The Karori Rotary Club joined us with other members of the community in a business breakfast where we were privileged to have the Honourable MP Nicola Willis present an address on the challenging times being faced by the country. She first acknowledged the work of Rotary in the community and how numbers ‘give to a cause greater
than ourselves’.
than ourselves’.
The Minister outlined the approach currently being taken by the Government to confront the challenging times. She stated the impact of Covid and the pursuing lockdown led to a period of high inflation, a cost-of-living crisis and increasing interest rates which impacted economic activity.
Individuals tax payers and businesses both suffered increasing costs with no increase in income. She then outlined measures to improve our country’s performance and stated that it was ‘turning a corner. Interest rates were coming down with a flow on effect to help families, growth was now forecasted to be positive and unemployment was decreasing. She stated that New Zealanders were looking for more than recovery, they were seeking a direction to maintain and improve their position in the World.
The Minister believes that past decisions have slowed growth and this was a key focus of the current Government providing more jobs, more choices and more opportunities for the everyday New Zealand and local industries.
Individuals tax payers and businesses both suffered increasing costs with no increase in income. She then outlined measures to improve our country’s performance and stated that it was ‘turning a corner. Interest rates were coming down with a flow on effect to help families, growth was now forecasted to be positive and unemployment was decreasing. She stated that New Zealanders were looking for more than recovery, they were seeking a direction to maintain and improve their position in the World.
The Minister believes that past decisions have slowed growth and this was a key focus of the current Government providing more jobs, more choices and more opportunities for the everyday New Zealand and local industries.
Willis then outlined five key area:
1. Education - addressing underachievement with the classrooms devoting an hour a day of reading, writing and mathematics. National assessments introduced to measure results.
2. Business environment – making it easier to develop and grow local businesses, increasing confidence and expanding our impact. Minimising red tape, adjusting tax settings and reviewing the Resource Management Act supporting the fast tracking of projects in the economy. This includes delivering affordable homes.
3. Science, technology and innovation – we need to build on our record in this area and to support small businesses that make up 98% of New Zealand based business
4. Overseas investment and trade – The Government recognises the wealth in developing open trade with other countries and diversifying our markets.
5. Investment and infrastructure – the Minister highlighted the need to invite investment from off shore by liberalising the investment rules and supporting start ups
6. Infrastructure – there is a need to increase investment in hospitals, schools, roads and transport. Seeking bipartisan agreements to think smart, long-term and to work with the private sector on major projects
7. Competition – the market has little diversity and she citied the banking industry and commerce. The focus being a better deal for consumers.
See summed up her comments by saying New Zealand has the advantage of a temperate climate, effective farming and abundant resources and smart people, emphasising the need to be less risk adverse and to focus on maximising our potential.
1. Education - addressing underachievement with the classrooms devoting an hour a day of reading, writing and mathematics. National assessments introduced to measure results.
2. Business environment – making it easier to develop and grow local businesses, increasing confidence and expanding our impact. Minimising red tape, adjusting tax settings and reviewing the Resource Management Act supporting the fast tracking of projects in the economy. This includes delivering affordable homes.
3. Science, technology and innovation – we need to build on our record in this area and to support small businesses that make up 98% of New Zealand based business
4. Overseas investment and trade – The Government recognises the wealth in developing open trade with other countries and diversifying our markets.
5. Investment and infrastructure – the Minister highlighted the need to invite investment from off shore by liberalising the investment rules and supporting start ups
6. Infrastructure – there is a need to increase investment in hospitals, schools, roads and transport. Seeking bipartisan agreements to think smart, long-term and to work with the private sector on major projects
7. Competition – the market has little diversity and she citied the banking industry and commerce. The focus being a better deal for consumers.
See summed up her comments by saying New Zealand has the advantage of a temperate climate, effective farming and abundant resources and smart people, emphasising the need to be less risk adverse and to focus on maximising our potential.
The 120 guests jointly thanked for her time and her address. Professional was acknowledged for their ongoing sponsorship.
At the end if the session Richard Brodie, a member of Port Nicholson Rotary, outlined the impact the
‘Lifting the Lid’ project is having in our local Colleges and Intermediates.
‘Lifting the Lid’ project is having in our local Colleges and Intermediates.