New Zealand National Party

Remember the regions? Economic stock take needed

Louise Upston October 22, 2021 Share

The Government needs to wake up and take stock of the damage to regional economies due to these lockdowns, National’s Regional Economic Development spokesperson Hon Louise Upston says.

Back of the pack again – this time vax certificates

Chris Bishop October 22, 2021 Share

It is unfathomable that after 10 months of the vaccine roll-out New Zealanders still don’t have easy access to vaccine certificates, National’s Covid-19 Spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Labour cancels Christmas with incoherent plan

Judith Collins October 22, 2021 Share

The announcement today of a hurdle of 90 per cent vaccination for each and every DHB in New Zealand condemns every Kiwi to months of more lockdowns and uncertainty, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Increase to Resurgence Support Payment welcome, but why the delay?

Andrew Bayly October 22, 2021 Share

The business support package announced today by the Minister of Finance comes too late for many businesses, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

New data shows alarming ICU occupancy rates

Dr Shane Reti October 22, 2021 Share

No one is buying Health Minister Andrew Little’s figures of available ICU beds as new figures reveal an increasingly stretched system, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

A million fully vaccinated Aucklanders stuck at home

Judith Collins October 21, 2021 Share

More than one million fully vaccinated Aucklanders are stuck at home because the Government has been unable to deliver a simple website, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Find out if you’re smarter than the Finance Minister with our fun quiz!

Michael Woodhouse October 21, 2021 Share

It should be back to school – if he can find one that’s open – for Minister of Finance Grant Robertson, says National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse.

New BYO bill will bolster racing

Ian McKelvie October 21, 2021 Share

A bill drawn from the member’s ballot today would encourage more people to enjoy and participate in New Zealand’s racing scene, National’s Racing spokesperson Ian McKelvie says.

Where is the plan to end the welfare dependency crisis?

Louise Upston October 21, 2021 Share

Today’s Ministry of Social Development quarterly release demonstrates Labour’s failure to deliver on its promises to get people off welfare and into work, says National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston.

Government must avert KiwiRail Christmas strike

Scott Simpson October 21, 2021 Share

The Government must intervene to avert proposed strike action by KiwiRail workers that threatens to significantly disrupt freight and passenger transport in the lead-up to Christmas, says National’s Workplace Relations spokesperson Scott Simpson.

National pleased with UK agreement in principle

Nicola Grigg October 21, 2021 Share

National is pleased with news the Government has reached an in-principle agreement on a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, Trade and Export Growth spokesperson Nicola Grigg says.

Gang numbers surge 53 per cent under Labour

Simeon Brown October 21, 2021 Share

Newly released figures to National show New Zealand’s gang numbers continues to explode under Labour and with no signs of stopping, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Government shoots down Bill to take guns off gangs

Simeon Brown October 20, 2021 Share

The Government’s decision to vote down National’s Firearms Prohibition Orders Bill shows how out of touch the Government is when it comes to gangs, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Just two Covid cases in vaccinated travellers on day eight in MIQ since August

Chris Bishop October 20, 2021 Share

On the eve of another MIQ lottery, the fact that only two fully vaccinated travellers have tested positive for Covid on day eight of their 14-day quarantine since August 23 proves it is past time for the Government to loosen MIQ requirements, says National’s Covid Recovery spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Government wakes up to National’s call for MIQ spots to be allocated to health workers

Erica Stanford October 20, 2021 Share

The Government has finally got its act together and adopted National’s policy calling for MIQ spots to be allocated for critical health workers, says National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford and Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Schools decision wrong and misguided

Paul Goldsmith October 20, 2021 Share

The Government is wrong to keep most children out of school in Auckland, possibly for the rest of the year, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith said today.

National’s plan will lift the burden on business

Andrew Bayly October 20, 2021 Share

National’s ‘Back in Business’ plan will lift the burden on businesses who are struggling through this extended lockdown, says Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Fiscal discipline must underpin recovery

Michael Woodhouse October 20, 2021 Share

The days of using Covid as cover for profligate spending must end, National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

National’s plan to support tourism, hospitality and events businesses

Todd McClay October 20, 2021 Share

National has today released our detailed plan to support the ailing tourism, hospitality and events sectors in the wake of the significant harm being done by Labour’s Covid restrictions, National’s spokesperson for Tourism and Small Business Todd McClay says.

National launches Back in Business plan

Judith Collins October 20, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins has today launched National’s detailed plan to save livelihoods and unleash our economy in the face of the huge damage being wrought by the extended Covid lockdown.

National sets targets to end lockdown limbo

Judith Collins October 20, 2021 Share

National has set two clear targets to end to lockdown restrictions and get New Zealand back in business, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Labour must abandon local election power grab

Christopher Luxon October 19, 2021 Share

It’s promising that Chris Hipkins has listened to National’s concerns over an electoral power grab buried in a Covid-19 bill, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Government sat on vital DHB vaccine ‘equity plans’ for Māori and Pasifika

Chris Bishop October 19, 2021 Share

The Government has had week-by-week breakdowns of how many Covid vaccinations for Māori and Pasifika people each district health board said would deliver but has sat on the information for months, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

National pledges Three Waters repeal & return

Judith Collins October 19, 2021 Share

The next National Government will repeal Labour’s Three Waters entity model and return any seized water assets back to councils, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Housing Bill a step forward, with more to be done

Nicola Willis October 19, 2021 Share

The Housing Supply Bill is a win-win that will deliver more choices for future homeowners and renters while enhancing the ‘Right to Build’ for current property owners, says National’s Housing and Urban Development spokesperson Nicola Willis.

National drives game-changing housing reform

Judith Collins October 19, 2021 Share

National has worked constructively with the Government in support of a new Bill to amend the Resource Management Act to make it easier for New Zealanders to build more houses, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

No plan, no ideas, no hope from Government

Judith Collins October 18, 2021 Share

The ongoing nightmare of the Level 3 lockdown in Auckland continues with no hope on the horizon, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

No new ICU beds costing 1000 surgeries per week

Dr Shane Reti October 18, 2021 Share

The Government’s failure to provide any new ICU beds means 1000 elective surgeries are being cancelled every week, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Government’s climate aid boost the wrong move at the wrong time

Stuart Smith October 18, 2021 Share

The Government’s decision to commit $1.3 billion over four years to support poorer countries to deal with climate change is the wrong one, given New Zealand is still struggling with lockdowns which have no end in sight, National’s Climate Change Spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

PM must urgently rule out Director-General’s speculation of a return to Level 4 for Auckland

Judith Collins October 18, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister must urgently rule out the Director- General of Health’s comments this morning, that Level 4 restrictions were being actively considered for Auckland despite the government saying only days ago there would be no return to Level 4, says National Party Leader, Judith Collins

Inflation soars – Kiwis suffer as cost of living spikes

Michael Woodhouse October 18, 2021 Share

The Government needs to urgently recognise soaring inflation as the biggest medium-term threat to the New Zealand economy and halt its wasteful spending, says National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse.

Out of touch Prime Minister must level with New Zealanders today

Judith Collins October 18, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister must today tell the country the conditions and timeframe for ending the lockdown in Auckland and then she needs to get up there and see for herself the fallout from nine weeks of lockdown, says National Party Leader, Judith Collins.

Where’s the plan to help Auckland’s students?

Paul Goldsmith October 18, 2021 Share

The Government must provide a date and plan for Auckland schools to reopen now, says National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith.

Little’s big fees costing New Zealand vital ICU beds

Dr Shane Reti October 17, 2021 Share

The $1.4 million spent by Minister of Health Andrew Little on consultants working on his ill-conceived restructure of the health system over just two months could have paid for two new, fully-resourced ICU beds, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Shock and sadness after death of British MP

Judith Collins October 16, 2021 Share

National Party leader and Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins has expressed shock and sadness after the death of British Conservative MP David Amess.

National’s Auckland MPs speak out

Simon Watts October 15, 2021 Share

We, the National Party MPs for Auckland electorates, are calling on the Government to accept National’s offer of our comprehensive strategy to get New Zealand through these unprecedented times.

ICUs with large Māori populations already at maximum capacity, what happens when Covid hits?

Dr Shane Reti October 15, 2021 Share

Intensive care unit occupancy rates in district health board areas with large Māori populations were at capacity even before Covid and the current Delta outbreak, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Things are dire for businesses in New Zealand

Todd McClay October 14, 2021 Share

With half the North Island in sustained Level 3 lockdowns, businesses all over the country are in dire, dire trouble, National’s Small Business and Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Why did Ministry tell Rako to not reserve any public testing capacity?

Chris Bishop October 14, 2021 Share

Extraordinary revelations from Rako Science today before the Health Select Committee raise further troubling questions about the way the Government has handled saliva testing, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Andrew Little still splurging on consultants for his poorly-timed health restructure

Dr Shane Reti October 14, 2021 Share

Andrew Little must explain why he continues to splurge on consulting firms for the government’s poorly-timed health restructure instead of focusing on frontline services while we are in the midst of a pandemic, says National’s Health spokesperson, Dr Shane Reti.

New Zealand needs National’s Covid plan at tipping point for Delta

Judith Collins October 14, 2021 Share

New Zealand is at a tipping point in the fight against Delta and more than ever New Zealanders need and deserve strong and decisive leadership, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Petition launched to bring our Afghan Kiwis home

Mark Mitchell October 13, 2021 Share

National spokesperson for Counter-Terrorism Mark Mitchell has today launched a petition urging the Government to bring Afghan nationals that supported the New Zealand Defence Force during their deployment to Afghanistan safely home to New Zealand.

Vaccine certificates delayed – again

Chris Bishop October 13, 2021 Share

News today that it will be won’t be until late November that Kiwis will be able to prove their vaccination status in easily downloadable and printable form is disgraceful, says National Covid Recovery spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Government must come clean on women’s border crossing debacle

Louise Upston October 13, 2021 Share

The admission that the Ministry of Social Development mistakenly granted travel exemptions to two women who subsequently tested positive for Covid and contributed to the Northland lockdown requires an immediate explanation from the Government, says National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston.

James Shaw moves from Climate Tsar to Economic Controller

Stuart Smith October 13, 2021 Share

James Shaw needs to urgently push pause on his plans to reach into every aspect of Kiwi lives in the name of climate change, says National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith.

As lockdown drags on, the Government drags its feet

Judith Collins October 12, 2021 Share

The admission by the Prime Minister today that it is now estimated each positive Covid case in our current outbreak is passing the virus onto between 1.2 and 1.3 people poses more questions on the lockdown exit plan for Auckland, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Urgent need for saliva testing inquiry

Chris Bishop October 12, 2021 Share

News today of a leaked study into saliva testing in New Zealand raises troubling questions which can only be answered by a full and independent inquiry, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

What’s the plan to reopen Auckland schools?

Paul Goldsmith October 12, 2021 Share

After seven weeks of lost school time, Aucklanders need a plan to get their children back to school, says National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith.

Government negligence keeps kids locked out of school

Paul Goldsmith October 11, 2021 Share

The Government’s lack of preparedness is the reason students are missing out on even more critical school time, says National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith.

Hipkins’ half-hearted attempt to secure MIQ spots for healthcare workers too long overdue

Erica Stanford October 11, 2021 Share

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins’ announcement last Thursday that he was looking to allocate MIQ spots for critical health workers is months too late and highlights the Government’s failure to prepare for the Delta outbreak, says National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford.

OIA documents prove Pharmac’s independent inquiry is a toothless whitewash

Dr Shane Reti October 11, 2021 Share

Following a damning survey of Pharmac, National can also reveal documents received under OIA show the delayed independent inquiry into the national drug purchasing agency is a toothless whitewash and another nail in the coffin for Andrew Little, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Government must be consistent in dealing with Covid rule breakers

Simeon Brown October 11, 2021 Share

The Government’s lack of consistency in enforcing the law against Covid rule breakers is a slap in the face to struggling businesses and people trying to do the right thing, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

The end of daily press conferences?

Judith Collins October 10, 2021 Share

After 18 months of nearly daily press conferences, the Prime Minister has decided that at the very time case numbers are rising and spreading to other regions, she and her team will no longer front, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Government must be upfront about enforcement of Covid rules

Simeon Brown October 09, 2021 Share

The Government must give the public clear information about how a woman who travelled to Northland and subsequently tested positive for Covid was able to do so, and why it took so long to have her put into MIQ, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Where are the vaccine boosters?

Chris Bishop October 08, 2021 Share

Six weeks on from Dr Bloomfield saying discussions with Pfizer were at a “crucial stage” and six months on from the initial lot of border workers having their second jabs, Kiwis deserve to know what’s happening now with vaccine boosters, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Ministry’s block on Māori health info an embarrassment

Harete Hipango October 08, 2021 Share

The Ministry of Health’s decision to go to court rather than handing over patient data to Māori health providers to help them lift Covid vaccination rates among Māori is an embarrassment, says National’s Whānau Ora spokesperson Harete Hipango.

Minister acts at long last to grant firearms licence extensions

Simeon Brown October 07, 2021 Share

The Police Minister’s decision to grant firearms licence holders extensions to existing permissions is better late than never, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

I wrote to Minister Little in February about Māori vaccinations

Dr Shane Reti October 07, 2021 Share

On the 23rd of February this year, before the vaccines had even arrived, I wrote to Health Minister Andrew Little asking for financial support for Māori health providers in order for them to play an important role in the vaccine roll-out, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Testing expert group slams Government response

Chris Bishop October 07, 2021 Share

The Government’s own independent technical advisors on testing have slammed the Government’s inaction on using saliva testing and rapid antigen testing, says National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Government’s ‘roadmap’ will lead to a Covid crash in vulnerable communities

Harete Hipango October 07, 2021 Share

The Government’s tardiness in taking action on a workable Covid plan to protect our most vulnerable New Zealanders – children, young people and Māori communities – will have terrible consequences, says National’s Whānau Ora and Children/Oranga Tamariki spokesperson Harete Hipango.

Under-prepared ICU beds at 120 per cent capacity day of lockdown

Dr Shane Reti October 07, 2021 Share

Andrew Little did not add one single resourced ICU bed to Auckland’s three district health boards in the almost 18 months since the end of the first Covid lockdown last year, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Special Rep appointment must be made quickly

Gerry Brownlee October 07, 2021 Share

It’s a positive move the Government has decided to appoint a Special Representative for Afghanistan to help bring back visa holders, National’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

Reopening schools absolute priority

Paul Goldsmith October 07, 2021 Share

The Government should move heaven and earth to make sure schools reopen in Auckland on October 18, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Just do what needs to be done, Prime Minister

Judith Collins October 07, 2021 Share

The National Party is on board to take part in the Super Saturday vaccination drive on October 16^th, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour’s Flexi-wage a flop

Louise Upston October 07, 2021 Share

The much hyped flexi-wage ‘expansion’ is not delivering the jobs Labour promised, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Government failures make interest rate pain worse

Andrew Bayly October 06, 2021 Share

Today’s move by the RBNZ to raise the Official Cash Rate by 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent shows the bank has been forced to make the risky move despite two major New Zealand cities still being locked down, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Govt kept Pfizer waiting six weeks before first meeting

Chris Bishop October 06, 2021 Share

Pfizer first approached the Government for a meeting to discuss their Covid-19 vaccine in June last year but it took six weeks before the Government got around to meeting with them, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

One rule for gangs, another for everyone else

Simeon Brown October 06, 2021 Share

The Government’s penchant to cuddle up to gangs has been laid out for all to see as Waikato Mongrel Mob President Sonny Fatu was given an ‘Essential Worker’ exemption and allowed to travel across the Auckland boundary, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

The electoral system belongs to all Kiwis

Chris Penk October 05, 2021 Share

In a strange move Justice Minister Kris Faafoi is commissioning a review of electoral law despite one already taking place with the Justice Select Committee currently undertaking its inquiry into the 2020 general election, National’s Electoral Law spokesperson Chris Penk says.

New Zealand needs a clear economic roadmap

Andrew Bayly October 05, 2021 Share

The Government’s Auckland roadmap lacks the clear signposting needed to bolster New Zealand’s economy, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Government causing chaos in early learning sector

Erica Stanford October 05, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister’s ill-considered announcement yesterday claiming more children could return to early learning centres in Auckland from tomorrow has caused chaos in the sector, National’s Early Childhood Education spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

No oversight of bailed prisoners

Simeon Brown October 05, 2021 Share

Figures released to National Party show that since Auckland has been at a different alert level to the rest of the country there have been 11 instances of people being bailed from prison outside Auckland to areas under a lower alert level, says National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Government must buy Covid treatments now

Chris Bishop October 05, 2021 Share

News from Merck that their antiviral pill, Molnupiravir, reduces the chances that patients newly diagnosed with Covid-19 will be hospitalised by about 50 per cent is incredibly encouraging and should prompt the New Zealand Government to urgently contract for this drug and other next generation Covid treatments, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Government has choices and needs to make them now

Chris Bishop October 04, 2021 Share

In the absence of a coherent strategy or plan from the Government to deal with the ongoing outbreak in Auckland other than abject surrender, National’s Chris Bishop says there are a number of actions the Government can take immediately to enhance the Covid response.

Time has run out on Government’s incoherent Covid strategy

Judith Collins October 04, 2021 Share

The Government’s incoherent and timid approach to the Covid pandemic shows it lacks the courage required to make tough decisions for the benefit of New Zealand, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Today we remember those who’ve lost their lives to suicide

Matt Doocey October 04, 2021 Share

Today with the release of the Chief Coroners Annual Suicide Statistics we remember the 607 people who lost their lives to suicide over the past year, National’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Muddled priorities behind education strike

Paul Goldsmith October 04, 2021 Share

The Government’s confused spending priorities in education have created the conditions for the planned strike by Ministry of Education psychologists, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

New Zealand at Covid crossroads

Judith Collins October 03, 2021 Share

The spread of Covid into the Waikato and increasing numbers of unlinked cases is all the proof needed to confirm Level 3 in Auckland is not containing the virus in line with the Government’s elimination strategy and a new approach is urgently required, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Government must heed advice on maths

Paul Goldsmith October 03, 2021 Share

All our talk of succeeding in a knowledge economy is empty so long as our maths education remains a goddamn mess, says National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith.

Another one bites the dust

David Bennett October 02, 2021 Share

The final nail has gone into the coffin of the $785 million Auckland Harbour cycling and walking bridge again highlighting the inability of the Labour Government to deliver on transport, National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett says.

Aucklanders are fed up with gangs flouting the rules

Simeon Brown October 01, 2021 Share

Today there has been yet another breach of lockdown restrictions in Auckland by gang members. It is demoralising for the more than 1.7 million Aucklanders who have diligently adhered to public health instructions and stayed home, to see others flouting the rules so brazenly, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Govt concedes Three Waters engagement is a farce

Christopher Luxon October 01, 2021 Share

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta’s promises to listen to councils were clearly just lip service after she all but confirmed that her Government will proceed with forcing the Three Waters Reforms on every council in New Zealand, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Counter-terrorism bill a step in the right direction

Mark Mitchell September 30, 2021 Share

Today’s passage of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation bill is a significant step in the right direction against terrorism in New Zealand, says National’s spokesperson for Counter-Terrorism Mark Mitchell.

Benefit dependency crisis emerging

Louise Upston September 30, 2021 Share

The removal of the subsequent child policy today demonstrates Labour has given up on supporting many New Zealand families to achieve financial independence, says National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston.

What is the Government’s Covid strategy?

Judith Collins September 30, 2021 Share

Talk from the Prime Minister that Auckland could move to Alert Level 2 next week but keep its boundary highlights the Government’s lack of strategy underpinning the current lockdown, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Government failing vulnerable Kiwis in emergency housing

Louise Upston September 30, 2021 Share

Reports from the Director-General of Health that people in emergency housing have tested positive for Delta is an indictment of the Government’s lack of pandemic preparedness, says National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston.

Govt adopts National’s Covid Contribution policy

Erica Stanford September 30, 2021 Share

Today’s announcement from the Government is a retreat from its earlier position to drastically limit immigration to now adopting National’s Covid Contribution policy, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

Govt wants power to delay local elections through 2023

Chris Bishop September 29, 2021 Share

The Government must urgently explain why it wants to give itself the power to delay next year’s local body elections limitless times through to 2023, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop and Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon say.

Minister must act now to protect vulnerable children

Harete Hipango September 29, 2021 Share

Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis must take an even-handed and caring approach for all children in the care of Oranga Tamariki, says National’s Children and Oranga Tamariki spokesperson Harete Hipango.

National seizing immigration opportunities

Erica Stanford September 29, 2021 Share

Opening up to the world doesn’t just give Kiwis the opportunity to come home, but it also gives New Zealand opportunities to attract talent from overseas, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

National planning for a strong health system

Dr Shane Reti September 29, 2021 Share

National’s Covid-19 Plan, ‘Opening Up’ includes a strong priority on improving our hospitals, expanding our ICU capacity and funding treatments for Covid-19, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health spokesperson Simon Watts say.

Ten steps for vigorous suppression of Covid-19

Chris Bishop September 29, 2021 Share

The time will soon come for New Zealand to pivot from an elimination strategy to one of vigorous suppression, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

National’s plan allows for vaccinated travel

Chris Bishop September 29, 2021 Share

National’s plan to reopen New Zealand would reunite Kiwi families, allow New Zealanders to travel overseas for business and pleasure, boost tourism and international education, and end the depressing and outrageous human lottery that is the MIQ debacle, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

National launches plan to open New Zealand up

Judith Collins September 29, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins today launched National’s comprehensive plan to tackle Covid-19, end lockdowns and reopen New Zealand to the world.

O’Connor must secure UK FTA before returning home

Nicola Grigg September 28, 2021 Share

Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor must not return from a second trip to London without an agreement to do a free trade deal with the United Kingdom, National’s Trade and Export Growth spokesperson Nicola Grigg says.

Government fiddles with tenancy measures while small businesses burn

Andrew Bayly September 28, 2021 Share

Today’s announcement by the Minister of Justice shows the Government is going the wrong way entirely when assisting businesses hurt by the recent Covid lockdown, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Mahuta rips up Three Waters ‘partnership’ with councils

Christopher Luxon September 28, 2021 Share

Nanaia Mahuta’s performance in Parliament today has shown any spirit of partnership she may have feigned with councils is well and truly gone and the Three Waters Reforms will be rammed through at any cost, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Government’s own tax experts hate Government’s tax policy

Andrew Bayly September 28, 2021 Share

The Government’s own tax experts say the Government’s tax deductibility policy will do little to stop exploding house prices and will drive rents up, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Minister must seize opportunity to sort immigration crisis

Erica Stanford September 28, 2021 Share

National understands the Immigration Minister intends to make a long-overdue announcement this week about issues plaguing New Zealand’s immigration system after years of inaction and postponed promises, says National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford.

Sir Graeme Harrison joins National Party Board

National Party September 27, 2021 Share

The National Party is pleased to announce the appointment of Sir Graeme Harrison to our Board of Directors.

Amazon wanted to stay, but Labour drove them away

Todd McClay September 27, 2021 Share

New information has revealed Amazon wanted to keep filming the Lord of the Rings television series in New Zealand, but the Government’s unwillingness to hear them out forced the series offshore, costing the economy billions, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Kiwis overwhelmingly oppose Three Waters plan

Christopher Luxon September 27, 2021 Share

In just over two days almost 25,000 New Zealanders signed National’s petition to stop the Three Waters asset grab, reflecting the growing public opposition to Labour’s plans, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Border rules need common sense

Louise Upston September 26, 2021 Share

Reports of people who believed they could go into work but instead have been sent home demonstrates why a more rational and pragmatic approach is needed for alert level border rules, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Time for Govt to front on wage subsidy failures

Louise Upston September 26, 2021 Share

The fact 37,000 businesses are still awaiting their first wage subsidy payment demonstrates the Government’s contempt for the plight of many New Zealanders fighting for their jobs, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Mongrel Mob meth programme gets dodgier by the day

Dr Shane Reti September 26, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister has more questions to answer on the Mongrel Mob meth programme as it’s reveal the time the project would run each year decreased as the overall funding increased, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Kiwis should demand the debate on Three Waters

Judith Collins September 25, 2021 Share

New Zealanders should demand the debate on Labour’s Three Waters plans which amount to stealing local water assets and stripping control from communities, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon say.

Govt reviewing itself on mental health is a sham

Matt Doocey September 24, 2021 Share

The Government claiming it’s on track to deliver its mental health promises is a kick in the guts to all those New Zealanders desperate for mental health support and can’t access it, National’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Multiple ICU failings from a distracted Minister

Dr Shane Reti September 24, 2021 Share

Health Minister Andrew Little has serious questions to answer over New Zealand’s Intensive Care Unit capacity, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Government says no more help to hospitality sector

Todd McClay September 23, 2021 Share

Thousands of New Zealanders have lost their jobs with the closure of many hospitality businesses, and many more will join them if the Government doesn’t provided targeted support, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Labour ignores 15,000 rural New Zealanders

Barbara Kuriger September 23, 2021 Share

By refusing to back a practical change that would lessen the regulatory load on farmers, Labour have shown they remain completely out of touch with rural New Zealand, National’s Agriculture spokesperson Barbara Kuriger and Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon say.

Tightened LVRs another blow for first-home buyers

Andrew Bayly September 23, 2021 Share

The Reserve Bank’s revised loan-to-value restrictions have made it even harder for first-home buyers to get on the property ladder, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Labour’s inaction putting animal welfare at risk

Tim van de Molen September 23, 2021 Share

The shortage of veterinarians in New Zealand is reaching critical heights and is now compromising animal welfare, National’s Animal Welfare spokesperson Tim van de Molen says.

Even the humble Suzuki Swift can’t escape Labour’s tax

David Bennett September 23, 2021 Share

Transport Minister Michael Wood needs to urgently clarify who will be exposed to his Car Tax, National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett says.

Terrible timing of restructuring reinforces Government’s inept approach to health

Dr Shane Reti September 23, 2021 Share

The Government’s appointment of board members to head up its ill-timed and ideologically-driven health system restructure shows how out of step it is on the chronic issues currently affecting New Zealand’s health system, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

National welcomes Amazon’s investment in New Zealand’s digital future

Melissa Lee September 23, 2021 Share

Amazon Web Services’ investment of $7.5 billion to develop a world-class Cloud Computing Data Centre in New Zealand is a huge vote of confidence in our digital future, says National spokesperson for Digital Economy and Communications Melissa Lee.

National welcomes bill to stop Govt funding organised crime

Simeon Brown September 23, 2021 Share

A law change that will prevent any future government funding being granted to organised criminal groups and gangs will be debated in Parliament, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Te Ture Whenua Māori Bill heads to Parliament

Joseph Mooney September 23, 2021 Share

A bill to strengthen the protection of Māori land and stem fragmentation has today been drawn from the ballot, MP for Southland Joseph Mooney says.

Covid recovery fund still being used for Government’s pet projects

Judith Collins September 22, 2021 Share

Using the Covid Response and Recovery Fund to increase Radio New Zealand’s operating budget by $7 million is yet another example of money borrowed on behalf of taxpayers to fund pet projects unrelated to the pandemic response, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Still no plan to address NZ’s growing mental health crisis

Matt Doocey September 22, 2021 Share

New Zealand is in the midst of a mental health crisis, what is needed now is action not more vision statements, working groups and nice words, National’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Government delayed vaccine rollout by two months

Chris Bishop September 22, 2021 Share

Leaked internal documents from the Ministry of Health show New Zealand’s entire stock of Pfizer vaccine was due to be delivered by the end of September but the Government consciously slowed down the deliveries, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Govt finally sees sense on Armed Response Teams

Simeon Brown September 22, 2021 Share

The Government’s announcement it will deploy Tactical Prevention Teams is a clear admission that firearms violence and gang membership in New Zealand is out of control, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Rules for Shaw might well mean more in Glasgow

Stuart Smith September 21, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister’s announcement today that she will provide Climate Change Minister James Shaw and his nine officials special allocation in MIQ on return from COP26 in Glasgow doesn’t square with the rules other Kiwis have to play by, says National’s spokesperson for Climate Change Stuart Smith.

Government blanked Northland mayors on lockdown

Dr Shane Reti September 21, 2021 Share

Jacinda Ardern’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet consulted Northland’s three Labour MPs but not Northland’s mayors before extending the region’s level 4 lockdown.

Wage subsidy problems must be sorted

Louise Upston September 21, 2021 Share

Further reports of confusion about whether businesses are entitled to the wage-subsidy at alert level two shows the Government must urgently improve the scheme, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Shaw to have 14 staff in Glasgow for climate talks

Stuart Smith September 20, 2021 Share

If James Shaw was giving consolation gifts to Kiwis desperately trying to get home this Christmas he’d likely give them a lump of coal, having confirmed he plans to take 14 staff with him to the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Transmission blackspots will create emergency blackspots

David Bennett September 20, 2021 Share

The Government must explain exactly what it will do to sort out Transmission Gully’s transmission problems before the expressway opens, says National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett.

MIQ lobby debut a depressing debacle

Chris Bishop September 20, 2021 Share

This morning’s debut of the new ‘virtual lobby’ system for MIQ allocation was both depressing and a debacle, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

No proof Mob’s meth programme participants ever used the drug in the first place

Dr Shane Reti September 19, 2021 Share

There is no hard evidence any of the participants in the Mongrel Mob methamphetamine pilot had actually used the drug at all, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Extension of Operation Tauwhiro an admission of growing gang problem

Simeon Brown September 17, 2021 Share

The extension of Operation Tauwhiro today is a clear sign that gang violence and the dangers of firearms violence caused by gangs is a far bigger problem than the Government will admit, says National’s spokesperson for Police Simeon Brown.

Flood fund criteria way off the mark

Nicola Grigg September 17, 2021 Share

Almost four months on from the floods that devastated much of rural Canterbury and the Government has fallen well short of the promises it made to local farmers – completely leaving them in the lurch, MP for Selwyn Nicola Grigg says.

Minister must ditch Clean Vehicle Bill

David Bennett September 17, 2021 Share

The Motor Industry Association’s withdrawal of support for Labour’s Clean Vehicle Bill is yet more reason for Transport Minister Michael Wood to ditch his car tax plan, National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett says.

Government splashes cash on consultants rather than cancer

Dr Shane Reti September 17, 2021 Share

The Government has no extra funding for cancer treatment but has splashed $4.3 million on consultancy fees for its ill-conceived health system restructuring plan, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Clearer expectations of home learning required

Paul Goldsmith September 17, 2021 Share

Confirmation today that Auckland students will spend another two weeks trying to learn from home underscores the need for better guidelines to make sure kids are actually engaged in education, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Govt must extend loss carry-back scheme to save businesses

Andrew Bayly September 17, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to extend the Covid-19 temporary loss carry-back scheme to support businesses who are continuing to struggle under lockdown, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly and Associate Revenue spokesperson Simon Watts say.

Robertson tops up Covid slush fund with borrowed money

Michael Woodhouse September 16, 2021 Share

Grant Robertson’s $7 billion top-up of the misused Covid Response and Recovery Fund gives him carte-blanche to splash more borrowed money between Budgets, says National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse.

Climate excuses just more hot air

Stuart Smith September 16, 2021 Share

Climate Change Minister James Shaw stating that the Emissions Reduction Plan is to be aligned with Budget 2022 is just more hot air, says National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith.

Aus GPs can vaccinate against Covid-19, but not in NZ

Dr Shane Reti September 16, 2021 Share

In July Australia was on track to authorise 1300 GPs so they could administer the Pfizer vaccine, yet New Zealand still hasn’t recognised GPs as an important tool in our vaccine rollout, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Rapid testing should be used at Auckland border

Chris Bishop September 16, 2021 Share

News that a truck driver who passed through the Auckland border has tested positive for Covid-19 highlights why rapid antigen testing should be used at the Auckland boundary for essential workers, National Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Govt must release Māori vaccination data to Whānau Ora

Harete Hipango September 16, 2021 Share

Rather than talk about doing more to increase vaccine uptake, the Government should give Whānau Ora providers access to data that will help get Māori vaccinated against Covid-19, National’s Whānau Ora spokesperson Harete Hipango says.

Government’s Covid spend-up comes at a price

Andrew Bayly September 16, 2021 Share

Today’s GDP figures to June do not factor in the impact of the current Covid lockdown, National Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Concerning NZ left out of AUKUS discussions

Judith Collins September 16, 2021 Share

News that the United States, United Kingdom and Australia have formed a partnership without New Zealand is concerning and leaves many questions for the Government to answer, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Govt needs to do more to vaccinate disabled community

Penny Simmonds September 15, 2021 Share

Disability Issues Minister Carmel Sepuloni has completely dropped the ball in getting some of the most vulnerable people in our community vaccinated against Covid-19, National’s Disability spokesperson Penny Simmonds says.

Government must extend wage subsidy deadline

Louise Upston September 15, 2021 Share

New revelations that the Work and Income website only published the deadline for the first round of the wage subsidy two and a half days before it closed reinforce the need for that deadline to be extended, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Over-65s flu vaccination missing targets – especially among Māori

Dr Shane Reti September 15, 2021 Share

Another year of the Government’s failed influenza vaccination programme will cost lives, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Community sector neglected by Govt during pandemic

Maureen Pugh September 15, 2021 Share

The Government must re-establish the Community Sector Reference Group after neglecting the sector throughout the Covid lockdown, National’s Community and Voluntary Sector spokesperson Maureen Pugh says.

The Oranga Tamariki report is ready now, so release it

Harete Hipango September 14, 2021 Share

It’s time for Minister for Children Kelvin Davis to quit stalling and release findings from the latest review into institutional dysfunction at Oranga Tamariki, National’s Children and Oranga Tamariki spokesperson Harete Hipango says.

Urgent need for Government to confirm plan to support Auckland businesses

Andrew Bayly September 14, 2021 Share

As Auckland enters its fifth week under Level 4 lockdown, the Government must present its plan to assist businesses to get through the stringent restrictions, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate to avoid lockdowns

Chris Bishop September 14, 2021 Share

While National welcomes the Prime Minister’s recognition that lockdowns can be avoided if we get as many people as possible vaccinated, we continue to call on her to be honest with New Zealand and give us the conditions for when this can occur, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Why are we still figuring out hospital visitation policy?

Dr Shane Reti September 14, 2021 Share

It is hard to believe that, five months after Delta hit New Zealand arrived and after five weeks of lockdown, that the visitor policies of Auckland’s three district health boards are yet to be figured out, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

‘Short and sharp’ lockdown will be the longest ever

Judith Collins September 13, 2021 Share

The Government had no choice but to extend the Auckland Level 4 Covid lockdown and ongoing restrictions elsewhere in the country because of its own ongoing failures, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Lockdown extension the final straw for many battling businesses

Todd McClay September 13, 2021 Share

The Government’s decision to extend the Level 4 lockdown in Auckland and Level 2 restrictions elsewhere in the country without additional urgent support will be the end of many businesses, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Disabled population urgently needs Covid plan

Penny Simmonds September 13, 2021 Share

The country’s disabled population urgently needs a Covid plan, with barriers to getting tested and vaccinated disadvantaging the community, National’s Disability Issues spokesperson Penny Simmonds says.

Government rules out vaccinating in MIQ

Chris Bishop September 13, 2021 Share

It is ridiculous the Government has no plan to stand up vaccination clinics in MIQ facilities, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Unskilled pruning of labour force is a rotten policy

David Bennett September 12, 2021 Share

The Government’s confirmation of the availability of Recognised Seasonal Employer workers from selected countries is not enough to fix its rotten approach to labour supply, says National’s Horticulture spokesperson David Bennett.

Government must park Three Waters plans

Christopher Luxon September 12, 2021 Share

Labour must listen to the multitude of mayors pleading for the Three Waters plans to be dumped, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Labour should listen to the education experts

Paul Goldsmith September 13, 2021 Share

The Government should listen to the strong message from accounting and economics teachers that its proposed curriculum changes are misplaced and go back to the drawing board, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Labour’s failure to prepare for Delta has cost Kiwis their jobs

Louise Upston September 10, 2021 Share

The latest Jobseeker figures released today demonstrate the true impact of the Delta outbreak on employment, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Businesses struggling day-to-day under Covid restrictions desperately need Government support

Todd McClay September 10, 2021 Share

Each day matters for hardworking businesses struggling under Level 4 lockdown in Auckland and new Level 2 restrictions elsewhere in the country, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Will the Minister now take responsibility for the crisis at Middlemore Hospital?

Dr Shane Reti September 10, 2021 Share

Middlemore Hospital is in the highest risk area in the current Covid outbreak and needs leadership from the Minister of Health – not abdication of responsibility, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

NZ not at the table to discuss Afghanistan evacuation

Gerry Brownlee September 10, 2021 Share

Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta needs to ask the United States for a ‘please explain’ as to why New Zealand was not invited to the more than 20 country ministerial meeting, led by the US and Germany yesterday, National’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

Animal welfare crisis looms as Minister butchers opportunity

Barbara Kuriger September 10, 2021 Share

An animal welfare crisis is looming as Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor fails to pay attention to what’s going on around him, National’s Agriculture spokesperson Barbara Kuriger says.

Quit the education complacency

Paul Goldsmith September 09, 2021 Share

Education Minister Chris Hipkins is mythmaking about the impact of school closures on learning, no doubt to downplay the impact of his Government’s failures over Covid, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

This Kiwi won’t be flying to Climate Change Conference

Stuart Smith September 09, 2021 Share

Covid-19 has meant that New Zealanders have had to sacrifice a great deal. They have missed funerals, weddings, births, and all manner of other special moments, National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Industry withers in Spring as strict lockdown rules bite

David Bennett September 09, 2021 Share

The commercial flower industry is being left out in the cold in this latest lockdown. It’s an industry that can’t close its doors and get a wage subsidy to pay its staff. It’s a constant process of planting, toil and regeneration, National’s Horticulture spokesperson David Bennett says.

Government’s $5m Covid relief package for Māori communities is too little, too late

Harete Hipango September 09, 2021 Share

The Government’s announcement of $5 million to provide immediate relief to Delta-hit Māori communities is another mistimed misstep and missed opportunity, National’s Whānau Ora and Māori Development spokesperson Harete Hipango says.

More time needed to consider conversion practices bill

Simon Bridges September 09, 2021 Share

With more submissions by a massive margin than received for any other piece of law in Parliament’s history, it’s clear more time is needed to consider the Conversion Practices Bill than Labour is currently allowing, National’s Justice spokesperson Simon Bridges says.

Counter-Terrorism Announcement

Judith Collins September 09, 2021 Share

On Friday the 3rd of September New Zealanders were targeted again by a terrorist. Though the ideology driving the hatred of this man was different to the terrorism we saw in March of 2019, there were certainly some commonalities.

Greater certainty needed for wage subsidy applicants

Louise Upston September 09, 2021 Share

The Government should provide greater certainty for those impacted by the early closure of the first wage subsidy round since the recent Delta outbreak, says National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston.

No mention of Delta strain in Government plans

Chris Bishop September 09, 2021 Share

The Government’s lack of planning for a Covid-19 Delta outbreak is starkly illustrated by the fact that it is not mentioned even once in its two most recent Covid-19 plans, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Business will stall if trucks can’t get moving

David Bennett September 09, 2021 Share

New Zealand risks grinding to a halt if we can’t ease freight and supply line challenges. We risk a situation where freight can’t get out of our biggest city and certainly can’t get to the South Island, National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett says.

Robertson has emptied the Covid piggy bank

Michael Woodhouse September 08, 2021 Share

Confirmation today that the Government has sought authorisation to spend a whopping $41 billion over and above Budget 2021 is proof that the Finance Minister is once again using the cover of Covid-19 to spend taxpayer funds on pet projects that have little to do with New Zealand’s Covid-19 response, National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

How many close and casual contacts at Middlemore?

Dr Shane Reti September 08, 2021 Share

Despite questions in Parliament yesterday, intense media interest in the matter today, and advanced notice that I was going to return to the issue today, Minister of Health Andrew Little still hasn’t bothered to find out the most important details about the Covid-positive patient at Middlemore Hospital, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Kiwis left in the dark over interest deductibility rules

Andrew Bayly September 08, 2021 Share

The new rules relating to mortgage interest deductibility, cunningly renamed the Interest Limitation Rules, are due to come into force on 1 October without a proper explanation of how they will even work in practice, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Government misses the bus with transport bias

David Bennett September 08, 2021 Share

The Government’s “flagship” transport plan ignores the opportunities to adopt smart transport solutions while developing a stronger nationwide road network that can help bolster public transport solutions, says National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett.

Rural NZ rejecting more regulation from Labour

Barbara Kuriger September 08, 2021 Share

More than 13,000 New Zealanders have told the Government to stop raining regulations on our rural communities, National’s Agriculture spokesperson Barbara Kuriger and Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon say.

Minister Little unaware of pathways for patients

Dr Shane Reti September 07, 2021 Share

If the Minister of Health is taking seriously the situation at Middlemore Hospital where a Covid-positive patient was placed in a general ward with three other patients, why has he been unable to provide any details as to the impact of the incident on the hospital and workforce, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Businesses will close because of new Level 2 restrictions

Todd McClay September 07, 2021 Share

Additional restrictions during Level 2 mean the jobs of many hospitality and event businesses have been made much harder by this Government, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Wage subsidy deadlines should be extended

Louise Upston September 07, 2021 Share

The Government must extend the deadline for the first fortnight of wage subsidy applications to make sure businesses don’t miss out, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

DOC shouldn’t get another crack at a failed project

Jacqui Dean September 07, 2021 Share

The Department of Conservation should the pull the pin on a failed Mackenzie Basin project and return the unspent money to Treasury, National’s Conservation spokesperson, and MP for Waitaki, Jacqui Dean says.

Turns out we could get vaccines earlier

Chris Bishop September 07, 2021 Share

After months of being told there was no way to speed up the vaccine supply into New Zealand, it turns out all the Government needed to do was go and ask, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Govt secretive on Groundswell correspondence

Joseph Mooney September 07, 2021 Share

It is really disappointing to see that Prime Minister has not fronted up and engaged with Groundswell NZ following their nationwide protests in July, National’s Rural Communities spokesperson Joseph Mooney says.

Labour’s transport plan doesn’t prioritise economic growth

David Bennett September 07, 2021 Share

The Government has missed an opportunity to grow the New Zealand economy to help us bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic in its National Land Transport Plan, National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett says.

Time to introduce rapid antigen testing

Chris Bishop September 07, 2021 Share

The Government’s effective ban on rapid antigen testing made no sense before and makes even less sense now in light of the new testing requirements for essential workers crossing the Auckland border, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Saliva testing welcome but long overdue

Chris Bishop September 07, 2021 Share

The Government’s move to introduce saliva testing as additional surveillance testing technology is welcome but long overdue, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Why wasn’t terrorist subject to sections 163 & 164?

Judith Collins September 06, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister and the Immigration Minister need to answer as to why the terrorist Ahamed Aathill Mohamed Samsudeen was not able to be deported based on sections 163 and 164 of the Immigration Act 2009, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour must release Māori and Pacific vaccination plans

Chris Bishop September 06, 2021 Share

The Government must release the week by week plans showing what the expected vaccination rates are for each District Health Board for their Māori and Pacific populations, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Government drops vaccination ball again by failing to approve Auckland pharmacies

Dr Shane Reti September 06, 2021 Share

New Zealand’s low vaccination rate can also be credited to late and lazy engagement with primary care providers such as pharmacies, says National’s Health spokesman Dr Shane Reti.

Labour’s failure to plan constraining our economy

David Bennett September 06, 2021 Share

The Government has had months to plan for a situation where there could be an Alert Level border in the country, like Auckland and the rest of the country, but once again its failed to prepare, National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett says.

Law change needed to strip citizenship from violent offenders

Judith Collins September 04, 2021 Share

It’s time for the Government to initiate a process that would remove New Zealand citizenship or residency from a person who commits a violent act in our country, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

New Zealand’s cyber borders under siege again on Labour’s watch

Melissa Lee September 03, 2021 Share

Today’s cyber-attack on New Zealand’s telecommunications network is a clear sign the Government has failed again to protect New Zealand’s cyber borders, National’s Digital Economy and Communications spokesperson Melissa Lee says.

It’s ‘Official’ – Poto has got to go

Simeon Brown September 03, 2021 Share

The suggestion by the Minister of Police that media should use the Official Information Act to find out if the officers who arrested the MIQ escapee were vaccinated against Covid-19 is astounding, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Labour’s failure to plan means Covid cases isolating at home

Chris Bishop September 03, 2021 Share

A lack of planning by the Government for a Delta outbreak has meant as of 1pm yesterday 78 Covid-19 positive people were isolating at home, having not yet been moved into quarantine, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Health system unprepared for a Delta outbreak

Dr Shane Reti September 03, 2021 Share

The Government must explain why the health system was so unprepared for a Delta outbreak and why no new ICU bed spaces were provisioned over the five months since Delta first appeared in our MIQ facilities, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

South Island should drop now to alert level 2

Judith Collins September 03, 2021 Share

The Government needs to explain exactly why the South Island should not immediately drop to alert level 2, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Critical healthcare workers must be granted residency as a priority

Erica Stanford September 03, 2021 Share

The Immigration Minister must urgently reopen the frozen Skilled Migrant Category visa EOI pool and prioritise processing of residence applications for critical healthcare workers to keep them in New Zealand as we battle the Covid-19 outbreak, says National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford.

Wage subsidy early closure could see businesses miss out

Louise Upston September 03, 2021 Share

The Government must apologise to business owners and make sure no one misses out on wages after the wage subsidy applications closed unexpectedly early last night, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Answers needed over MIQ escapee

Chris Bishop September 02, 2021 Share

Answers are needed quickly from the Government over how a Covid positive person escaped from the Ibis Novotel Ellerslie MIQ facility, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Two-week wage subsidy turnaround will cost jobs

Louise Upston September 02, 2021 Share

Forcing struggling businesses to reapply for the Covid-19 wage subsidy every two weeks will lead to closures and employees losing their jobs, National’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston says.

National’s plan to fix managed isolation allocation system

Judith Collins September 02, 2021 Share

It’s clear Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) is going to be with us for some time, so it’s past time we fixed the festering issues with our current system. National is proposing five sensible improvements to the beleaguered Managed Isolation Allocation System.

Government rejected key way to boost vaccination among Māori and Pasifika

Louise Upston September 01, 2021 Share

Revelations the Government rejected advice to fund Whānau Ora to have a strategic role in the vaccination rollout demonstrates the Government is failing to utilise all levers to increase vaccination among Māori and Pasifika, says National’s Whānau Ora spokesperson Harete Hipango and Social Investment spokesperson Louise Upston.

Bayly urges Govt to adopt Rental Support Package

Andrew Bayly September 01, 2021 Share

Small business owners need help urgently so that they can survive this Covid-19 lockdown and any future lockdowns so that they can continue to play a significant role in New Zealand’s economy as well as providing employment all over the country, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Labour rejects National’s request for Immigration Minister to front on Afghanistan situation

Erica Stanford September 01, 2021 Share

Labour’s decision to reject National's motion for the Minister of Immigration to front the Education and Workforce Select Committee to answer questions about his and Immigration New Zealand’s role in how so many of our Afghan allies and their families who requested visas were left behind in Afghanistan is appalling, says National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford.

Labour has dropped the MIQ ball

Chris Bishop September 01, 2021 Share

Reports today that Wellington's Covid-19 cases are being allowed to exercise in an underground car park are a further illustration that the Government has not moved quickly or robustly enough in response to the Delta variant of Covid-19, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Pub quiz prize for Government’s vaccine rollout

Judith Collins September 01, 2021 Share

New Zealand’s vaccine rollout is, in fact a ‘winner’ – having just pipped Mexico to be the second slowest in the developed world, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Bumbling Government gives up on those left behind in Afghanistan

Judith Collins August 31, 2021 Share

That the Government still does not know how many New Zealanders and Afghan civilians who worked alongside our Defence Force remain stranded in strife-torn Afghanistan is appalling, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

There’s only one course the PM should chart

Judith Collins August 31, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister has a habit of preparing various charts for New Zealand at her daily press conferences, but there’s only one chart that really matters and that’s the number of New Zealanders receiving at least one vaccination, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour’s ‘reannouncement’ won’t help struggling tourism businesses

Todd McClay August 31, 2021 Share

The Labour Government’s latest press release reannouncing a business support scheme for some South Island regions provides nothing new for struggling tourism operators, says National’s Tourism Spokesperson Todd McClay.

Labour recklessly delayed vaccine shipments

Chris Bishop August 31, 2021 Share

The Labour Government has recklessly delayed vaccine shipments to New Zealand, putting the health and freedom of all New Zealanders at risk, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

New businesses being left out in the cold by Labour

Todd McClay August 30, 2021 Share

The Labour Government must extend Covid support to new businesses established in the past six months, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says.

PM says too much vaccination demand

Chris Bishop August 29, 2021 Share

The Government’s incompetent and negligent vaccine contracting is coming back to haunt them as the Prime Minister warns the country risks running out of vaccines, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Government must release more outbreak data

Chris Bishop August 29, 2021 Share

The Government needs to be much more upfront and release more comprehensive data about the current Covid-19 community outbreak, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

New National portfolio allocations confirmed

Judith Collins August 28, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins has today announced a minor reshuffle of the Opposition Shadow Cabinet following the retirement of Dr Nick Smith and the decision of Todd Muller to not to seek re-election at the next General Election.

Labour must stop anti-democratic tactics

Judith Collins August 27, 2021 Share

The lengths Labour will go to in order to avoid scrutiny and accountability are quite extraordinary. The National Party will not stand for any more of their antics; the Epidemic Response Committee must be reinstated as soon as possible, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Afghan allies must not be left behind following Kabul terror attack

Judith Collins August 27, 2021 Share

New Zealand must urgently step up plans to evacuate our Afghan allies from Afghanistan following the deadly terror attack at Kabul’s international airport, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Colllins.

Labour making it too hard for pharmacies to vaccinate

Dr Shane Reti August 27, 2021 Share

The Government should be making it as easy as possible for our pharmacies to become authorised to administer the Covid-19 vaccine, especially while the country is locked down due to a Delta outbreak, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

National launches plan to supercharge vaccination

Judith Collins August 26, 2021 Share

With the Delta variant of Covid-19 having well and truly arrived in New Zealand, the National Party is calling on the Government to supercharge the vaccination rollout throughout the country with a new strategy, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Labour must take position on unvaccinated workers

Scott Simpson August 26, 2021 Share

The Government needs to decide how it will handle unvaccinated people in the work force sooner rather than later, National’s Workplace Relations spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

Bring back the Epidemic Response Committee

Judith Collins August 25, 2021 Share

The National Party is calling for the reinstatement of the Epidemic Response Committee following the disgraceful behaviour of Labour MPs in select committees this week, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Crowne Plaza passing infection audits unbelievable

Chris Bishop August 25, 2021 Share

Confirmation that the Crowne Plaza passed all its infection control audits, including as recently in June, beggars belief, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Missed opportunity for Govt to increase vaccine uptake

Louise Upston August 25, 2021 Share

The Government’s admission it isn’t using an obvious lever to increase uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine demonstrates its failure to recognise the need to ramp up our vaccine rollout, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Labour uses committee majority to block Covid accountability to Māori

Harete Hipango August 25, 2021 Share

Labour’s move today to block a request for the Minister of Covid-19 Response to explain what is being done to address shockingly low vaccination rates among Māori is an appalling example of politics over people, National Party Māori Affairs Select Committee members Harete Hipango and Joseph Mooney say.

Government vague on lockdown education

Paul Goldsmith August 25, 2021 Share

As kids and parents face weeks away from school, the Government remains vague on the reality of education under lockdown, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Where on earth is saliva testing?

Chris Bishop August 25, 2021 Share

National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop is asking why we aren’t using saliva testing in the community as part of the fight against the current delta outbreak.

Gobsmacking: Hipkins claims vaccine rollout has not been slow

Chris Bishop August 24, 2021 Share

Kiwis will be shaking their heads in disbelief at Chris Hipkins’ comments to the Health Committee today that he doesn’t think the vaccine rollout in New Zealand has been slow, says National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Minister won’t say how much more taxpayers will be up for

Michael Woodhouse August 24, 2021 Share

Finance Minister Grant Robertson won’t say how much extra taxpayers will have to foot to pay for the current lockdown, says National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse.

Prime Minister’s suspension of Parliament is wrong

Judith Collins August 23, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister has advised me that she is unilaterally suspending parliament, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Vaccination target vital to avoiding future lockdowns

Judith Collins August 23, 2021 Share

New Zealand needs to set a 70-75 per cent target of vaccination of the eligible population to avoid future countrywide lockdowns, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Clarity about Level 4 trading rules now urgent

Todd McClay August 23, 2021 Share

National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay has today written to Ministers David Clark and Stuart Nash asking them to urgently clarify the rules around which businesses are able to open safely during the Level 4 lockdown and the procedures for companies to receive an authorisation to trade.

Hipkins’ vaccine supply claim dodges fact – we could and should have got it earlier

Chris Bishop August 22, 2021 Share

Chris Hipkins’ claim there was nothing New Zealand could have done to secure Pfizer vaccines any earlier flies in the face of hard facts, says National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Labour must stop flooding rural NZ with pointless and onerous regulation

Barbara Kuriger August 21, 2021 Share

Labour’s latest regulatory hurdle for rural water schemes shows it is deeply out of touch with provincial New Zealand, National’s Rural Communities spokesperson Barbara Kuriger and Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon say.

What Kiwis need to know about the vaccine roll-out

Judith Collins August 21, 2021 Share

We are in lockdown for two reasons; because the border has failed and because nearly 80 per cent of the country has still not been fully vaccinated, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

National mourns passing of Sir Michael Cullen

Judith Collins August 20, 2021 Share

New Zealand is united today in sadness after the passing of former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Sir Michael Cullen, says National Party Leader Judith Collins.

Lack of planning causing chaos

Chris Bishop August 20, 2021 Share

It’s become very clear since the Level 4 countrywide lockdown started that the Government has done absolutely no planning around how testing would be scaled-up and vaccination would continue under lockdown, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Low vaccination numbers putting officers at risk

Simeon Brown August 18, 2021 Share

The Government’s failure to prioritise the vaccination of frontline police officers is putting their safety at risk, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

RBNZ hold on rate rise the right move

Andrew Bayly August 18, 2021 Share

The Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 0.25 per cent is the right one given the economic uncertainty New Zealand now faces as a result of the new Covid-19 lockdown, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

We must be decisive in the face of Delta variant

Judith Collins August 17, 2021 Share

National supports the Government’s decision to move New Zealand into Level 4 lockdown for three days and Auckland and Coromandel for seven days, following a positive Covid-19 test in the community, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Kāinga Ora Chief Exec misled Select Committee

Nicola Willis August 17, 2021 Share

Kāinga Ora Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie must explain himself to Parliament in light of a startling admission that he made misleading comments in reply to my questions in a recent Select Committee hearing, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Labour’s astounding apathy towards Afghan translators

Judith Collins August 17, 2021 Share

The Labour Government has known of the escalating situation in Afghanistan for months. They have known about the impending danger for those who aided New Zealand despite the risk to their own safety, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Another nail in the Three Waters coffin

Christopher Luxon August 16, 2021 Share

The latest council rejection of the Three Waters Reforms underscores their persistent problems and throws the Government’s plans into serious doubt, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Labour delivers more officials than KiwiBuild houses

Nicola Willis August 16, 2021 Share

New figures released to National show Labour has hired more housing officials than it has built KiwiBuild homes, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Cancer Society latest to experience Little’s temper

Dr Shane Reti August 16, 2021 Share

Instead of apologising for his comments on One News on Saturday calling the Cancer Society “off the planet” Andrew Little has doubled down in a tweet exchange on Sunday and again name called the Cancer Society, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Minister’s blunder costs New Zealand $4.5 billion

Todd McClay August 13, 2021 Share

Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash has fumbled negotiations with Amazon and now the billions of dollars that would’ve been spent in New Zealand will now go to the UK economy, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Aucklanders in more danger under Labour

Simeon Brown August 13, 2021 Share

New Police statistics show the Auckland CBD is becoming more dangerous, with a sharp rise in serious assaults and gang violence – while the Government fails to keep up with the challenges frontline Police face, says National Party Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Gloves must come off for ‘Coward Punch’ bill

Maureen Pugh August 12, 2021 Share

The Government must reverse its opposition to creating a new offence to apply to people who throw ‘coward punches’, says National’s Maureen Pugh.

Southland MP presents petition for dairy farmers

Joseph Mooney August 12, 2021 Share

Today Member of Parliament for Southland Joseph Mooney submitted his petition seeking allocated MIQ capacity to bring more skilled dairy farm workers into the country as the pressure of staff shortages continues to mount on farms across New Zealand.

Labour pouring fuel on an overheating economy

Andrew Bayly August 12, 2021 Share

StatsNZ’s latest rental and food price index data is further proof of New Zealand’s rapidly overheating economy and the skyrocketing cost of living, National Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Opening New Zealand still hinges on vaccine rollout

Judith Collins August 12, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says the announcements from the Government around reconnecting New Zealand to the world are a step in the right direction, but speeding up and effectively rolling out the Covid-19 vaccination programme is the most important thing to do right now.

Labour isn’t taking cancer seriously

Dr Shane Reti August 12, 2021 Share

By removing targets to diagnose and treat cancer Labour is taking its eye off a very deadly ball, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Rei says.

Labour arbitrarily limit debate on Conversion Practices Bill

Simon Bridges August 12, 2021 Share

Labour has again demonstrated their determination to limit any public scrutiny on legislation they have already decided to pass, National’s Justice spokesperson Simon Bridges says.

What is Labour trying to hide?

Simon O'Connor August 12, 2021 Share

Labour members of the Social Services and Community Select Committee appear intent on limiting further parliamentary discussion of the ‘They Are Us’ film production, in particular questioning of the New Zealand Film Commission over the details of its funding, National’s Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Simon O’Connor says.

National to support BDMRR Bill to Select Committee

Nicola Grigg August 11, 2021 Share

National welcomes the opportunity for the public to have input on a proposed law change that will allow people to change their designated sex on their birth certificates according to how they self-identify, National’s spokesperson for Women Nicola Grigg says.

Labour can’t keep the lights on

Barbara Kuriger August 11, 2021 Share

I completely agree with the Energy Minister Megan Woods and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in their assessment of the blackouts on Monday as ‘not good enough,’ National’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Barbara Kuriger says.

IPCC Report highlights size of climate challenge

Stuart Smith August 11, 2021 Share

The release of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change report on the Physical Science of Climate Change highlights the importance of sound and efficient climate policy, National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate

Judith Collins August 11, 2021 Share

There is one clear message from the release of the Skegg report – it is imperative we vaccinate as many as people as possible, as quickly as possible, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Government blocks Bloomfield recall, again

Chris Bishop August 11, 2021 Share

The Government continues to block transparency around its response to Covid-19, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

No urgency on port worker vaccinations

Chris Bishop August 10, 2021 Share

The Government needs to explain why it hasn’t acted sooner to increase the uptake of vaccinations against Covid-19 at our ports, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Waikeria Prison riot costs blow out

Simeon Brown August 10, 2021 Share

The costs of damages from the six-day riot at Waikeria Prison continue to mount, while Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis remains missing in action, says Simeon Brown National Party Spokesperson for Corrections.

Maternity funding redirected to health restructure

Dr Shane Reti August 10, 2021 Share

The Labour Government should be valuing midwives more than their own ideology, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Guns buyback 2.0 spends more on admin than buying back guns

Simeon Brown August 10, 2021 Share

The Government’s second firearms buyback has been confirmed as nothing more than a marketing exercise, with more money spent on administrating the buyback than on actually buying back guns, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

60 per cent of Bay of Plenty port workers without a jab

Chris Bishop August 09, 2021 Share

It’s deeply concerning that 60 per cent of port workers in the Bay of Plenty haven’t had a single vaccine especially when there are 11 cases of Covid-19 in a ship off Tauranga, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Government should explore retaining Marsden Point

Barbara Kuriger August 09, 2021 Share

A National Government would look to future proof Marsden Point for the benefit of all New Zealanders, National’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Barbara Kuriger says.

Health system restructuring leads to boom in bureaucrats

Dr Shane Reti August 09, 2021 Share

One year before the health system restructuring even starts, the health system restructuring unit in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has already tripled in staff numbers, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Next Generation Case Management system failing

Simon Watts August 09, 2021 Share

ACC Minister Carmel Sepuloni needs to front up to New Zealanders and explain what she’s doing to fix the failing Next Generation Case Management system, National’s ACC spokesperson Simon Watts says.

National focuses on the big issues facing NZers

Judith Collins August 08, 2021 Share

Today I addressed the National Party conference and laid out the direction we will be taking and the hard work ahead of us as we provide policy and solutions to the big issues facing New Zealanders, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

SPEECH: Leader’s Speech to the National Party AGM

Judith Collins August 08, 2021 Share

Good afternoon. It’s a privilege to be speaking to you all today. To all the loyal and hardworking members of the National Party, I’d like to say a huge thank you on behalf of myself and the entire National Party caucus.

Goodfellow re-elected as President, National welcomes new Board members

National Party August 08, 2021 Share

The National Party is pleased to announce our members have elected Jannita Pilisi, David Ryan, Stefan Sunde and Sylvia Wood to the Board of the National Party, joining Peter Goodfellow, Rachel Bird, Matt Doocey and Hon Judith Collins in the Party’s leadership.

Bloomfield “all over” UN worker transfer

Chris Bishop August 07, 2021 Share

Dr Ashley Bloomfield’s letter to Parliament’s Health Committee apologising for providing incorrect information about the Covid-19 infected UN worker raises more questions than it answers, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Government needs to clear up energy uncertainty

Barbara Kuriger August 06, 2021 Share

News that Refining New Zealand shareholders have voted to shift Marsden Point to an import only terminal adds further uncertainty to New Zealand’s energy future, National’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Barbara Kuriger says.

Indicators aren’t targets Minister Little

Dr Shane Reti August 06, 2021 Share

It’s taken four years for Health Minister Andrew Little to recognise there needs to be some measuring and reporting on the performance of the health system, but indicators aren’t targets and will do little to improve health outcomes, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Govt must restructure travel agent reimbursement scheme

Todd McClay August 06, 2021 Share

New Zealanders could miss out on half a billion dollars’ worth of travel credits and refunds if changes to the Consumer Travel Reimbursement Scheme aren’t made, National’s Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Todd McClay says.

New Zealand hasn’t ordered any extra Pfizer doses

Chris Bishop August 06, 2021 Share

While the rest of the world orders hundreds of millions of extra Pfizer doses for 2022 and 2023 to be used as ‘booster’ shots, New Zealand hasn’t bothered, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Treasury wholly opposed to Labour’s Car Tax

Michael Woodhouse August 06, 2021 Share

Documents released to National reveal Treasury unambiguously told the Finance Minister the Car Tax shouldn’t be implemented, but the Government ploughed ahead with the policy anyway, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse.

Govt blocks opportunity for He Puapua writers

Joseph Mooney August 05, 2021 Share

Yesterday, Government Labour Party members, the Green Party and the Māori Party voted down my motion in the Māori Affairs Select Committee that the Committee receive a briefing on the He Puapua report from its authors, National’s Treaty Negotiations spokesperson Joseph Mooney says.

Waiting list blowout nothing to do with Covid

Dr Shane Reti August 05, 2021 Share

Health Minister Andrew Little can’t blame Covid for the shocking number of Kiwis overdue for specialist medical assessment and treatment because these wait lists had already blown out well before 2020, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Another broken Government promise on tax

Andrew Bayly August 05, 2021 Share

The Labour Government’s interest deductibility change is another broken tax promise that will cost mum and dad property investors $800 million, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

National making life a little easier for Kiwis with cancer

Dr Shane Reti August 05, 2021 Share

A change in the law which would see the law changed so that Kiwis can have their unfunded chemotherapy drugs administered in DHBs with the cost covered is a sensible move and should be supported by all of Parliament, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Labour has spent almost $300m on spin doctors

Mark Mitchell August 05, 2021 Share

While the number of broken promises that the Government has made to New Zealanders adds up, so too does the amount it is spending on communications staff, National’s Public Service spokesperson Mark Mitchell says.

National backs commerce teachers’ petition

Todd McClay August 05, 2021 Share

The proposed removal of specialised commerce subjects at NCEA Level 1 is going to leave Kiwis without strong financial and economic literacy, National MPs Todd McClay and Paul Goldsmith say.

Te Huia train costing taxpayers $24,000 a day

Michael Woodhouse August 05, 2021 Share

Labour’s grand plan to have a commuter line between Hamilton to Auckland is racking up huge costs at the taxpayer’s expense, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Catching thieves not a priority for Govt

Andrew Bayly August 04, 2021 Share

It is very disappointing to see Labour vote against a Bill that would make work easier for Police Officers in New Zealand as they endeavour to track down stolen goods, National’s MP for Port Waikato Andrew Bayly says.

Conservation Minister to operate outside mandate

Jacqui Dean August 04, 2021 Share

The Conservation Minster’s handling of a ministerial review into the governance of Fish and Game will see hunters and anglers side-lined from the organisation they pay for, National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean says.

Govt failing on addiction services for offenders

Judith Collins August 04, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister needs to explain why it is necessary to fund a Mongrel Mob-led meth programme $2.75 million when eight out of ten of the pilot participants were already under the active care of Corrections, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

National calls for ‘Covid Contribution Visa’

Judith Collins August 04, 2021 Share

National will clear the current residency backlog and provide a clear pathway for skilled migrants already in the country to gain residency.

Treatment of Auckland academics veiled censorship

Penny Simmonds August 04, 2021 Share

The treatment of a group of Auckland University professors, who raised concerns about proposed changes to science in the school curriculum is nothing short of veiled censorship, National’s Tertiary Education spokesperson Penny Simmonds says.

Kiwis are now getting poorer with each pay packet

Andrew Bayly August 04, 2021 Share

With the latest labour market statistics confirming wages have only increased 2.1 per cent compared to 3.3 per cent annual inflation, New Zealanders’ pay packets are being eaten up by the rising cost of living, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Labour has no intention to meet end of year vaccine target

Chris Bishop August 04, 2021 Share

Newly-released DHB plans show the Labour Government is planning to break its promise that everyone eligible in New Zealand will be offered a Covid-19 vaccine by the end of the year, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Improvements needed on Conversion Bill

Simon Bridges August 03, 2021 Share

National is on board with the core intent of the Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill, however we would need to see amendment in order to support it, National’s Justice spokesperson Simon Bridges says.

Labour failing first-home buyers

Nicola Willis August 04, 2021 Share

Labour is set to break yet another of its housing promises with the number of first-home buyers getting First Home Grants on track for a record low, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Kiwis should be frustrated with Labour’s spending priorities

Michael Woodhouse August 03, 2021 Share

The projects Labour is choosing to spend hard earned taxpayer money on speaks volumes around its priorities, National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Government tinkering won’t solve housing crisis

Andrew Bayly August 03, 2021 Share

The Government’s tinkering with monetary and financial stability policy is doing nothing to address rampant house price inflation, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Pacific RSE plan should have come sooner

Judith Collins August 03, 2021 Share

The Government’s plan to allow one-way quarantine-free travel for Recognised Seasonal Employer workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu is the right one but should have come much sooner, says Leader of the Opposition and National’s Pacific Peoples spokesperson Judith Collins.

Kids missing out because progress isn’t measured

Paul Goldsmith August 02, 2021 Share

The Government must implement a standardised way to measure progress to make sure no children fall through the cracks, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Government must urgently prioritise truancy crisis

Paul Goldsmith July 30, 2021 Share

New Zealand’s truancy crisis is only going to get worse if schools aren’t required to submit their attendance data, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Health system buckling under Labour’s mismanagement

Dr Shane Reti July 30, 2021 Share

It’s unsurprising nurses have declined the Government’s latest pay offer when the Government’s own data shows it’s more interested in boosting the number of bureaucrats in the health system than our doctors and nurses, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Kiwi wallets are being squeezed as cost of living rises

Andrew Bayly July 29, 2021 Share

The latest household living costs reveal Labours ill-thought through policies are hitting New Zealand’s most vulnerable the most, who are seeing more and more of their pay packets eaten up by basic day to day living costs, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Government plays a role in increasing cost of food

Todd McClay July 29, 2021 Share

The interim report on supermarket pricing will likely confirm what a lot of New Zealanders are experiencing when they head to the shops, National’s Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Todd McClay says.

$8 million in overdue MIQ payments

Chris Bishop July 29, 2021 Share

Latest figures released to National show there is about $8 million in overdue MIQ payments and that only in the last couple of weeks has the Government started to use debt collectors to chase the money, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Waka Kotahi heading up the wrong street

Barbara Kuriger July 29, 2021 Share

Waka Kotahi-NZTA is driving in the wrong direction as motorhomes and horse truck owners scramble to meet new modified cab regulations, says National’s Associate Transport spokesperson Barbara Kuriger.

Government’s vaccine rollout a shambles

Judith Collins July 28, 2021 Share

The Government’s excruciatingly slow and chaotic vaccine rollout shows it has no idea how to get the lifesaving vaccine to New Zealanders, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

A motel is not a home – demand the debate

Judith Collins July 28, 2021 Share

Kiwis deserve the debate on the Labour Government’s decision to spend $1 million a day on motels to house the homeless, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour’s made a complete meth of things

Dr Shane Reti July 27, 2021 Share

Labour’s short-sighted decision in 2018 to scrap National’s highly successful Meth Action Plan – and its outright refusal to accept that New Zealand has a gang problem – is contributing to a surge in gang membership, meth use and misery in New Zealand’s most deprived communities, National’s health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Police Officers leaving the force

Simeon Brown July 27, 2021 Share

Figures released to National show, that since March, Police Officers are continuing to leave the force while gang numbers explode, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Labour fudging state house numbers

Nicola Willis July 27, 2021 Share

The Labour Government’s claim to have delivered 8000 new state houses has been revealed as a pumped-up figure that vastly exaggerates the number of houses it has actually built, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

What is Western Science?

Paul Goldsmith July 26, 2021 Share

Proposals for NCEA science risk taking our curriculum down a rabbit hole at a time when the Government should be focused on turning around our declining achievement in science, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Gangs recruiting one new member per day

Simeon Brown July 26, 2021 Share

New figures released to the National Party show that gangs are recruiting approximately one new member every single day in New Zealand, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Demand the debate on our justice system

Judith Collins July 25, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins is calling on the Prime Minister to rule out separate justice systems, which is currently being consulted on with some New Zealanders.

Another cost on Kiwis at the behest of the unions

Scott Simpson July 23, 2021 Share

Labour is using COVID-19 as the justification for imposing new costs on employers in the form of an extra week of paid sick leave for each employee, but the real reason is because their union mates have been applying the pressure, National’s Workplace Relations spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

How did Ardern determine the success of Mob pilot?

Judith Collins July 23, 2021 Share

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern needs to clarify just how she measured the success of her Government’s Kahukura Mongrel Mob rehab pilot, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Government inaction putting children at risk

Louise Upston July 23, 2021 Share

The Ministry of Social Development has only just begun ‘scoping’ an information sharing arrangement with Police to improve outcomes for Kiwis in emergency housing, despite already having the information it needs, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

DHB vaccine targets meaningless

Chris Bishop July 22, 2021 Share

National has analysed the DHB vaccination numbers against their populations and it turns out the ‘targets’ DHBs are using to track their progress are essentially meaningless, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Why is the Police Minister hiding gang numbers?

Simeon Brown July 22, 2021 Share

The deliberate attempt by the Police Minister to withhold the most recent gang numbers raises the question if Labour is too scared to admit that New Zealand has a gang problem, National’s Police spokesperson says.

Poto Williams should be sacked as Police Minister

Judith Collins July 21, 2021 Share

In an interview with Newstalk ZB this morning Minister of Police Poto Williams made it crystal clear that despite being their Minister, the police and their safety are not a priority for her, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

NZ only ordered Pfizer vaccines on January 29 this year

Chris Bishop July 21, 2021 Share

New Zealand remaining last in the OECD for the speed of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out can be partly explained by the fact New Zealand only ordered Pfizer vaccines on January 29 this year, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

New Zealand’s cyber-resilience failing under Labour

Melissa Lee July 20, 2021 Share

Since Labour has been in Government New Zealand’s cybersecurity ranking has taken a serious hit, National’s Digital Economy & Communications spokesperson Melissa Lee says.

Govt plants union official on Air NZ board

Andrew Bayly July 20, 2021 Share

The appointment by Grant Robertson of a long-standing union official to the board of Air New Zealand is another example of poor judgement by the Minister, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Bring back Armed Response Teams

Simeon Brown July 20, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to take serious action to give better support to frontline Police Officers who are facing a significantly increased violence, emboldened gangs, and rising gun crime, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

National Seeks Auditor General investigation into Mongrel-Mob funding

Judith Collins July 19, 2021 Share

National has written to the Auditor General requesting an investigation into two separate Government Mongrel Mob-related funding; the $2.75 million payment to lifetime Mongrel-Mob Member Harry Tam for a drug rehabilitation programme and the Chief Human Rights Commissioners $200 donation to the Waikato Mongrel Mob.

Kiwis deserve the debate on gangs and crime

Judith Collins July 18, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says the Government’s approach to law and order is appalling, as she releases National’s third billboard as part of its ‘Demand the Debate’ campaign.

Farmers sent a clear message, Labour should listen

Judith Collins July 17, 2021 Share

The immense turnout to yesterday’s nationwide protests by the rural sector sent a clear message to the Government, they are fed up with Labour penalising them at every turn, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Taxpayers shouldn’t foot MIQ bill for mariners

Chris Bishop July 16, 2021 Share

New Zealanders abroad who can’t get a MIQ spot for love or money will be outraged to hear that COVID-19 positive mariners are getting a free ride on the taxpayer, National’s COVID-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Average Kiwi family $9000 a year worse off under Labour

Andrew Bayly July 16, 2021 Share

Since coming to power, the Labour Government has managed to make the average Kiwi family about $9000 worse off, or more than $170 a week, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Minister not addressing serious issues in immigration

Erica Stanford July 16, 2021 Share

The Immigration Minister’s announcement today has only been made to give him more time to fix the complete mess he has made of the new business accreditation process, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

National releases Ute Tax video to demand the debate

Judith Collins July 16, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says National’s ‘Demand the Debate’ campaign has received unprecedented support since its launch on Sunday and has today released a video highlighting the effect the Government’s Ute Tax will have on the rural sector.

Frontline police don’t support Labour funding the Mob

Simeon Brown July 15, 2021 Share

Police officers have aptly labelled the funding of a rehabilitation programme run by the Mongrel Mob as a successful money laundering scheme and National agrees, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon brown says.

National calls for an investigation into ‘graph-gate’

Chris Bishop July 15, 2021 Share

It is critical we get to the bottom of why the Minister of Health turned up to a press conference and released a manifestly inaccurate and misleading graph on New Zealand’s vaccination roll out, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Labour failing to deliver jobs

Louise Upston July 15, 2021 Share

News today there are almost 70,000 more people on Jobseeker compared to when Labour came to office clearly shows the Government has failed to deliver the jobs plan the Prime Minister promised New Zealanders, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Govt to bribe councils to save botched Three Waters reforms

Judith Collins July 15, 2021 Share

National understands that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be announcing a $2.5 billion taxpayer bribe later today in an attempt to save the flailing Three Waters reforms, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Saliva testing delayed – again

Chris Bishop July 14, 2021 Share

It’s been ten months since the Government’s own experts said ‘all efforts’ should be made to introduce saliva testing as soon as possible, but the Government has delayed the roll out yet again, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Halt to monetary stimulus welcomed

Andrew Bayly July 14, 2021 Share

National welcomes the Reserve Bank’s announcement that it will reduce the level of monetary stimulus, and it comes none too soon, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

National MPs out in strong support of farmers

David Bennett July 14, 2021 Share

This Friday rural communities up and down New Zealand will stage a protest at the overbearing government interference in their businesses and lives, and National MPs will be right there supporting them, National’s Agriculture spokesperson David Bennett says.

Kiwis should demand the debate on Ute Tax

Judith Collins July 14, 2021 Share

With mass rural protests happening around the country New Zealanders must demand the debate on the Government’s decision to penalise farmers, tradies and boat owners for driving utes, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

National announces bill to stop Govt funding organised crime

Simeon Brown July 13, 2021 Share

I will be introducing a private member’s bill to prevent future Government funding from being granted to organised crime units, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

New Zealand now last in OECD for full vaccinations

Chris Bishop July 12, 2021 Share

New Zealand’s vaccine roll out is going from bad to worse, with New Zealand now last in the developed world for the percentage of the population who have been fully vaccinated as well as for vaccination doses delivered per 100 people, National’s COVID-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Kiwis should demand the debate on investor rules

Todd McClay July 12, 2021 Share

Reports today the Government is looking to change investor rules risks locking New Zealand out of billions of dollars of investment and Kiwis deserve to be part of the debate, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Funding the mob is a sick joke

Simeon Brown July 12, 2021 Share

It is no wonder that the Government was reluctant to condemn the Chief Human Rights Commissioner about his $200 koha to the mob, when they have given the Mongrel Mob $2.75 million for a programme to manage a problem that they play a huge role in creating, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

National launch campaign to demand the debate for all New Zealanders

Judith Collins July 11, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says New Zealanders are being left out of important decisions by the Labour Government and today she has launched a campaign for Kiwis to ‘Demand the debate’.

Violence against police should not be tolerated

Simeon Brown July 10, 2021 Share

News that a police officer was shot last night is incredibly concerning and my thoughts are with him and his family. I wish him a speedy recovery, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Conservation chief calls for cat curfew

Scott Simpson July 09, 2021 Share

Yesterday in select committee, Director General Lou Sanson revealed that the Department of Conservation is in talks with the SPCA about establishing a cat curfew and a plan for dealing with feral cats, National’s Environment spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

More Kiwis languishing on benefit under Labour

Louise Upston July 09, 2021 Share

This Labour Government is creating increasing dependency on the state and setting New Zealanders up for long-term welfare reliance and a poorer quality of life, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

45 per cent of port workers still without a single jab

Chris Bishop July 08, 2021 Share

The National Party has obtained a document showing nearly half of port workers have not had a single COVID-19 vaccine dose, despite the port being a gateway for COVID-19 into New Zealand, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Eastern Busway benefits beat cycle bridge

Christopher Luxon July 08, 2021 Share

Transport Minister Michael Wood’s defence of a $785 million cycle bridge over a vital transport link for 130,000 East Aucklanders shows how backwards his priorities are, National’s Associate Transport spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Labour ignores official advice again

Scott Simpson July 08, 2021 Share

Labour are pursuing an ideological agenda with their so-called Fair Pay Agreements. They are ignoring official advice and putting workplace democracy at risk, National’s Workplace Relations spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

Government told saliva testing should be main test

Chris Bishop July 08, 2021 Share

The Government has been told by its own independent expert advisory group that there is a ‘strong case for adopting saliva testing as the main method for testing in New Zealand’, yet it’s still done nothing about it, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Defence Minister slow to advocate, quick to censor

Chris Penk July 08, 2021 Share

Defence Minister Peeni Henare is slow to advocate for our troops, but has been quick to criticise one who has political opinions different to his own, National’s Defence spokesperson Chris Penk says.

No plan for the future of immigration

Erica Stanford July 07, 2021 Share

Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi’s decision to lapse and refund 50,000 temporary visa applications is further evidence his Government has no plan to reopen New Zealand up to the world post-vaccination and isn’t listening to the desperate calls from businesses for international labour, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

What’s happening with Canterbury’s vaccine roll out?

Chris Bishop July 07, 2021 Share

The Government needs to work out urgently what’s happening with Canterbury’s vaccine roll out, which is looking increasingly shambolic and slow, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Labour blocks inquiry into mental health facilities

Matt Doocey July 07, 2021 Share

In a predictable but disappointing move Labour has today blocked an inquiry into the slow roll out of mental health facilities, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

PM won’t commit to no kids in motels by Xmas

Judith Collins July 07, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister is all spin and no substance. She has not encountered a target she will not fail to meet nor made an announcement that will not go undelivered, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour does not understand tax fundamentals

Andrew Bayly July 07, 2021 Share

Today we accepted a petition from Lindsay Calvi-Freeman signed by nearly 15,000 people. The petition calls for the Government to reverse their decision to remove tax deductibility of interest for landlords, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly and Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis say.

Doocey seeks Select Committee inquiry into mental health

Matt Doocey July 07, 2021 Share

National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey will ask the Health Select Committee to open an inquiry into the 15 new inpatient mental health facilities later this morning.

Labour has no plan to fix labour shortage

Andrew Bayly July 06, 2021 Share

Finance Minister Grant Robertson has no plan to fix the severe labour shortage that is crippling New Zealand businesses and will see many more close their doors for good, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Minister won’t express confidence in Chief HRC

Simeon Brown July 06, 2021 Share

It is very telling that Minister of State Services Chris Hipkins, speaking on behalf of the Justice Minister, would not express confidence in the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt following the revelation that he donated $200 of taxpayer money to the Mongrel Mob, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Government incompetence over saliva testing

Chris Bishop July 06, 2021 Share

The Government’s sheer incompetence on rolling out saliva testing is staggering, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Human Rights Commissioner must go

Judith Collins July 05, 2021 Share

I am calling for the resignation of Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt following the news that he used taxpayer’s money to make a donation to the Mongrel Mob when he spoke at their gang pad in May, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Govt should scrap ethnicity based procurement process

Todd McClay July 02, 2021 Share

The Government must cancel its new procurement rules which could see contracts awarded based on ethnicity rather than the best person to do the job, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Massive spike in at-risk people waiting for a state house

Nicola Willis July 04, 2021 Share

Never before released data shows there has been a huge increase in the number of people in severe need waiting for a state house, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Compulsory Three Waters model not off the table

Christopher Luxon July 02, 2021 Share

Councils should be worried by Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta refusing to guarantee they won’t be forced into the new water entities, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Government delivers more gang members than houses

Simeon Brown July 01, 2021 Share

Labour promised to deliver 10,000 new homes in three years, instead they have delivered 1058. That means this Government, with 2660 new gang members since 2017, has managed to produce more new gang members than homes, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

He Puapua is not the way forward for New Zealand

Judith Collins July 01, 2021 Share

The Government has tried to down play Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson’s announcement today as a simple consultation process, but in truth it is an indication of what is to come, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

New oil and gas permits welcome news

Barbara Kuriger July 01, 2021 Share

National is welcoming the news that two new oil and gas exploration permits have been granted, National’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Barbara Kuriger says.

Labour’s shameful U-turn devastating for victims

Louise Upston July 01, 2021 Share

Labour’s underhand last-minute move to shut down debate on my members Bill (Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill) is a disaster for victims’ rights, Louise Upston MP for Taupo says.

Autonomous Sanctions back on the agenda

Gerry Brownlee July 01, 2021 Share

National is committed to ensuring New Zealand shares the same diplomatic tools and capabilities as its Western counterparts, National’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

Bill tackles tourism’s unintended consequences

Maureen Pugh July 01, 2021 Share

Prior to COVID-19, New Zealand enjoyed an unprecedented tourism boom, generating foreign exchange earnings, investment and jobs but it has left popular destinations struggling with the impact of freedom campers, National List MP based in West Coast Tasman Maureen Pugh says.

$6.5 million in MIQ fees overdue and unpaid

Chris Bishop July 01, 2021 Share

After nearly a year of charging for MIQ, it’s staggering the Government hasn’t made paying for MIQ easier and made more of an effort to go after those who aren’t paying their fees, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

If it looks like a tax and walks like a tax…

Andrew Bayly July 01, 2021 Share

This Government is proposing a significant tax on Mum and Dad landlords despite promising prior to the election that they would impose no new taxes, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Making room for speech criminals in prison

Simeon Brown July 01, 2021 Share

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis has not been shy about his aim to rapidly reduce the prison population by 30 per cent and it is perhaps the only target this Government is actually going to meet. However, Labour’s ‘Hate-Speech’ law changes might put a spanner in the works, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Minimal change in child poverty targets as cost of living bites

Dr Shane Reti June 30, 2021 Share

The Labour Government’s reset of poverty targets three years later describes an admission of policy failure under rising costs, especially housing, National’s Children spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Hipkins’ comments staggeringly naïve

Chris Bishop June 30, 2021 Share

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins’ comments that ‘there’s no major downside’ to New Zealand’s slow vaccine roll out are staggeringly naïve, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Three Waters reforms remain unconvincing

Simon Bridges June 30, 2021 Share

While there’s a clear case for change in our Three Waters sector the Government’s plan isn’t compelling, and the model of four regional entities comes with several problems, National’s Water spokesperson Simon Bridges says.

Still no clarity from our confused Prime Minister

Judith Collins June 29, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister did not rule out today that potential hate speech crimes will have a more severe maximum prison sentence than the crime of ‘assault on a child’, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Car Tax pushing up prices of EVs

Michael Woodhouse June 29, 2021 Share

Labour’s Car Tax is not only forcing hardworking Kiwis to pay more because they can’t switch to an electric vehicle, but it’s pushing up the prices of electric vehicles too, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Little needs to stop making excuses on mental health and start doing his job

Matt Doocey June 29, 2021 Share

Andrew Little needs to stop making excuses and take ownership on mental health, says National’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention spokesperson, Matt Doocey.

Alarm bells should be ringing in education

Paul Goldsmith June 29, 2021 Share

The Education Review Office warning of a ‘slippage of expectations’ in mathematics teaching must be the catalyst to turnaround declining achievement in foundational subjects, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

RMA reform a grab at wokeism

Judith Collins June 29, 2021 Share

The Government needs to act with much more urgency to cut through our complex planning rules and free up housing supply, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Transition from plastics requires Kiwi ingenuity

Scott Simpson June 28, 2021 Share

National are broadly in agreement with the Government’s decision to phase out a range of particularly problematic plastics, National’s Environment spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

$100 million to top 50 emergency housing motels in nine months

Louise Upston June 28, 2021 Share

An eye-watering $99.87 million has been paid to the top 50 emergency housing moteliers in the nine months to March 2021 compared to $21 million for the whole of 2017/18 and is a stark indicator of just how big this crisis has become, says National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Louise Upston.

Stick to the facts, Prime Minister

Judith Collins June 28, 2021 Share

If New Zealand is to have an informed discussion about Labour’s ‘Hate Speech’ laws the Prime Minister needs to ensure she is giving accurate information to the media; this morning on The AM Show she did not, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

This is about controlling New Zealanders’ lives

Judith Collins June 27, 2021 Share

I want to be very clear with New Zealanders, the National Party will reverse any attempts Jacinda Ardern’s Government makes to criminalise speech beyond the threshold of ‘inciting violence,’ Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour raiding rainy day Covid Fund

Andrew Bayly June 25, 2021 Share

Half of the $10 billion Finance Minister Grant Robertson set aside in the case of a further COVID-19 resurgence has been spent funding Labour’s non-Covid-related ideas, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right

Simon Bridges June 25, 2021 Share

The National Party believe that freedom of speech is a fundamental right, National’s Justice spokesperson Simon Bridges says.

New Zealand’s Transport in disarray under Labour

Michael Woodhouse June 25, 2021 Share

News that just three months after funding was confirmed in ATAP 2021-2031 the Eastern Busway will now be delayed is just another sign that Labour can’t manage New Zealand’s transport priorities, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Taxpayers foot the bill for Kelvin Davis incompetence

Simeon Brown June 24, 2021 Share

Minister Kelvin Davis was missing in action during the Waikeria Riot and is now using taxpayer money to compensate those who were affected, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Labour’s Car Tax another tax grab

Michael Woodhouse June 24, 2021 Share

Transport Minister Michael Wood has reluctantly admitted that while he plans to halt his car subsidy if too much money is paid out, he has no similar measure to make sure his policy doesn't turn into a tax grab, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Minister Little all out of answers on mental health

Matt Doocey June 24, 2021 Share

In Parliament today Health Minister Andrew Little had few answers to my questions on the mental health crisis Labour has allowed to balloon in their nearly four years in Government, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

41% of offenders not completing Te Pae Oranga

Simeon Brown June 24, 2021 Share

Labour’s Te Pae Oranga programme is failing to hold offenders to account with 59% of people being sent to the alternative justice panels failing to complete the programme, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

$12,000 more for a Hilux and emissions won’t drop

Michael Woodhouse June 23, 2021 Share

Labour is pushing through a second car tax that will see Kiwis have to pay $12,000 more for a hilux in 2025, unfairly punishing those who don’t have the option to switch to an EV, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Kiwis finally ‘Sea Change’ from Labour

Tim van de Molen June 22, 2021 Share

While it is encouraging to see that Labour have finally responded to the 2017 Sea Change report, the Government’s announcement bears the hallmarks of another shallow policy announcement, National’s Oceans and Fisheries spokesperson Tim van de Molen says.

Kelvin Davis missing in action

Simeon Brown June 22, 2021 Share

Today Minister of Corrections Kelvin Davis appeared before the Justice Select Committee to brief the committee about the 92 per cent increase in assaults against Corrections Officers that has taken place since he became Minister, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Minister not plugged into community signal struggles

Melissa Lee June 22, 2021 Share

It is unacceptable that a town just 10 minutes from Greymouth has such poor digital connectivity that they are not able to even receive Civil Defence warnings, National’s Digital Economy and Communications spokesperson Melissa Lee says.

Govt is negligent on mental health crisis

Judith Collins June 22, 2021 Share

New Zealand is in the midst of a mental health crisis and this Government has proven itself incapable of delivering on any of their promises to address it, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Cycle bridge has cost taxpayers $30 million already

Christopher Luxon June 22, 2021 Share

The eye-watering cost of the Waitematā cycle bridge could balloon out even further despite overwhelming public opposition to the project as it stands, National’s Associate Transport spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Quit the ideological warfare, Minister

Paul Goldsmith June 21, 2021 Share

Rather than keep fighting ideological battles, the Government should be focusing its on energy on making sure our kids are at school in the first place, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

BCR shows Labour must axe the cycle bridge

Michael Woodhouse June 18, 2021 Share

I’m calling on the Government to cancel its cycle bridge across the Waitematā Harbour, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Police must warn gangs, not the public

Simeon Brown June 17, 2021 Share

What is Minister of Police Poto Williams going to do about the dangerous and anti-social behaviour of gang funeral processions, given this now appears to be a recurring issue? National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown asks.

Auckland cycle bridge at the cost of regional roads

Michael Woodhouse June 17, 2021 Share

The Government is forging ahead with an ideological vanity project, in the form of a cycle bridge over Waitematā harbour, at the expense of the day-to-day maintenance of local roads and state highways across the country, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Labour expects NZ to believe vaccine rollout is successful

Chris Bishop June 17, 2021 Share

New Zealanders were promised that they would be at the ‘front of the queue’ but the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out continues to be behind schedule and poorly communicated, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Debt-to-income limits won’t build one new house

Andrew Bayly June 16, 2021 Share

Introducing debt-to-income limits won’t do anything to address the supply problem that is fuelling the country’s housing shortage, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Prime Minister’s car tax excuses ring hollow

Judith Collins June 16, 2021 Share

Jacinda Ardern is dancing on the head of a gear stick with her absurd claim that she couldn’t “operationalise” an exemption for farmers and tradies from Labour’s car tax, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Govt’s weakness on crime lets victims down

Judith Collins June 16, 2021 Share

It is no wonder the Government’s media release about the latest New Zealand Crime and Victimisation Survey led with a small decrease in burglaries as this is where the good news stops, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour’s lax approach to benefit fraud investigations

Louise Upston June 16, 2021 Share

By allowing 70 per cent of benefit fraud investigations to be delayed and a critical fraud detection tool to cease to operate for more than a year, Labour has left our welfare system vulnerable to exploitation, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Where’s New Zealand’s FTA with the UK?

Todd Muller June 16, 2021 Share

The Government should be feeling the pressure to lock in a Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom after Australia announced their deal today, National’s Trade and Export Growth spokesperson Todd Muller says.

NZ tops the OECD for least affordable housing

Nicola Willis June 16, 2021 Share

New Zealand has topped the OECD in relation to housing in the worst way possible coming in at number one for Bloomberg’s real estate risk rankings, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

National launches plan to curb prison violence

Simeon Brown June 15, 2021 Share

The National Party won’t sit idly by while the violence in our prisons and the number of assaults on corrections officers continues to increase, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Labour break MIQ promise leaving families split

Chris Bishop June 15, 2021 Share

The government has quietly broken yet another election promise, resulting in thousands of critical workers being unable to enter New Zealand and migrant families separated, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Failing to deliver on promised police officers

Simeon Brown June 15, 2021 Share

Documents released to National show that Police decided to place 160 new police officers in MIQ facilities ignoring requests from leadership within Police to place them in Serious and Organised Crime roles, National’s spokesperson for Police Simeon Brown says.

Labour negligent on emergency housing safety

Louise Upston June 15, 2021 Share

People in emergency housing are entitled to feel safe as are people in the community around emergency housing, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Kiwis should have a say on Labour’s car tax

Judith Collins June 15, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Labour Government to reopen public consultation on its car tax so the people of New Zealand can have their say, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour’s car tax will unfairly punish New Zealanders

Michael Woodhouse June 13, 2021 Share

The Government’s car tax will unfairly punish Kiwis who don’t have the option right now of switching to an electric vehicle, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

National will reverse interest deductibility changes

Andrew Bayly June 10, 2021 Share

The arrival of the belated interest deductibility and Brightline rules discussion document brings with it confirmation of what an unprincipled mess the proposed legislation is, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly and Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis say.

No plan to address critical health workforce crisis

Simon Watts June 10, 2021 Share

The Government is more focused on shuffling deckchairs than the critical health workforce shortage all DHBs are facing, National’s Associate Health spokesperson Simon Watts says.

Has Grant Robertson botched the Budget?

Tim van de Molen June 09, 2021 Share

Grant Robertson might need to take Budget 2021 back to the printers according to his fellow Minister Poto Williams, National’s Building and Construction spokesperson Tim van de Molen says.

Commission’s report leaves unanswered questions

Stuart Smith June 09, 2021 Share

Today’s final report from the Climate Change Commission still leaves unanswered questions even through there has been some movement from the 70 specific policy recommendations in the draft advice, National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Govt lacking action on Firearm Prohibition Orders

Simeon Brown June 09, 2021 Share

The Government still hasn’t delivered any legislation to give police new powers to place Firearm Prohibition Orders against dangerous gang members, despite promising New Zealanders it would do so, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

No more excuses for the Govt’s vaccine shambles

Chris Bishop June 08, 2021 Share

Confirmation that a million doses of the Pfizer vaccine coming in July removes the last remaining excuse for the Government’s pathetically slow COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, National COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Labour leaves Aucklanders fighting gridlock

Judith Collins June 04, 2021 Share

It is unacceptable that much-needed transport projects across New Zealand are being cancelled because Labour is pushing ahead with a half-baked add-on to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and National’s Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Bayly say.

Second harbour crossing – do it once, do it right

Michael Woodhouse June 04, 2021 Share

When it comes to building a second harbour crossing, we should be doing it once and we should be doing it right, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Government to blame for border testing bungle

Chris Bishop June 03, 2021 Share

A report released today shows the Government is squarely to blame for the border testing bungle that resulted in a security guard at a MIQ hotel going five months without being tested when he should have been tested fortnightly, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Labour kills second language bill

Paul Goldsmith June 03, 2021 Share

Labour’s move to kill a National Member’s Bill to give primary and intermediate schools the tools to teach a second language is narrow-minded and misses a golden opportunity to equip our kids with greater language skills, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Judith Collins acknowledges passing of Hon Ian Shearer

Judith Collins June 02, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins is saddened the passing of former National Minister, the Honourable Ian Shearer, who died on Tuesday, aged 79.

Serious risks in three waters reform

Christopher Luxon June 02, 2021 Share

While the problems and case for change when it comes to our three waters is clear, the Government’s proposed solution is already fraught with serious risks, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Urgent support needed for eating disorder services

Matt Doocey June 02, 2021 Share

People of all ages throughout New Zealand are suffering due to a lack of treatment available for eating disorders, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Labour once again stops Covid scrutiny

Chris Bishop June 02, 2021 Share

Labour’s repeated refusal to allow senior officials to be questioned before Parliament’s Health Select Committee is an abuse of power, National’s COVID-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Gangs need consequences, not cups of tea

Simeon Brown June 01, 2021 Share

Revelations Associate Justice Minister Willie Jackson met with the Mongrel Mob at gang headquarters and Black Power in the Beehive on multiple occasions indicate that, far from hostile, Government relations with gangs are practically friendly, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

National submits on New Zealand history curriculum

Paul Goldsmith June 01, 2021 Share

The National Party agrees that teaching New Zealand history to our kids should be a core part of the curriculum, but we have serious concerns around elements of the current proposal, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

OECD criticises New Zealand’s slow vaccine rollout

Chris Bishop June 01, 2021 Share

The OECD’s criticism of our slow vaccine rollout should serve as a grim warning to the Government that it needs to pick up the pace, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Judith Collins thanks Dr Nick Smith for his service

Judith Collins May 31, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins thanks Dr Nick Smith for his 30 years of service to New Zealand following his decision to retire today.

Nick Smith to retire from Parliament

Dr Nick Smith May 31, 2021 Share

National MP Nick Smith has announced he will retire from Parliament on 10 June at the end of the current Parliamentary sitting block.

Cyber threats a greater risk under Labour

Melissa Lee May 28, 2021 Share

Labour’s Broken Compass Budget has failed to address the growing critical threats to New Zealand’s digital infrastructure, National’s spokesperson for Digital Economy and Communications Melissa Lee says.

Renamed PGF still won’t deliver

Todd McClay May 27, 2021 Share

The Government’s newly named Provincial Growth Fund isn’t anything new, it merely demonstrates its inability to deliver for New Zealanders, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Govt prioritises ‘white privilege’ training over falling grades

Paul Goldsmith May 27, 2021 Share

It is right to have important conversations around inequities, but it is wrong to peddle crude, simplistic, stereotypes imported from America which are more divisive than constructive, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Costing & options missing from Climate Change Commission

Stuart Smith May 27, 2021 Share

The Climate Commission should be presenting New Zealand with a range of viable options for emissions reduction with cost analysis included, National’s Climate Change Spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Public institutions shouldn’t shut down healthy debate

Judith Collins May 27, 2021 Share

It’s disappointing a women’s group has been blocked from holding an event at Christchurch City Libraries to discuss the proposed amendments to the Births Deaths Marriages Relationships Registration Bill, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Govt’s taken eight months to act on saliva testing

Chris Bishop May 26, 2021 Share

It’s taken far too long for the Government move on saliva testing at the border but National welcomes the announcement nonetheless, National’s COVID-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Government is hiding vaccination delays

Chris Bishop May 26, 2021 Share

Once again the Ministry of Health has quietly updated it’s timeline for vaccinating New Zealanders, this time pushing out the start date for when the majority of Kiwis can begin to be vaccinated, National’s COVID-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Labour’s Budget has no teeth

Dr Shane Reti May 25, 2021 Share

A key dental health promise from Labour during the election has been dropped in order to pay for its radical $486 million Health restructure, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Judith Collins congratulates new Governor-General

Judith Collins May 24, 2021 Share

Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Judith Collins welcomes the appointment of Dame Cynthia (Cindy) Kiro as New Zealand’s 22^nd Governor-General.

Proven programme Whānau Ora neglected in Budget

Louise Upston May 24, 2021 Share

The Government must explain why despite a significant increase in the number of people supported by Whānau Ora throughout COVID-19, no additional funding in Budget 2021 was provided, National’s Whānau Ora spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Labour cut police budget as gang membership soars

Simeon Brown May 24, 2021 Share

The Government has cut the Police Budget by approximately $90 million despite record growth in gang membership, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Time to enforce social obligations for truancy

Paul Goldsmith May 24, 2021 Share

Rather than abandoning social obligations on beneficiaries to send their children to school we should be enforcing those requirements especially at a time when New Zealand is facing a truancy crisis, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

SPEECH: Central North Island Regional Conference

Judith Collins May 23, 2021 Share

Good morning, delegates. It’s an absolute privilege to be speaking to you all here today as your leader.

Thin rations to turn around truancy crisis

Paul Goldsmith May 22, 2021 Share

Parents and teachers will be disappointed that in a Budget with about $15 billion worth of new spending, so little was devoted to pressing challenges in education, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Benefits aren’t a pathway to prosperity

Louise Upston May 21, 2021 Share

Budget 2021 showed little aspiration for the almost 200,000 New Zealanders without a job, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Hon Louise Upston says.

Labour’s direction in health hugely disappointing

Dr Shane Reti May 21, 2021 Share

Yesterday’s Broken Compass Budget has revealed the impact the Government’s decision to radically restructure our health sector will have on the health of all New Zealanders, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

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