The BFD | Collins’ Comments

Hon Judith Collins
judithcollins.national.org.nz

It seems that the government did not deserve great applause for the recently announced Budget.

I said it before and I will say it again this was not a budget for jobs it was a budget for benefits.

There is very little in Budget 2021 or in plans for the future that supports businesses whether they are large or small.

Many businesses are struggling especially those that are not related to food production.

Of course we know that the travel industry and people whose businesses service that sector are not doing well because of the low level of international passenger travel that is possible.

It is unfortunate that this situation affects the people who work in these businesses and who are often skilled in a craft like upholstry or cabinet making that involves use of complex tools or machinery. These people are a valuable resource and have skills that should be used to increase the levels of value added products that New Zealand manufactures. Instead many of these people because of the industry they are in, are working on reduced hours since Covid-19 struck and some have even been made redundant.

A National-led government would be looking at increasing the opportunities for these people to be fully employed and fully compensated for the skilled work that they do.

For more information and perspective on this situation you can go to Facebook and watch the video shot at Flight Interiors. Its owner Russell explains about the business and the opportunities especially for his staff that are not being supported by current budget policy.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Why are many people still waiting for their notice that they can have a Covid-19 vaccination now?

The border with Australia is open mostly despite community outbreaks there. Why are we are still waiting for our vaccinations to become generally available given the risk that overseas visitors pose? Having our Covid vaccinations now would provide peace of mind to many of us.

As at the end of May only 2 per cent of New Zealanders have had two Covid-19 vaccinations.

There are teams of vaccinators going around rest homes and appointments being sent out for some to be vaccinated at various hubs. But for the rest of us the end of July to September is a long way off and vaccinations are even further in the future for most under 16 year olds.

We read of the Northland DHB having to use a manual booking system combined with a system operating in Auckland while they wait for a national booking system to start operating. How long does it take to set up the booking system given that the purchase of covid-19 vaccinations became possible last October?

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is warning that New Zealand needs to speed up vaccinations if it wants to reopen its borders next year.

Reopening the borders would allow a more normal trade and travel situation to resume. This is very necessary if New Zealand wants to maintain its GDP figures and experience real growth.

Domestic consumption is currently supported by increases in the minimum wage and higher house prices but this is not a long term sustainable economic position. It does little to assist industries and small business that are currently struggling.

A lack of action is a real problem in the economy at the moment. In January 2020 we were promised the NZ Upgrade Programme that was to spend $6.8 billion on infrastructure projects including the widening of Mill Road and the installation of the Skypath under the Auckland Harbour Bridge and much more besides. Nothing is happening apparently because of “evolving business cases” and “massive construction inflation pressures” which come in part from wage increases and shortages of materials.

1500 cyclists rode over the Auckland Harbour Bridge recently because they want the Skypath and they want certainty about the start and finish dates. I am sure the several thousand motorists who were slowed to a crawl by the cyclists’ actions want to know what is going to happen with Skypath too. And what about the people who will potentially have a job if and when the project goes ahead and who are currently in limbo?

Acknowledgements

I must congratulate Dame Cynthia Alcyion Kiro DNZM a New Zealand public health academic and administrator, who will become the 22nd Governor-General of New Zealand in October 2021. Dame Cindy sees the opportunity for the peoples of New Zealand to recognise and respect each other and to acknowledge that everyone has a part to play and something to contribute. Dame Cindy believes you have to work hard to achieve your plans and you should not to expect to achieve them without hard work.

Dame Patsy Reddy has been Governor General for five years and has served her country well in this role through some challenging times. I would like to thank Dame Patsy for her dedication and integrity as she retires in September this year.

Hon Nick Smith has announced his resignation from parliament and I would like to acknowledge his integrity for doing that. I also acknowledge that he has been a dedicated MP to Nelson, and the wider New Zealand public, for three decades. He has advocated tirelessly for the Nelson region. Recently he stood up against the amalgamation of NMIT and the closure of Nikau House.

Nick was a hardworking and extremely competent Minister in the Fourth and Fifth National Governments. He held 14 portfolios since 1996 including Conservation, Environment and Building and Housing.

Nick was a founding member of National’s BlueGreens group and has worked hard to develop our pragmatic and sensible approach to environmental issues. He created 17 marine reserves during his period as Minister and was the lead advocate for the Kahurangi National Park.

I would like to acknowledge his career and to wish him all the best for the future.

My best wishes to all of you on this Queen’s Birthday weekend,