Rt Hon Winston Peters’ first speech back today in parliament.
Now is the time for New Zealand’s economic future
“If New Zealand can grow it, or make it, then we should…”
Our focus now is to rebuild our economy
New Zealand has now moved from alert level 4 to level 3, allowing many businesses to resume operations with strict safety measures.
The past five weeks under lockdown would not have been easy for them. Indeed, it wasn’t easy for any of us.
But because of the sacrifices we have made, the threat of COVID-19 is now less threatening than before.
Our focus now must be to rebuild our economy.
New Zealand First has been working hard to promote future-proof policies that will create jobs and stimulate economy growth.
Minister Shane Jones has been working on a massive infrastructure drive that will begin within the next 3 months.
We have been looking at policies that will ensure banks give New Zealanders a fair go: ensuring reasonable interest rates and capital available for our businesses.
Under Alert Level 4, our mission was to “stay at home, save lives”. Under Alert Level 3, we should strive to “shop local, save local businesses”.
Let’s buy from our small and medium businesses who have undoubtedly been hit hard by the health crisis.
As we curbed the spread of COVID-19 by working together, we should do the same to rebuild our economy, save businesses, and keep Kiwis working.
What’s new
Rt Hon Winston Peters addresses small businesses in light of Alert level 3
New Zealand First will be fighting on behalf of small business owners and their workers as we emerge from Alert Level 4 lockdown.
We want to ensure that our small businesses are given a fair chance of surviving and then thriving post-lockdown.
We want small businesses to grow post-lockdown and NZ First will push for policies that will achieve this.
Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin releases level 3 guidance for our seniors
Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin talks about what Alert Level 3 will look like for our senior citizens.
Even before alert level 4, our seniors were asked to self-isolate since – in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic – they are the most vulnerable.
Many of our 65-pluses had active lifestyles before lockdown. That had to be curtailed to protect them from the threat of the viral outbreak.
It was a necessary decision to look after them, but we cannot keep isolating our seniors longer.
Under Alert Level 3, we must give them back some of that freedom while at the same time ensuring they are safe from COVID-19.
READ MORE: Level 3 guidance for seniors available
Alert Level 3 hunting rules confirmed
The government has announced a confirmation of hunting rules for during Alert level 3.
READ MORE: Ban on hunting under alert level 3 lifted
Provincial Growth Fund projects resume at Alert Level 3
Provincial Growth Fund projects around the country that were halted during Alert Level 4 will gain renewed momentum under level 3 with work getting back under way, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced.
At Alert Level 3, more than 60 projects representing $439.8 million worth of investment are expected to get going again. “The purpose of the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has always been to stimulate regional economies and create sustainable employment.
That purpose is even more critical now, in these unprecedented circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Minister said. READ MORE: PGF projects resume at alert level 3
Winter energy payments to begin on 1st of May
It can be remembered that the Coalition Government announced doubling the amount of Winter Energy Payments paid as part of our COVID-19 support package.
The Winter Energy Payments is available for our seniors and those on jobseeker support, sole parent support, veterans’ pension, amongst other lists of eligible beneficiaries.
These payments will begin on the 1st of May.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Winter Energy Payments and if you are eligible
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.
Should inshore fishing and diving be allowed during alert level 3?
YES or NO?
Let us know: https://www.nzfirst.org.nz/level_3_fishing_and_diving_survey
Do you think it would be a good idea to increase recruitment numbers and increase trade-training within our Defence Force to help curb unemployment? YES or NO?
Let us know: https://www.nzfirst.org.nz/defence_force_expansion_survey
A number of essential workers including police, nurses, retail workers and public transport workers have been spat at and threatened with being infected by COVID-19. We want to make sure those pathetic grubs convicted of this offence automatically face the maximum sentence for the offence – a $4000 fine or 6 months in prison. Sign this petition to help get this through.
Sign our petition HERE
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