Whiringa-ā-Nuku/October Update from Grant
This past month marks two years since we became the Government, and [I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far. We’re making good progress in our health system, particularly mental health, building a record number of state houses, and we’ve made more progress on addressing climate change in two years than the previous government had in nine. The economy has been front and centre with my trip to APEC and some great news about our finances. Our economy is holding good shape amongst global headwinds, and we have the opportunity to spend more on infrastructure and record investments in health and education.
|
|
The Zero Carbon Act – Passed!
Last week, we passed the Zero Carbon Act. This is historic. We now have legislation that sets us on a path to truly taking action on climate change. It has committed our government and future governments to being carbon neutral by 2050. As we celebrate this momentous step, I want to pay tribute to my friend James Shaw for his work on this. He’s led this process superbly. I’d also like to pay tribute to Jacinda: she has fought tenaciously and skilfully to get this through. We are so often asked to work together as MPs on issues like climate change. With this bill, we did. More action on climate change is coming and needed, but right now is a time to celebrate this historic progress.
|
|
World First Consensus on Agricultural Emissions
In more news on climate action, we’ve reached an historic agreement with our farmers on emissions. People are looking for sustainably made food, and we have the opportunity to lead the world and provide it. We’ve agreed to create solutions to price and reduce emissions on our farms by 2025. With this plan, we are the first in the world to price emissions from agriculture. If we haven’t made enough progress on agriculture by 2022, Government will be able to put agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme early. This agreement is sustainable, it will uphold our commitment to the Paris Agreement, and most importantly it will stick. Incredibly pleased with this consensus, because instead of debating what we do, we’re getting on with doing it. You can read more details here.
|
|
APEC and joining a Coalition on Climate Action
I’ve spent time in Chile, Japan and Vietnam this month for some important discussions on the global challenges we face and where our fiscal policy fits into addressing them. In a world where trade tensions and political instability are rife, it is more important than ever to build strong international relationships. During APEC, I signed New Zealand up to the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action. It is a group of 44 countries which collectively work to take action on climate change and its impacts. Taking climate action through our finances is important for our financial security in the future. We’re making good progress with the Zero Carbon Act, our Green Investment fund and significant investment in public transport and work with famers to encourage a carbon neutral economy.
|
|
Speaking at Massey University
This month, I got to speak with design students who have just finished their studies at Massey about design and the future. Design as a tool and way of thinking has incredible potential to improve our world. We have big challenges that we’re facing as a country, and in our work to tackle these challenges we need new ways to thinking. The designers I got to speak with are key to improving our communities, facing climate change and encouraging democracy. They have the talent and skills to build a compassionate New Zealand which encourages wellbeing, so people can live with purpose and meaning. Excited to see what they do.
|
|
Your Feedback on Our History
Thank you for your feedback on our decision to make history compulsory in all schools and kura by 2022. We’ve had some great responses from people like Janakie who said that “one’s history makes a person be proud of its identity and achievements as well as to be ashamed of the mistakes done in the past so such will not be repeated.” A few of you mentioned that you’d like to see this implemented faster, and I can assure you that we are implementing this as fast as possible while developing a curriculum that will be inclusive, representative and quality. Thank you for your feedback, keep it coming in.
|
|
|
As the year wraps up, I’m glad to be seeing the work we’ve been doing resulting in significant action. Over the last two years, we’ve made immediate progress while also laying the foundations for long term change. We’re thinking about the next 30 years, rather than just the next three. If you want to see everything we’ve done to change New Zealand for the better, check out our video on our progress here.
|
|
|
|
|
