this government's total investment in our rail infrastructure to $4.6 billion.

New Zealand First is thus proud to support Budget 2020.

It is a budget that can be summed up into three words: jobs, business, and balance.

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What’s new

Budget lifts investment in rail to a record $4.6 billion

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A strong rail network connects people and products to the regions, taking freight to port and across the world.

We've already re-opened the Napier-Wairoa line, are upgrading the North Auckland line and improving freight hubs and tracks across regional New Zealand.

The latest billion dollar boost will upgrade rail infrastructure and replace the Interislander Ferries. This will improve our transport network and help enable our economy post Covid-19.

READ MORE:Budget lifts investment in rail to a record $4.6 billion <[link removed]>

Major investment in infrastructure projects

A $3 billion fund has been set aside for infrastructure projects across the country.

This is in addition to the $12b New Zealand Upgrade Programme and Provincial Growth Fund infrastructure investments.

“In just a few short weeks, the IRG, through Crown Infrastructure Partners, has been able to collate the largest ever infrastructure and construction stocktake the nation has ever seen,” Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones said.

“The focus of the projects the IRG has identified is threefold – immediate job creation and income growth, construction activity that will be under way within the next 12 months and a high degree of visibility to provide Kiwis with confidence that our economic recovery is hitting the ground running.”

READ MORE: More investment in infrastructure projects <[link removed]>

No increase in tobacco tax in Budget 2020

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There are no more tobacco excise tax increases in Budget 2020.

Tobacco taxes disproportionately affect lower income households.

This Budget focuses on creating jobs and opportunity for many New Zealanders.

Forestry Minister Shane Jones moves to protect sawmills

Forestry Minister Shane Jones has introduced a Bill to Parliament that he says will "force more transparency, integrity and respect" for the domestic wood-processing sector through the registration of log traders and practice standards.

The Forests (Regulation of Log Traders and Forestry Advisers) Amendment Bill had its first reading in Parliament on Thursday night, and will now go to the Environment Select Committee.

"The Covid-19 crisis showed us how an over-reliance on log exports to a small number of markets makes our forestry industry less resilient and more susceptible to global forces," Minister Jones told the Northland Age.

"An enhanced domestic wood processing sector will play an important part of the recovery for our regional economies, helping create new export products, new jobs for Kiwis and a renewed sense of ownership of our forests.

READ MORE: Forestry Minister Shane Jones moves to protect sawmills <[link removed]>

Major boost in support for caregivers and children

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A major increase in funding and availability of support will improve the incomes and reduce the pressure on 14,000 caregivers looking after more than 22,000 children.

Children’s Minister Tracey Martin says that caregivers – all those looking after someone else’s children both in and outside the state care system – do a hugely important job that needs to be recognised and supported.

“We started the first ever fundamental review of financial assistance for caregivers in 2019 and the clear message was that more help was needed,” Tracey Martin said.

READ MORE: Major boost in support for caregivers and children <[link removed]>

In the House

We update you on developments on New Zealand First members' bills in the House.

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An amendment to the ‘Protection of First Responders Bill’ is being tabled which will see emergency department healthcare workers included in the legislation.

The ‘Protection for First Responders Bill’ will see a mandatory minimum prison sentence of six months for those who intentionally injure our emergency workers.

READ MORE:Nurses to get more protection, added to 'First Responders' legislation <[link removed]>

NZ First Members' Bills drawn from the ballot:

Mark Patterson MP - New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Fair Residency) Amendment Bill <[link removed]>

Darroch Ball MP - Protection for First Responders and Prison Officers Bill <[link removed]>

Darroch Ball MP - Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice Demerit Points) Amendment Bill <[link removed]>

Have your say

New Zealand First is committed to listening to voters. Answer our surveys and let us know where you stand on these pressing issues.

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The Rt Hon Winston Peters said that migrants struggling to find work in New Zealand amidst the Covid-19 crisis should think about returning to their countries of origin.

Do you agree?

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With New Zealand's population now passing five million, do you think it’s time for our government to form a population policy?

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Help us spread our message online, volunteer with our social media team



New Zealand First is only as strong as the commitment of our volunteers and the passion of our supporters.

Your time and effort will help us continue the good work we have started in Government.

Volunteer to help us spread the message online during this year’s election by signing up to help our social media campaign below:

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We have daily updates on what we've been doing in Parliament.

Follow us for the latest news on our MPs, our policies, and upcoming events.

We have weekly surveys on the hottest issues, giving our followers a say on the issues that matter.

Help us with a "like", a comment, or by sharing our posts to spread the message with your friends and family.

For more resources on the COVID-19 pandemic and what Alert level 2 means for you, visit: [link removed]

If you are feeling symptoms and seek medical advice, call Healthline free on 0800 611 116.

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Authorised by Rt Hon Winston Peters, Parliament Buildings, Molesworth Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011


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