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Another blow to migrant workers

Erica Stanford May 11, 2021 Share

The Government’s announcement to open up MIQ spots for thousands of additional migrant workers is another kick in the guts for migrants already in New Zealand and waiting to reunite with their families, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

Violent crims require a tougher response

Simeon Brown May 11, 2021 Share

After years of calling for Firearm Prohibition Orders against violent gang members to be implemented, the Government is finally listening, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

DOC quietly puts iwi land consultation on hold

Jacqui Dean May 11, 2021 Share

The Government has suddenly placed consultations with iwi on how the Department of Conservation can give better effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, on-hold following National releasing the draft recommendations last week.

Govt hid how long security guard went without a test

Chris Bishop May 10, 2021 Share

The Government knew how long the security guard who tested positive for Covid-19 had been without a Covid test for six days before finally coming clean to New Zealanders, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

State housing register continues to climb

Nicola Willis May 10, 2021 Share

Our public housing system is at breaking point with yet another record high number of New Zealanders waiting for a state house, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Govt must be upfront about its plans for DOC land

Judith Collins May 09, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister needs to be clear with New Zealanders about what her Government plans to do with ownership of conservation land, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

SPEECH: Lower North Island Regional Conference

Judith Collins May 09, 2021 Share

Good morning, delegates. It’s an absolute privilege to be speaking to you all here today as your leader. I’d like to acknowledge National Party President Peter Goodfellow, my fellow board members, my lower North Island colleagues and all of you, the members of the National Party. It is great to see you all here today.

Woods must explain latest KiwiBuild shambles

Nicola Willis May 08, 2021 Share

First-home buyers and taxpayers deserve answers from Housing Minister Megan Woods after the Government’s latest KiwiBuild disaster left them in the lurch, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Taxpayers shouldn’t shell out for Te Papa’s turtle costs

Simon O'Connor May 08, 2021 Share

The Government should make senior leadership and Board members of Te Papa personally reimburse their travel to Canterbury for the funeral of a deceased leatherback turtle, National’s Arts, Culture & Heritage spokesperson Simon O’Connor says.

SPEECH: Our approach to COVID-19 and the vaccine roll-out

Chris Bishop May 09, 2021 Share

Delegates, it is good to be with you today. Hawke’s Bay holds a special place in my heart. It is warmer than Wellington. It’s where Jenna and I got married. And the wine is fantastic.

Just 339 saliva tests in MIQ carried out so far

Chris Bishop May 08, 2021 Share

A mere 339 saliva tests have been carried out in New Zealand’s MIQ facilities since they began in January, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Budget an opportunity to prioritise mums and babies

Louise Upston May 08, 2021 Share

The upcoming Budget is an opportunity for the Government to show it does prioritise mothers and their new-borns by increasing the support available to them, National’s Social Investment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

MSD should collect data on emergency accommodation

Louise Upston May 07, 2021 Share

The Government should change the rules around emergency accommodation to require motels to provide data about who they are housing to the Ministry of Social Development, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Labour stuck in 1970s with National Awards 2.0

Scott Simpson May 07, 2021 Share

Labour’s so-called Fair Pay Agreements are an ideologically-driven project without any sound analytical basis, National’s Workplace Relations spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

Rail investment putting safety improvements at risk

Michael Woodhouse May 06, 2021 Share

The Government is putting regional roading projects and important safety improvements across the country at risk by raiding the National Land Transport Fund to invest more in rail, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

New Zealand is in a truancy crisis

Paul Goldsmith May 06, 2021 Share

New Zealand has a truancy crisis as new figures show almost 40 per cent of students did not attend school regularly in term four of 2020, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Labour blocks inquiry into prison violence

Simeon Brown May 06, 2021 Share

It’s disappointing the Government has chosen to block an inquiry into the increasing violence being experienced in our prisons, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Labour blocks inquiry into sanitised mental health report

Matt Doocey May 05, 2021 Share

Today the Labour Government blocked an inquiry into the Mental Health and Addiction Services annual report calling into question once again its openness and transparency, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Pay freeze will hurt teachers, nurses, police officers

Mark Mitchell May 05, 2021 Share

The Government has been forced to take drastic action and freeze public sector pay because it’s allowed the number of Wellington bureaucrats to swell up to an unsustainable size, National’s spokesperson for Public Service Mark Mitchell says.

Implementation unit has a lot of clean-up work to do

Andrew Bayly May 05, 2021 Share

The Deputy Prime Minister appears to be pushing ahead with an implementation unit without any idea of what that unit will actually deliver, Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Unemployment drop no cause for celebration

Louise Upston May 05, 2021 Share

News that unemployment has fallen from 4.9 per cent to 4.7 per cent will provide no comfort for the almost 200,000 New Zealanders on the Jobseeker benefit, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Govt not interested in full transparency on COVID-19

Chris Bishop May 05, 2021 Share

It is deeply disappointing that the Government has not agreed to National’s call for a new COVID-19 Select Committee, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Mallard fails to give taxpayers a straight answer

Chris Bishop May 05, 2021 Share

Trevor Mallard has confirmed he is unfit to be Parliament’s Speaker by failing to answer several important questions relating to the false rape accusation saga that cost taxpayers more than $330,000, Shadow Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.

Healthcare should prioritise need, not race

Dr Shane Reti May 04, 2021 Share

The Government’s proposed Māori Health Authority is simply not about generating better health outcomes for Māori, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Dr Shane Reti says.

New Zealand 116th the world for vaccinations

Chris Bishop May 04, 2021 Share

As we embark on Phase 3 of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plan, new data shows New Zealand is ranked as low as 116th in the world in terms of vaccination doses administered, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Reallocating Covid Fund irresponsible

Michael Woodhouse May 04, 2021 Share

Plans by the Government to reallocate $926 million of money unspent from the Covid Response and Recovery Fund is irresponsible and burdens future generations with even more debt than is necessary, National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Labour’s jobs plan is falling apart

Louise Upston May 04, 2021 Share

The many thousands of jobs Jacinda Ardern’s Government promised New Zealanders its initiatives would create looks more like a pipedream than reality, National’s Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

PM needs to give a straight answer on He Puapua

Judith Collins May 03, 2021 Share

The Prime Minister’s continued refusal to state her view on recommendations in the He Puapua report is a worrying sign for the future of the country, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Cook Islands bubble should only be the start

Judith Collins May 03, 2021 Share

The Government should be much further down the road towards reconnecting New Zealand with the Pacific Islands than it currently is, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

What is the point of the Roche COVID-19 group?

Chris Bishop May 03, 2021 Share

Reports the Sir Brian Roche group hasn’t provided any formal advice to the Government in relation to the recent positive Covid-19 cases at the Grand Millennium rightly begs the question, what is the point of the group, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Hardship skyrocketing under Labour

Louise Upston May 02, 2021 Share

Figures obtained by the National Party show the number of grants to cover emergency or essential payments for benefit recipients have skyrocketed under the Labour Government, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Where does the Prime Minister stand on He Puapua?

Judith Collins May 02, 2021 Share

National is calling on Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to reveal where she stands on the report Labour commissioned, which proposes separate Māori authority across multiple layers of government and discusses constitutional change, such as a Māori Parliament.

Health restructure leaving rural GPs and nurses in the dark

Dr Shane Reti April 30, 2021 Share

Rural communities across the country will lose out under Labour’s radical health restructure, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Government shows its true colours on gangs

Simeon Brown May 02, 2021 Share

The Government has shown its true colours when it comes to gangs, with its Ministers now openly championing them as advocates for justice, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Leader’s speech to 2021 Northern Regional Convention

Judith Collins May 01, 2021 Share

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

Officials doubtful Labour’s housing package would work

Nicola Willis April 29, 2021 Share

Officials cast serious doubt over the effectiveness of the Government’s housing package in the months before its announcement, questioning whether it would increase the supply of housing and outlined its dire impact on the lives of renters, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Labour will say anything to get elected

Michael Woodhouse April 28, 2021 Share

Labour walking back its commitment to transport projects across the country is further proof it will say anything to get elected, but won’t actually deliver it, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

National calls for wider debate on Māori Health Authority

Judith Collins April 28, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to let New Zealanders have more of a say on whether they want a Māori Health Authority, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

New Zealand slipping due to slow vaccine rollout

Chris Bishop April 27, 2021 Share

It is worrying that the Government’s slow vaccine rollout has caused New Zealand to slip behind Singapore in Bloomberg’s index of the best places to be during the COVID-19 pandemic, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Is the Finance Minister inspired by Muldoon?

Andrew Bayly April 27, 2021 Share

National holds grave concerns about the Minister of Finance’s announcement that he is to give himself greater powers to intervene in operations at the Reserve Bank, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Govt hasn’t got its ducks in a row on firearms licensing

Simeon Brown April 27, 2021 Share

The Government’s focus on hitting legal firearms owners with more costs and regulations has meant those keen to participate in the Roar and duck shooting season may miss out.

Review an opportunity to strengthen local govt

Christopher Luxon April 23, 2021 Share

A review of local government is timely and necessary but it must not become the latest plank in the Labour Government’s centralisation agenda, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Another day, another National border suggestion adopted

Chris Bishop April 23, 2021 Share

News the Government will move to a risk-based approach for overseas arrivals is welcome but well overdue, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Emergency motels making millions and set to grow

Nicola Willis April 22, 2021 Share

New figures show the multi-million dollars being netted by top-earning emergency motels with the Government expecting this to continue for at least the next few years, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Labour wrong to limit where kids can go to school

Paul Goldsmith April 22, 2021 Share

Proposed changes to the Education and Training Act 2020 are part of an ongoing attack on school choice by Labour, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

How much power is Robertson trying to grab now?

Andrew Bayly April 22, 2021 Share

The Finance Minister needs to give New Zealanders peace of mind that the new powers he’s proposing to give himself over bank lending won’t over-reach into retail banking, National’s Finance spokesperson Andrew Bayly says.

Reckless health restructure removes local voice

Dr Shane Reti April 21, 2021 Share

Replacing all District Health Boards across the country will see our regions and smaller communities lose their voice and their autonomy, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Auditor-General finds Ihumātao deal was ‘unlawful’

Nicola Willis April 20, 2021 Share

The Auditor-General has confirmed the Labour Government unlawfully used millions of taxpayer dollars to settle the Ihumātao land dispute.

‘Gagging’ of DHB members should not be tolerated

Dr Shane Reti April 20, 2021 Share

Any moves to muzzle elected District Health Board members from commenting honestly on the Government’s health system restructure should not be allowed to happen, National’s Deputy Leader and Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Labour mislead on negative statistics again

Louise Upston April 19, 2021 Share

Labour’s celebratory social media posts touting a “record 32,880 people moved into work” are disingenuous and only tell one part of the story, National’s Social Development & Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Long overdue relief for split migrant families

Erica Stanford April 19, 2021 Share

National is pleased a solution has finally been found for some of the migrants split from their families after the Government forced them to endure more than a year of distress and uncertainty, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

It’s time to take the guns off the gangs

Simeon Brown April 18, 2021 Share

With gangs trying to take control of New Zealand’s largest city, it’s time to get tough on organised crime, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

DHBs discharging elderly in the middle of the night

Dr Shane Reti April 17, 2021 Share

The Government needs to explain why it’s allowing DHBs to discharge our elderly people from hospital in the middle of the night, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Amazon deal a vote of confidence in NZ film sector

Todd McClay April 16, 2021 Share

National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says Amazon’s announcement that they will make films and TV series in New Zealand is a vote of confidence in our entertainment and film production industry.

Proposed hate speech laws a step too far

Simon Bridges April 16, 2021 Share

Reports of the Government’s proposed new hate speech laws go a step too far and risk sacrificing the freedoms New Zealanders enjoy, National’s Justice spokesperson Simon Bridges says.

17 schools have fewer than 20 per cent of kids regularly at school

Paul Goldsmith April 15, 2021 Share

Today’s revelation by the Government that there are 17 schools where fewer than 20 per cent of students are attending school regularly is just another illustration of the magnitude of New Zealand’s attendance crisis, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Homebuyers need action, not political pondering

Judith Collins April 15, 2021 Share

The Government’s admission that it’s considering forcing councils to open up more land for housing in the near future is the right idea, but New Zealanders need a Government that will take action rather than just think about it, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

More long-term beneficiaries means more hardship

Louise Upston April 15, 2021 Share

The latest figures from the Ministry of Social Development show the Government must urgently tackle long-term benefit dependency, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Split migrant family inquiry cruelly vetoed by Labour

Erica Stanford April 15, 2021 Share

Labour’s refusal to back a select committee inquiry into the issues migrants face is a further blow to those desperate to be reunited with their partners and children, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

National has a plan, Labour light on details

Andrew Bayly April 15, 2021 Share

The Housing Minister’s lack of answers about how the Government will allocate housing infrastructure funding shows why Labour needs to support National’s plan, National’s Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Bayly says.

Police Minister must intervene to back police dogs

Matt Doocey April 13, 2021 Share

Labour have stated that they will not be supporting my straightforward member’s bill to increase the maximum prison term for killing a police dog from 2 years to 5 years in a move that will baffle most New Zealanders, National MP Matt Doocey says.

Labour is failing on mental health across the board

Matt Doocey April 15, 2021 Share

Labour is failing New Zealanders struggling with mental illness, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

National calls for Epidemic Response Committee to return

Judith Collins April 14, 2021 Share

Parliament’s Epidemic Response Committee must return to allow proper scrutiny of the Government’s Covid-19 Response, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop say.

Kelvin Davis backs prisoners over officers

Simeon Brown April 14, 2021 Share

There is no wonder corrections officers have lost confidence in Minister Kelvin Davis when his focus lies in creating inter-prison competitions and not on keeping his staff safe, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Freeing up land key to getting more houses built

Nicola Willis April 14, 2021 Share

National’s proposed law change will ensure more houses are built faster, Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

A smarter, faster way to fund housing infrastructure

Andrew Bayly April 14, 2021 Share

National has designed a streamlined mechanism for allocating the Government’s $3.8 billion fund for housing infrastructure, National’s Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Bayly says.

National proposes new law to get more houses built

Judith Collins April 14, 2021 Share

National is proposing an alternative solution to the housing shortage that will urgently address the country’s land supply problem and help councils fund supporting infrastructure.

New Police pursuit policy a get out of jail free card

Simeon Brown April 12, 2021 Share

The new pursuit policy for Police is a get out of jail free card for offenders, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Government must prioritise mothers and babies

Louise Upston April 11, 2021 Share

The Government needs to prioritise women and babies and take urgent action to resolve issues in New Zealand’s maternity system, National’s Social Investment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Statement from the NZ Opposition on Prince Phillip

Judith Collins April 10, 2021 Share

“On behalf of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in New Zealand, I offer my condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family following the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Cancer doesn’t just affect the wealthy, Grant Robertson

Dr Shane Reti April 09, 2021 Share

National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti is calling out Finance Minister Grant Robertson for making the issue of unfunded cancer drugs an issue for the wealthy.

Time extension needed for Climate Change Report

Stuart Smith April 09, 2021 Share

National has written to Climate Change Minister James Shaw calling for him to extend the report-back time on the Climate Change Commission Report, National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Government’s housing tax policy a lose/lose

Andrew Bayly April 08, 2021 Share

The consequences of the interest deductibility tax announced as part of the Government’s housing policies are already being felt by landlords and renters alike, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Where is the ‘smart border’ we were promised?

Chris Bishop April 08, 2021 Share

National is urging the Government to adopt five simple steps for strengthening the border, in light of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases arriving on our shores, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Government jumping the gun on climate change plan

Stuart Smith April 08, 2021 Share

The Government has jumped the gun by announcing a ban on new coal-fired boilers ahead of the independent Climate Change Commission announcing its emissions reduction plan.

Rolling tax relief for Kiwis under new legislation

Simon Bridges April 08, 2021 Share

National is committed to letting Kiwis keep more of what they earn and has proposed new legislation that will end tax hikes by stealth, Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says.

Mental Health wait times worsen across DHBs

Matt Doocey April 08, 2021 Share

Ballooning wait times for children and adolescents trying to access mental health services should be of serious concern to us all, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Government rejects greater transparency for ACC

Simon Watts April 08, 2021 Share

Labour is putting politics ahead of transparency in voting down a law change last night to increase transparency in ACC decision-making for those dealing with re-injury claims, National’s ACC spokesperson Simon Watts says.

Govt fails to support Windblown Timber Recovery Bill

Maureen Pugh April 08, 2021 Share

A law change that would enable the harvesting of windblown trees on conservation land following adverse weather events has been voted down by Labour, National MP based in West Coast-Tasman Maureen Pugh says.

Government needs to move faster on Pacific bubble

David Bennett April 07, 2021 Share

National supports the call by Hawke’s Bay orchardists and businesses that are reliant on seasonal work to open a travel bubble with the Pacific Islands, Horticulture spokesperson David Bennett says.

New Zealand second last in OECD for vaccinations

Chris Bishop April 07, 2021 Share

Not only is New Zealand second bottom in the OECD for the number of Covid-19 vaccinations but in information leaked to National we are nowhere near where the Government planned for us to be back in January, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Vulnerable people disadvantaged in managing personal finances

Andrew Bayly April 07, 2021 Share

Today Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly has recommended to the Finance and Expenditure Committee that an inquiry take place to assess whether Government agencies and banks are sufficiently providing services which allow for vulnerable people to continue to manage their financial affairs independently.

National calls for ACC and Super Fund to front Select Committee

Gerry Brownlee April 07, 2021 Share

National will seek support at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee to call in the New Zealand Super Fund and ACC Investment Fund to discuss the ethical investment parameters they work within, National’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

Bubble should be first step reconnecting NZ to the world

Judith Collins April 06, 2021 Share

The Government should not consider a trans-Tasman bubble ‘job done’ when it comes to reconnecting New Zealand to the world, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Mental health reporting is failing Kiwis in need

Judith Collins April 06, 2021 Share

The handbrake applied by Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Government to mental health reporting is not good enough and warrants a decent explanation from the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Parker’s interest deductibility policy a shambles

Andrew Bayly April 06, 2021 Share

After questioning in Parliament today it’s clear Revenue Minister David Parker has no idea how his interest deductibility policy will work, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

No action taken by Kelvin Davis to keep staff safe

Simeon Brown April 06, 2021 Share

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis has done nothing to prioritise the wellbeing of frontline corrections officers facing an increasing number of assaults from prisoners, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Parliamentary inquiry needed for migrant issues

Erica Stanford April 06, 2021 Share

A parliamentary inquiry would finally give a voice to the desperate migrants who feel unheard and ignored by Jacinda Ardern and her Government, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

Unfunded chemotherapy drugs to be administered for free

Dr Shane Reti April 05, 2021 Share

The National Party wants to see the law changed so that Kiwis can have their unfunded chemotherapy drugs administered in DHBs and cover the cost of this, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Confusing Easter trading rules need an overhaul

Scott Simpson April 04, 2021 Share

New Zealand’s confusing, outdated and inconsistent Easter trading rules should be reviewed, National’s Workplace Relations spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

Government must focus on getting Kiwis into jobs

Louise Upston April 01, 2021 Share

Changes to benefit abatement thresholds aren’t enough to help struggling Kiwis get ahead, there needs to be a greater focus on supporting our beneficiaries into jobs, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Aucklanders deserve a fuel tax refund

Michael Woodhouse March 31, 2021 Share

Labour has once again announced a future announcement, this time for light rail, after wasting almost four years on the project, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse.

New figures show New Zealand’s attendance crisis

Paul Goldsmith March 30, 2021 Share

Newly released attendance data National has been calling for for months shows an alarming number of students don’t attend school regularly, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Corrections officers have had enough of Kelvin Davis

Simeon Brown March 29, 2021 Share

Growing calls for a vote of no confidence in Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis by corrections officers should be making Mr Davis rethink his priorities in the portfolio, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Minimum wage increase will see businesses close

Scott Simpson March 29, 2021 Share

It is disappointing that the Government is will be pressing ahead with the minimum wage increase on April 1 given the slowing economy and recent yo-yoing between alert levels.

Briefing for the Prime Minister on rising rents

Judith Collins March 29, 2021 Share

In the spirit of bipartisanship, National has helped the Prime Minister prepare for her post-Cabinet press conference today by collating the data she requested on rent increases – although she might want to think carefully before drawing public attention to it, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Kiwis want details, not to be misled by Ms Woods

Nicola Willis March 29, 2021 Share

Housing Minister Megan Woods should spend less time making misleading statements to Parliament and more time fronting up to New Zealanders with details on her housing policy, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

National proud to support Bereavement Leave changes

Nicola Grigg March 29, 2021 Share

The National Party welcomes changes to the Holidays Act that will allow parents who suffer a miscarriage to take three days of bereavement leave, Spokesperson for Women, Nicola Grigg says.

Govt should set a Covid-19 vaccination target

Chris Bishop March 29, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to make a statement of intent about protecting New Zealanders from Covid-19 by setting a target of having at least 70 per cent of the adult population vaccinated, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

2-year moratorium on govt regulations needed as business closures spiral

Todd McClay March 28, 2021 Share

National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay is calling on the Government to commit to a two-year moratorium on additional government costs on businesses as New Zealanders struggle under the weight of border closures and a slowing economy.

Govt removed warning system for overwhelmed EDs

Dr Shane Reti March 28, 2021 Share

The Labour Government removed the early warning system for overwhelmed emergency departments when it scrapped DHB targets for waiting times, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Major IT scandal raises questions about vaccine roll out

Chris Bishop March 27, 2021 Share

National’s spokesperson for Covid-19 Response Chris Bishop has this evening released further details of a major IT scandal, raising serious questions about the Government’s Covid-19 vaccine roll out.

Changes needed to Emergency Allocation MIQ process

Chris Bishop March 27, 2021 Share

National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop and Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford have written to the Government offering constructive suggestions to improve the MIQ and Emergency Allocation process in order to prevent further tragic outcomes in the future.

Govt not doing enough to get Māori into jobs

Louise Upston March 27, 2021 Share

Just four people have been supported into jobs by the Government’s $50 million Māori Trades and Training Fund since June 2020, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

What’s the hold-up with the Cook Islands bubble?

Chris Bishop March 26, 2021 Share

The time it’s taking the Government to sort out quarantine-free travel between two Pacific nations with no COVID-19 community cases is staggering, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Time for China to welcome UN investigative team

Gerry Brownlee March 25, 2021 Share

The National Party welcomes and affirms the joint statement from the New Zealand and Australia Foreign Ministers calling on China to grant ‘unfettered access to Xinjiang for United Nations experts, and other independent observers’, National’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

Labour’s housing policy looking like KiwiBuild 2.0

Nicola Willis March 25, 2021 Share

If Labour was serious about its housing policy it would’ve provided detail and criteria when it announced it, yet we’ve seen none of that, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Helping Police track down stolen goods

Andrew Bayly March 25, 2021 Share

Parliament will get the chance to debate a common sense law that will help police track stolen goods being sold through second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers.

Bill to ban synthetic urine as a way to cheat a drug test

Matt Doocey March 25, 2021 Share

A bill that will ban the importing, supply and acquisition of synthetic urine to pass a workplace drug test is to have its first reading in Parliament, MP for Waimakariri Matt Doocey says.

Robbery laws would be strengthened under new bill

Erica Stanford March 25, 2021 Share

A National Party Bill drawn from the Ballot today would see Police given stronger powers to charge someone with robbery, MP for East Coast Bays Erica Stanford says.

Labour quick to condemn Adesanya but not Mallard

Chris Bishop March 25, 2021 Share

Labour has shown it has a double standard when it comes to “flippant” comments about sexual assault, National’s Shadow Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.

Police Minister’s silence is deafening

Simeon Brown March 25, 2021 Share

Police Minister Poto Williams needs to publicly denounce Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon’s comments that New Zealand’s police are racist, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Labour votes against law to notify schools of sex offenders

Matt Doocey March 25, 2021 Share

Labour has failed to ease the minds of parents across the country as it voted down a law change that would have required the Department of Corrections to notify schools of sex offenders placed in their communities, MP for Waimakariri Matt Doocey says.

Bill to increase access to justice passes first reading

Chris Bishop March 24, 2021 Share

A Member’s Bill which would improve access to justice by making it easier for lawyers to do work outside their existing employment has passed its first reading, National List MP based in Hutt South Chris Bishop says.

Trevor Mallard proves himself unfit to be Speaker

Chris Bishop March 24, 2021 Share

The legal threats used by Trevor Mallard to silence a Parliamentary staffer who he falsely accused of rape make him unfit to continue as Parliament’s Speaker, Shadow Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.

Government muffs R&D support

Dr Nick Smith March 24, 2021 Share

Research and development in the technology sector will reduce as a consequence of the mess the Government has made of its funding support, National’s Research and Science spokesperson Dr Nick Smith says.

Businesses close due to Govt inaction on bubble

Todd McClay March 24, 2021 Share

The Government’s lack of urgency around the trans-Tasman bubble means many companies that deserve to survive are being forced to close, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Where is the Govt’s travel bubble back-up plan?

Chris Bishop March 23, 2021 Share

The Government clearly had no back-up plan when engaging in the interminable discussions with Australia over opening a trans-Tasman bubble because if it did we would have a date for travel by now, National’s COVID-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Action needed on bubble, not more announcements

Judith Collins March 22, 2021 Share

New Zealanders are being let down by a Government that talks a lot about delivering a trans-Tasman bubble but keeps falling short, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

The people have spoken, they want a travel bubble

Chris Bishop March 22, 2021 Share

More than 42,000 people are backing National’s call for a safe trans-Tasman travel bubble to open, National’s COVID-19 response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Skypath funding should be re-prioritised

Michael Woodhouse March 22, 2021 Share

With Skypath looking dead in the water, some of the $240 million set aside for it in ATAP should be redirected towards detailed design, planning and other preparatory work for a second harbour crossing.

O’Connor’s ‘cocky’ comments on tourism appalling

Todd McClay March 22, 2021 Share

Senior Labour Government Minister Damien O’Connor’s comments about the tourism sector are appalling and offensive, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

National answers horticulture sector’s call for help

David Bennett March 20, 2021 Share

Allowing seasonal workers from COVID-free countries to enter New Zealand without quarantine needs to happen fast to plug the yawning gap in our horticulture sector’s workforce, National’s Horticulture spokesperson David Bennett says.

Re-opening NZ to the Pacific must be a priority

Judith Collins March 20, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to allow quarantine-free travel from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji into New Zealand, Leader of the Opposition and National’s Pacific Peoples spokesperson Judith Collins says.

Nash acting like a tourist rather than the Tourism Minister

Todd McClay March 19, 2021 Share

After 12 months of neglect our tourism sector needs more than a few hints and ‘maybes’ at what support might come from the Government in the future, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Government hiding our student attendance crisis

Paul Goldsmith March 19, 2021 Share

The only way we can fix New Zealand’s appalling school attendance levels is by first knowing the full extent of the problem, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Emergency motels have taxpayers over a barrel

Nicola Willis March 18, 2021 Share

Labour’s lack of solutions to the housing shortage has seen the Government fork out millions in emergency housing grants to some motels and hotels, which are raking it in at the expense of taxpayers.

Govt needs to tell us which DHBs are getting the chop

Dr Shane Reti March 18, 2021 Share

The Government needs to be honest with the public about which DHBs it plans to scrap, given the pace of these reforms, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

GDP decline a wakeup call for Government

Andrew Bayly March 18, 2021 Share

Today’s GDP result is particularly disappointing because it appears the biggest contributor is the decline in the infrastructure sector, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Government facing the reality of importing gas

Barbara Kuriger March 17, 2021 Share

A flurry of revelations in the past month show the oil and gas ban is unfolding exactly as officials predicted, National’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Barbara Kuriger says.

Parker playing for time on winter grazing

David Bennett March 17, 2021 Share

Environment Minister David Parker has had no choice but to defer the implementation of the intensive winter grazing in Southland for one year, National’s Agriculture spokesperson David Bennett says.

Auditor-General should investigate Ihumātao deal

Michael Woodhouse March 16, 2021 Share

National has written to the Auditor-General, requesting that he investigate the apparent misuse of millions in taxpayer dollars used to settle the Ihumātao land dispute.

National launches trans-Tasman bubble petition

Judith Collins March 16, 2021 Share

The National Party has launched a petition calling on the Government to get a move on with the trans-Tasman travel bubble, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Prison violence out of control on Labour’s watch

Simeon Brown March 14, 2021 Share

The number of prisoner assaults on corrections officers has skyrocketed in recent years with more than 2000 incidents taking place on the Labour Government’s watch, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

No jail time for serious offences

Simeon Brown March 13, 2021 Share

The Government’s restorative justice programme Te Pae Oranga is taking preventing imprisonment to a new level with more serious offences sent to the Iwi Community Panel, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Harbour crossing should be a priority, not an afterthought

Michael Woodhouse March 12, 2021 Share

The Government’s lack of urgency with a second harbour crossing for Auckland shows how misguided it is when it comes to the needs of the city and New Zealand’s economy.

Govt’s IT systems aren’t ready for vaccine rollout

Chris Bishop March 12, 2021 Share

It is worrying that on the eve of the largest vaccination programme New Zealand has ever seen, three of the four key parts to our vaccine IT system aren’t ready to go, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Businesses deserve certainty on Australia bubble

Todd McClay March 11, 2021 Share

Reports that Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has said a travel bubble with Australia won’t happen until January next year if we’re lucky is creating confusion and will mean many more businesses face closure, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Tougher penalties for killing police dogs one step closer

Matt Doocey March 11, 2021 Share

A Member’s Bill that would increase the maximum punishment for killing a police dog has been drawn from the ballot today, MP for Waimakariri Matt Doocey says.

Stronger sunscreen standards on the horizon

Todd Muller March 11, 2021 Share

A Member’s Bill that would make sure all sunscreens on the shelf meet our standards and provide the protection they claim has been pulled from the ballot today, Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller says.

House prices increase $50,000 in 30 days

Nicola Willis March 11, 2021 Share

The latest REINZ data out today shows Labour is failing to address New Zealand’s housing shortage, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Travel bubble with Aus would help migrant workers

Erica Stanford March 11, 2021 Share

Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi has failed to act on reuniting highly skilled migrant workers with their families, but if his Government just opened a travel bubble with Australia then the issue could be resolved, National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says.

NZ Govt must act unilaterally on travel bubble

Chris Bishop March 11, 2021 Share

The Government should make a unilateral decision to have quarantine-free travel with Australia now that we know talks between the two countries have collapsed, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Two years and still no medicinal cannabis

Dr Shane Reti March 10, 2021 Share

A Member’s Bill that would make New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis scheme more affordable and more accessible to those that need it has been voted down by the Labour Government.

Unit Titles Member’s Bill passes first reading

Nicola Willis March 10, 2021 Share

Today’s passing of my Member’s Bill reforming the Unit Titles Act is a win for thousands of Kiwis who have been wrangling with unfit legislation for years, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

More than $11,000 taxpayer dollars spent on a video

Nicola Willis March 10, 2021 Share

The Housing Minister must justify spending more than $11,000 on promotional videos for a housing scheme that has only benefited 12 families, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Mother’s Matter campaign shows 3 Day Stay bill needed

Louise Upston March 10, 2021 Share

The ‘Mother’s Matter’ campaign shows how urgently we need to address the shocking numbers of maternal suicide, National’s Social Investment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Morrison wants a travel bubble; why doesn’t Ardern?

Judith Collins March 10, 2021 Share

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed the only thing holding up a two-way travel bubble with New Zealand is our Government’s lack of urgency, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Duck shooting season in doubt for many this year

Simeon Brown March 10, 2021 Share

Many hunters and farmers will miss out on this year’s duck shooting season because the Police are failing to address a backlog of firearms licence applications, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

NZ can’t wait any longer for a trans-Tasman bubble

Judith Collins March 10, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to open the trans-Tasman bubble with Australia to give our desperate tourism sector a much-needed boost and reunite Kiwis with family and friends across the ditch.

Government’s shot selection raises more questions

Chris Bishop March 08, 2021 Share

News that our national men’s cricket team may get vaccinated ahead of the elderly and other at-risk groups shows why the Government needs to release its full vaccine schedule, so every New Zealander knows where they stand in the queue.

Emergency housing costing taxpayers $1m a day

Nicola Willis March 09, 2021 Share

The extent of the Government’s failure to get on top of New Zealand’s housing shortage has been laid bare by new figures that show more than $1 million dollars of taxpayer money is being spent per day on motels for emergency housing.

Govt’s shovel-ready project scheme fails to launch

Andrew Bayly March 09, 2021 Share

Almost a year after the Government announced that ‘shovel-ready’ construction projects would be a major plank in its economic recovery plan, barely any shovels have actually made it into the ground.

Women’s wellbeing survey launched

Nicola Grigg March 08, 2021 Share

In recognition of International Women’s Day, National’s spokesperson for Women Nicola Grigg, has launched a survey looking into the wellbeing of women in the Selwyn electorate.

National calls for inquiry into Valentine’s day cluster

Judith Collins March 07, 2021 Share

The National Party is calling for an inquiry into the Valentine’s Day cluster to see where our response went wrong, and what lessons we can learn.

We need more innovative solutions for infrastructure

Andrew Bayly March 06, 2021 Share

New Zealand needs to become far more innovative in the way we deliver infrastructure if we want to address problems like housing affordability, our persistent lack of productivity growth and our recovery from Covid-19, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

National welcomes lifting of Auckland lockdown

Judith Collins March 05, 2021 Share

Lifting the Auckland lockdown will be welcome news to all those people who have slogged their way through Level 3 multiple times now, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Where is New Zealand’s vaccine rollout plan?

Judith Collins March 04, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to provide more detail on the schedule for vaccinating the entire population so that New Zealanders – particularly businesses – have the clarity they need to plan for the post-COVID future, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Lockdown’s impact on student learning dire

Paul Goldsmith March 03, 2021 Share

NZQA’s assessment that the University Entrance pass rates for 2020 would have ‘fallen off a cliff’ without free credits shows the huge impact lockdown disruption is having on learning, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Someone owes someone an apology

Judith Collins March 03, 2021 Share

The KFC worker who was vilified by the Government for not self-isolating deserves an apology from the Prime Minister if the Covid-19 Facebook post contradicting Jacinda Ardern’s claims is accurate, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

National calls for new self-isolation payment

Judith Collins March 03, 2021 Share

The National Party is proposing a new payment scheme to make it easier for employees to stay home while they are self-isolating.

Contact tracing failing New Zealanders

Dr Shane Reti March 02, 2021 Share

After more than a year of dealing with Covid-19 the Government is still failing its own contact tracing performance measures and is failing to be open and transparent about locations of interest, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

PHARMAC inquiry light and late

Dr Shane Reti March 02, 2021 Share

The Government’s long overdue inquiry into PHARMAC is light on detail and several years late, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Vaccine roll out looking messy

Chris Bishop March 01, 2021 Share

The roll out of the Covid-19 vaccines is looking messy with high priority workers like South Auckland GPs being turned away, while DHB workers are vaccinated on a reportedly random ‘first-in first-served’ basis, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Five-point plan to get New Zealand out of lockdown

Chris Bishop February 28, 2021 Share

National is urging the Government to get on top of the latest Covid-19 outbreak in Auckland by adopting a five-point plan for managing community cases, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop and Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti say.

IRD must reopen over weekend

Andrew Bayly February 28, 2021 Share

The IRD must reopen over this weekend to help those business owners affected by the latest Auckland lockdown, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Yo-yo lockdown disappointing

Judith Collins February 27, 2021 Share

The new lockdown in Auckland and Level 2 for the rest of the country will be disappointing for all, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Housing wait list at record highs under Labour

Nicola Willis February 26, 2021 Share

Our public housing system is bursting at the seams with record high numbers of New Zealanders waiting for a state house, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Roadside drug testing delayed again

Dr Nick Smith February 26, 2021 Share

More New Zealand lives will be lost due to drug impaired drivers as a result of the Government’s decision to further delay the introduction of roadside drug testing, National MP Dr Nick Smith says.

Minister fudging more public housing numbers

Nicola Willis February 25, 2021 Share

Housing Minister Megan Woods should stop fudging the numbers around New Zealand’s public housing stock and just get on with building more houses, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Government hiding mental health progress

Matt Doocey February 25, 2021 Share

Mental health professionals across New Zealand are concerned progress on the Government’s promise to transform the mental health system has stalled, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Nash should front up to desperate tourism businesses

Todd McClay February 25, 2021 Share

Tourism destinations dependent on international visitors need urgent government action if they are to survive the Government’s closed border, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Labour goes from ‘Let’s Do This’ to ‘Let’s Start Again’

Michael Woodhouse February 25, 2021 Share

The future of Auckland’s light rail looks bleak after the new Transport Minister confirmed the Government has basically gone back to the drawing board on a project that was supposed to be delivered this year, National’s Transport Spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Reserve Bank housing direction too slow in coming

Andrew Bayly February 25, 2021 Share

National is welcoming the Finance Minister’s realisation that he needs to take action to address the housing shortage, but is worried about how long it took him to have this revelation, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

National will overturn undemocratic Māori wards bill

Judith Collins February 25, 2021 Share

The next National Government will repeal the Māori wards legislation passed by Parliament tonight under urgency, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Govt’s quake-strengthening aid isn’t helping Kiwis

Tim van de Molen February 24, 2021 Share

The Government has put out more press releases about its Residential Earthquake-Prone Building Financial Assistance Scheme than it has received actual applications, National’s Building and Construction spokesperson Tim van de Molen says.

Govt defence of housing scheme plain ridiculous

Nicola Willis February 24, 2021 Share

Housing Minister Megan Woods’ continued defence of a Government scheme that has put just 12 families into a home shows just how out of touch her Government is about the scale of New Zealand’s housing shortage, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Words alone mean nothing, Minister

Paul Goldsmith February 24, 2021 Share

Words and good intentions will not solve New Zealand’s truancy crisis, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Wellington fast becoming the gang capital of NZ

Judith Collins February 24, 2021 Share

New figures show gang numbers have grown to almost 8000 nationwide, with Wellington seeing the greatest increase in gang membership last year.

MIQ should be moved outside of downtown Auckland

Chris Bishop February 21, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to investigate construction of a purpose-built Covid-19 quarantine facility on the outskirts of Auckland to help safeguard against future lockdowns in our largest city.

Tauwhiro needs more tools to be effective

Simeon Brown February 19, 2021 Share

Rather than talking about how to tackle the rise of firearm violence in our communities, the Police should just take the guns off the gangs, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Tourism needs urgent action before it’s too late

Todd McClay February 18, 2021 Share

The Government needs to stop condemning tourism businesses to the scrap heap and instead urgently redirect support to the ailing sector, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Gangs involved in Waikeria riot but not in investigation

Simeon Brown February 18, 2021 Share

The terms of reference for the inquiry into the riot at Waikeria Prison won’t get to the bottom of why it burned down, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Unfair process on Māori Wards Bill

Christopher Luxon February 17, 2021 Share

The Government’s parliamentary process on its Bill to allow Councils to have separate Māori Wards has been a sham, National’s Local Government spokesperson and Electoral Reform spokesperson Christopher Luxon and Dr Nick Smith say.

Government failing to deliver for vulnerable Kiwis

Louise Upston February 17, 2021 Share

Life for New Zealanders most in need hasn’t improved under Labour, and progress made under the last National Government has been eroded in many instances, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Government must release Pullman Hotel reports

Chris Bishop February 17, 2021 Share

With the Pullman Hotel receiving MIQ returnees again, it’s important the Government immediately releases the reports into how Covid-19 was caught by three people in the facility, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Lockdown another blow to Kiwis’ hard work

Judith Collins February 14, 2021 Share

The latest lockdown will be a devastating blow to New Zealanders who have sacrificed so much to keep this country COVID-free, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Govt not resourcing Police to target organised crime

Simeon Brown February 14, 2021 Share

This soft-on-crime Government has only filled one-third of additional police positions focused on organised crime despite gang membership increasing at an alarming rate, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Let’s Get Wellington Moving stalled at the station

Michael Woodhouse February 12, 2021 Share

After much excitement that Let’s Get Wellington Moving was finally on the move, Wellingtonians will be rightly disappointed that the Independent Review has recommended the plan go back to the drawing board, National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Labour sending mixed messages on education

Paul Goldsmith February 11, 2021 Share

Labour’s messaging on New Zealand’s curriculum is confused and misses what is important to improve student achievement, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Urgency for Māori Wards Bill a disgrace

Chris Bishop February 11, 2021 Share

The Government’s tawdry use of urgency for the legislation to make it easier for Councils to establish Māori wards at a local authority level is disgraceful and hypocritical given Labour’s constant admonitions against the use of urgency when in Opposition, Shadow Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.

Labour running roughshod over democracy

Christopher Luxon February 10, 2021 Share

Despite being given ample opportunity, the Local Government Minister has been unable to provide a good reason why Labour is bypassing public debate and pushing its Māori wards law change through under urgency.

RMA reform alone won’t bring meaningful change

Nicola Willis February 10, 2021 Share

The Government needs to show more urgency and commitment if it ever wants to make meaningful strides towards solving the housing shortage and getting wins for the environment.

Call it what it is Kelvin, a riot

Simeon Brown February 09, 2021 Share

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis continues to display weakness as he denies the total destruction of Waikeria Prison by prisoners was a riot, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

MIQ review a good step but more needs to be done

Chris Bishop February 06, 2021 Share

National is welcoming news that an in-depth review of the Pullman hotel and wider MIQ system began weeks ago, but is concerned by yet another example of Government ministers either being uninformed or failing to be open and transparent.

Cruise ship border bungle a blow to tourism

Todd McClay February 05, 2021 Share

At a time when our tourism sector is crying out for help, the Government has kneecapped them by causing the Le Lapérouse cruise ship to cancel its season, National’s Tourism & Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay and Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford say.

Pfizer vaccine good news but where is it?

Chris Bishop February 03, 2021 Share

Today’s news that Medsafe has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is good news but more certainty about when the vaccines will be delivered is required, says National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson, Chris Bishop

Proposed history curriculum lacks balance

Paul Goldsmith February 03, 2021 Share

The proposed new history curriculum for schools is lacking in balance and needs revision, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith said today.

More action needed to get New Zealanders into jobs

Louise Upston February 03, 2021 Share

The news the unemployment rate is 4.9% does not excuse the Government from taking further action to help New Zealanders into jobs, says National’s Social Development and Employment Spokesperson, Louise Upston.

Measuring progress key to raising student achievement

Paul Goldsmith February 02, 2021 Share

Making sure students actually attend school and have their progress measured are the big issues the Education Minister needs to tackle to lift performance, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National Party to stand candidates in Māori seats

Judith Collins February 01, 2021 Share

The National Party will work towards standing candidates in the Māori electorates once again, National Leader Judith Collins has announced.

Sensible policies needed to combat climate change

Stuart Smith January 31, 2021 Share

The Government must test every climate policy it intends to proceed with to make sure they are both effective and rational, National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Extending Flexi-wage another failure for Labour

Louise Upston January 28, 2021 Share

New Zealanders are still waiting on the details of Labour’s extension to the Flexi-wage scheme, despite the Prime Minister promising it would be in place before Christmas, National’s Social Development & Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Community cases highlight MIQ system failures

Chris Bishop January 28, 2021 Share

The two new community cases of COVID-19 connected to the Pullman Hotel have highlighted several system failures that the Government must urgently address.

COVID-19 checkpoints must be done by the book

Simeon Brown January 27, 2021 Share

Any checkpoints set up in response to the community case of COVID-19 in Northland must be lawfully mandated by the Government, with police officers present, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Emergency powers needed to solve housing crisis

Judith Collins January 26, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to introduce urgent temporary legislation to make housing easier to build, and has offered to support the law change through Parliament.

Collins outlines priorities for a better New Zealand

Judith Collins January 26, 2021 Share

New Zealand needs to harness the upheaval caused by COVID-19 to drive meaningful change, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Judith Collins - State of the Nation Speech 2021

Judith Collins January 26, 2021 Share

Kia ora and thank you for that welcome. It is a pleasure to be here.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Auckland and the EMA for hosting me at this first event in your centenary year.

Immediate action needed to avoid further lockdowns

Judith Collins January 26, 2021 Share

Cabinet should agree today to match Australia’s schedule and fast-track the vaccination of all frontline workers and border staff, including those who work in MIQ, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop say.

Government needs to urgently tighten up MIQ

Chris Bishop January 25, 2021 Share

The Government should launch an urgent review of its MIQ facilities, with a focus on mingling between cohorts, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Ditch DHB merger, spend funding on medicines instead

Dr Shane Reti January 24, 2021 Share

The Government should stop spending millions of dollars on its health sector experiment and focus the funding on areas that will actually make a difference to the lives of New Zealanders, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Almost one firearm incident per day in January

Simeon Brown January 23, 2021 Share

There has been close to one firearm incident reported per day in January, yet the Government is silent on this growing issue, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Oil and gas ban clearly short-sighted

Barbara Kuriger January 22, 2021 Share

Beach Energy’s decision to abandon existing exploration permits off the South Island as a result of the Government’s oil and gas ban comes as no surprise, National’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Barbara Kuriger says.

Finance Minister fiddles while housing market burns

Andrew Bayly January 22, 2021 Share

The Minister of Finance is taking far too long to put a lid on rising house prices, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Gun buyback 2.0 another marketing exercise

Simeon Brown January 22, 2021 Share

The increased number of firearms incidents we’ve seen across the country recently shows why the Government’s focus needs to be on gangs and criminals, not another gun buyback, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Time for the Government to adopt JobStart

Louise Upston January 21, 2021 Share

With 212,468 people on a jobseeker benefit, it’s time for the Government to take urgent action and adopt National’s JobStart policy, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Bolder action required to fix housing emergency

Nicola Willis January 21, 2021 Share

The Government’s public housing plan will fall well short of fixing New Zealand’s housing emergency, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Labour lets housing waitlist surge out of control

Nicola Willis January 20, 2021 Share

Despite promises to fix our housing shortage housing has become more unaffordable than ever under Labour, with the public housing wait list quadrupling over the last three years, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

National concerned by Police backdown on cannabis

Simeon Brown January 20, 2021 Share

Police need explain why they’ve quietly decided to ditch the annual cannabis eradication operation and how they will continue crack down on the supply of cannabis, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Govt negligence sees border workers waiting for vaccine

Chris Bishop January 19, 2021 Share

It’s disappointing the Government is only now trying to get a batch of vaccines for our frontline workers when this should have been a priority in the first place, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

NZ should go hard and early with vaccinations too

Judith Collins January 18, 2021 Share

The Government has claimed New Zealand’s successful response to COVID-19 thus far has been because we went hard and early, so why has the message changed for vaccinations, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Stricter rules needed for high risk arrivals

Chris Bishop January 13, 2021 Share

The Government needs to change the way arrivals from the United Kingdom and other high risk destinations are being treated and adopt stricter rules in MIQ for high risk arrivals, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Pre-departure Covid-19 tests should be extended

Judith Collins January 12, 2021 Share

The Government should urgently extend its Covid-19 pre-departure test requirement to all international travellers, not just those from the United Kingdom or United States, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

National calls for vaccine rollout to be fast-tracked

Judith Collins January 11, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to accelerate the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in New Zealand, in light of the new highly-infectious UK and South African variants that are threatening our borders, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Govt’s police recruitment promise on the scrap heap

Simeon Brown January 10, 2021 Share

The Government has lived up to its soft-on-crime reputation by pushing pause on its plans to increase police numbers by 1800, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Police need new powers to combat gang violence

Simeon Brown January 05, 2021 Share

The Government should move quickly to introduce Firearm Prohibition Orders to help Police quell incidents of gang warfare like the one unfolding in Christchurch, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Polluted Auckland beaches should be investigated

Scott Simpson January 04, 2021 Share

The ongoing polluted state of Auckland’s beaches is unacceptable and should be formally investigated by Parliament, National’s Environment spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

Kelvin Davis has plenty of questions to answer

Simeon Brown January 03, 2021 Share

The Corrections Minister has plenty of questions to answer now that the Waikeria Prison riot has come to an end, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Waikeria Prison riot must be investigated

Simeon Brown January 01, 2021 Share

A full investigation must be undertaken into how the Waikeria Prison riot started and has been allowed to continue so long, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Finally pre-departure testing, but needs to go further

Chris Bishop December 28, 2020 Share

The announcement today that from early next year all returnees from the UK and US will require pre-departure testing is a sound decision and one that the National Party has been calling for since August when we proposed a Border Protection Agency, National’s Covid-19 Recovery spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Appalling lack of action from Govt as mental health call outs increase

Matt Doocey December 28, 2020 Share

The significant increase in calls involving a person having a mental health crisis, in distress or threatening suicide is exactly why the Mental Health Co-Response Service should never have been axed, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Steep increase in people joining gangs alarming

Simeon Brown December 26, 2020 Share

The number of people joining gangs has increased at an alarming rate this year, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Government needs to back Police with new powers

Simeon Brown December 19, 2020 Share

The Government needs to back Police with new tools and technology to apprehend fleeing drivers in light of new policy that hampers their ability to give chase, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

More Kiwi families in hardship

Louise Upston December 18, 2020 Share

While many families across the country will be looking forward to the summer break, the number of people on a benefit is a stark reminder that many Kiwis are struggling to make ends meet and are anxious to find work, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

COVID-19 failings highlight need for border agency

Chris Bishop December 18, 2020 Share

The confusing, sub-standard systems in place around our border response, confirmed by the Roche/Simpson report, show the need for a dedicated border agency, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Grapes will rot on the vines without Govt action

Stuart Smith December 18, 2020 Share

The Government should increase the number of seasonal workers allowed into New Zealand, otherwise we will see severe labour shortages across the viticulture sector, National’s Viticulture spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Vaccine rollout raises more questions than answers

Chris Bishop December 17, 2020 Share

While it is good news that New Zealand is working towards a vaccine roll out, Kiwis are still left with more questions than answers, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

No excuse for borrowing up large

Michael Woodhouse December 17, 2020 Share

The better than forecast recovery our economy has seen means Labour must immediately chart a path back to sustainable levels of debt, National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Labour opens floodgates by paying off protestors

Michael Woodhouse December 17, 2020 Share

Taxpayers should not be stumping up $30 million to cover the Government’s bungling of the land dispute at Ihumātao, National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Mounting costs to taxpayer mean Mallard must go

Chris Bishop December 16, 2020 Share

The bombshell revelation that Speaker Trevor Mallard’s defamation case could cost taxpayers even more than the $333,641.70 it has already is further evidence he must resign, National’s Shadow Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.

Labour doesn’t have a plan to pay down debt

Michael Woodhouse December 16, 2020 Share

Today’s Half-Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update confirms Labour has no plan to lift New Zealand out of debt, saddling our future generations with the burden, National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Where is New Zealand’s Covid vaccine plan?

Chris Bishop December 16, 2020 Share

It’s time the Government came forward with a plan for New Zealand’s Covid vaccine and started answering some important questions, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Time for Kelvin Davis to show some leadership

Simeon Brown December 15, 2020 Share

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis cannot continue to remain silent on the staffing and resourcing concerns raised by the Ombudsman following an unannounced inspection of Auckland Prison, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

NZ dragging chain on Aussie travel bubble

Chris Bishop December 14, 2020 Share

The ‘announcement’ that a trans-Tasman bubble will open in quarter one next year is good news but has come far too late, National’s COVID-19 Recovery spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Taxpayers should not foot the bill for Ihumātao

Judith Collins December 14, 2020 Share

The Government will open a Pandora’s Box if it spends even a single cent of taxpayer money on cleaning up the mess it made at Ihumātao, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

National will hold the Speaker to account

Chris Bishop December 14, 2020 Share

The National Party will call Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard before a Select Committee this week to answer questions about the more than $330,000 of taxpayer dollars spent on settling a legal dispute he created, National’s Shadow Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.

The Cook Islands bubble is taking far too long

Chris Bishop December 12, 2020 Share

The Cook Islands bubble is taking far too long to set up, there is no reason why it shouldn’t already be in place, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

RBNZ confirms Govt isn’t doing enough on housing

Andrew Bayly December 11, 2020 Share

The Reserve Bank has confirmed in writing what National has been saying for some time, that the Government lacks a clear direction when it comes to our housing emergency, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Govt’s lack of housing ideas leaves Kiwis cold

Nicola Willis December 11, 2020 Share

More and more New Zealanders are feeling helpless as the property ladder is rapidly pulled up in front of them because the Government has no real solutions to the housing crisis.

$333,000 bill to settle Speaker’s legal battle

Judith Collins December 11, 2020 Share

National has lost confidence in Speaker Trevor Mallard following revelations that more than $330,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent on settling the legal dispute he created by falsely accusing a former Parliamentary employee of rape.

Failing education standards won’t help wellbeing

Paul Goldsmith December 09, 2020 Share

News that New Zealand’s 13 year olds have recorded their worst-ever results in the latest international comparison study (TIMMS) should be ringing alarm bells across the education sector, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Hipkins must release report

Chris Bishop December 08, 2020 Share

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins must immediately release the Roche/Simpson review report into our border testing systems, National’s Covid-19 Recovery spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Royal Commission must lead to meaningful change

Judith Collins December 08, 2020 Share

The wide-ranging report into the Christchurch terror attack must be treated with the utmost respect, but the recommendations within it must also be properly scrutinised, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Emergency measures needed to accelerate housing supply

Nicola Willis December 08, 2020 Share

Housing statistics released today and over the weekend show an unfolding disaster for New Zealand families and communities, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Royal Commission of Inquiry needed into Whakaari/White Island

Scott Simpson December 08, 2020 Share

The National Party is calling for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Whakaari/White Island disaster.

Firearm Prohibition Orders needed to curb growing gun violence

Simeon Brown December 05, 2020 Share

National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown is calling on the Government to urgently adopt his Member’s Bill, the Arms (Firearm Prohibition Orders) Amendment Bill, to help tackle the growing evidence of gun violence in New Zealand.

Housing wait list continues to surge under Labour

Nicola Willis December 04, 2020 Share

Our public housing system is bursting at the seams with record-high numbers of New Zealanders waiting for a home and thousands more getting emergency grants to live in motels, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Tax hike will create more problems than it solves

Andrew Bayly December 03, 2020 Share

Labour’s tax increase is nothing more than a symbolic move to tax hardworking New Zealanders that will do little except erode the integrity of our tax system, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Govt must take action against firearm violence

Simeon Brown December 03, 2020 Share

Labour’s soft on crime attitude is putting the safety of New Zealanders and our police officers at risk, National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Second inquiry into Pharmac vetoed by Labour

Dr Shane Reti December 03, 2020 Share

The Government has once again stopped the Health Select Committee from initiating an inquiry into Pharmac, despite widespread consensus during the campaign that such an inquiry is needed, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Tougher penalties needed to protect our police dogs

Matt Doocey December 03, 2020 Share

The punishment for killing a police dog should be extended from a maximum of two years to a maximum of five years, National MP for Waimakariri Matt Doocey says.

Where is the Roche/Simpson report?

Chris Bishop December 02, 2020 Share

It is astonishing that four months after the Government’s border testing systems failed spectacularly, Covid-19 Recovery Minister Chris Hipkins still hasn’t produced the report that identifies how this happened, National’s Covid-19 Recovery spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Five things the Government could do to fix housing

Nicola Willis December 01, 2020 Share

With the 53^rd Parliament getting down to business this week, National is urging the Government to implement five solutions to the housing crisis that do not involving hiking tax.

Grant Robertson flip-flopping on tax

Andrew Bayly December 01, 2020 Share

The Finance Minister’s flirtation with extending the bright-line test suggests Labour’s pre-election commitments on tax were just empty promises, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Doubling sick leave will make our economy crook

Scott Simpson November 30, 2020 Share

An economic crisis is not the time to be loading more costs onto businesses in the form of extra sick leave, National’s Workplace Relations spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

Labour already breaking its election promise on tax

Andrew Bayly November 27, 2020 Share

Revenue Minister David Parker has confirmed Labour is already wobbling on its election promise not to alter income taxes this term, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

Light rail debacle stains NZ’s business reputation

Michael Woodhouse November 27, 2020 Share

The Auditor-General has confirmed what the National Party has long believed – that the Government’s handling of Auckland’s light rail was ham-fisted, risky and probably in breach of procurement rules

RSE deal too little too late

Chris Bishop November 27, 2020 Share

The Government’s announcement it’s allowing 2000 horticultural workers enter New Zealand through the RSE scheme is better than nothing, but it’s still just a drop in the bucket of what is actually needed, National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

What’s happening with N95 masks?

Chris Bishop November 24, 2020 Share

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins needs to urgently clarify what is happening with the roll out of N95 masks in MIQ facilities, National’s COVID-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Minimum wage hike isn’t what the economy needs

Todd McClay November 24, 2020 Share

A sharp boost to the minimum wage would see fewer jobs created as businesses struggle under a tidal wave of government-imposed costs, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Supermarket inquiry should look at Govt’s role

Todd McClay November 17, 2020 Share

The Commerce Commission inquiry into supermarkets must look at the Government’s role in price increases, National’s Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Todd McClay says.

NZTA road closures shortsighted call from disconnected Wellington

Nicola Grigg June 11, 2020 Share

NZTA’s announcement this week that it intends to close Arthur’s Pass and Porter’s Pass whenever it snows is yet another blow for Selwyn communities on both sides of the Southern Alps facing an already uncertain post-COVID 19 season, National’s candidate for Selwyn Nicola Grigg says.

Government must rein in the Reserve Bank now

Andrew Bayly November 17, 2020 Share

National is calling on the Government to temper the Reserve Bank’s latest inflammation of the property market by sending a letter of expectation to Adrian Orr immediately.

RMA reform needed now

Nicola Willis November 12, 2020 Share

The steep increase in house price numbers released today shows how important it is that the Government gets on with RMA reform, immediately, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Govt must ask Reserve Bank hard questions on housing

Andrew Bayly November 11, 2020 Share

Today’s announcement of a Funding for Lending scheme without any requirement for the new lending to be targeted at productive investment will add even more pressure to an already stretched housing market, National Party Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.

National unveils team to take on Labour Government

Judith Collins November 11, 2020 Share

National’s new caucus line-up reflects the party’s wealth of talent and experience across a range of portfolios, but most importantly in the crucial areas of health and the economy, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

National Party selects strong leadership team

Judith Collins November 10, 2020 Share

Judith Collins has been reconfirmed as Leader of the National Party, with Dr Shane Reti selected as the party’s new Deputy Leader.

Statement on deputy leadership of the National Party

Gerry Brownlee November 06, 2020 Share

“For the past few weeks the National Party has been reflecting on how the Parliamentary Caucus can best discharge its responsibilities for Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.

Changes to parliamentary term must go to a referendum

Dr Nick Smith November 01, 2020 Share

Labour and the Green’s confidence agreement states a desire to look at reforming electoral law, but electoral law should not be a play thing of the Government of the day, National’s Electoral Law spokesperson Dr Nick Smith says.

Dire economic warning for New Zealanders

Paul Goldsmith October 15, 2020 Share

The International Monetary Fund’s dire economic forecasts paint a grim picture of the New Zealand economy under Labour, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

More evidence of broken promises from Labour

Louise Upston October 15, 2020 Share

Stats released today show Emergency Housing grants were at record high in the September quarter despite promises from Labour to solve the housing crisis and end homelessness, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston and Simon O’Connor Social Housing spokesperson say.

Labour’s health policy doesn’t even include the word rural

Dr Shane Reti October 15, 2020 Share

Labour cares so little for rural communities that the word ‘rural’ doesn’t even appear in their health policy, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Labour failed to deliver on their key promises

Paul Goldsmith October 15, 2020 Share

Back in 2017 Labour claimed they would be a transformational government but they have failed on almost all of their policy promises to New Zealanders, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National caring for New Zealand’s senior citizens

Judith Collins October 14, 2020 Share

A National Government will ensure an environment where senior citizens feel safe, respected and well looked after, Leader of the National Party Judith Collins and National’s Seniors spokesperson Tim Macindoe say.

A choice with Labour – drowning in debt or higher taxes?

Paul Goldsmith October 14, 2020 Share

Labour’s inability to control their spending means they will either drown New Zealand in a sea of debt or burden hardworking New Zealanders with higher taxes, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

More than a million Kiwis would pay Wealth Tax

Paul Goldsmith October 13, 2020 Share

The Greens are spreading misinformation about how many people would be liable for a wealth tax, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Labour’s call for PHARMAC review cynical

Dr Shane Reti October 13, 2020 Share

Labour’s call for a review of PHARMAC is cynical, considering they blocked a review from occurring just last year, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

National to give young Kiwis a better start at life

Simeon Brown October 13, 2020 Share

National believes that young people are the future of New Zealand and that we must be providing them with opportunities to gain skills and knowledge that can be used to thrive in the modern world, National’s Youth spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

National will build Petone to Grenada Link Road

Judith Collins October 13, 2020 Share

A National Government would build the Petone to Grenada Link Road, including the Cross Valley Link, National Party Leader Judith Collins confirmed in Grenada today.

Who is doing the misinforming, Ms. Ardern?

Judith Collins October 12, 2020 Share

Confusion and mixed messages over taxes indicate where a future Labour-Green Government would head, says National Party Leader Judith Collins.

National will launch a global PhD scholarship scheme

Judith Collins October 12, 2020 Share

A National Government will add expertise to New Zealand’s technology sector by launching a Global PhD Scholarship scheme, Leader of the National Party Judith Collins says.

Higher taxes inevitable under Labour

Paul Goldsmith October 12, 2020 Share

Protests from Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson do nothing to change the fact that higher taxes are inevitable under Labour, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National out to stop the Wealth Tax

Judith Collins October 11, 2020 Share

National Party Leader Judith Collins is campaigning across Auckland today to bring out the vote for National. She will link up with party volunteers across the city as voting continues.

Labour fudging more numbers

Paul Goldsmith October 10, 2020 Share

The number of jobs likely to be created by yesterday’s announcement for $100 million for marae don’t stack up and won’t secure Kiwis’ future in long-term employment, Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Supporting New Zealand’s proud wine industry

Judith Collins October 09, 2020 Share

A National Government will give New Zealand’s wine industry the tools to continue making a valuable contribution to our economy, National Party Leader Judith Collins and Viticulture spokesperson Stuart Smith say.

A Labour/Greens Govt would introduce a Wealth Tax

Judith Collins October 08, 2020 Share

It’s clear a Labour/Greens Government would implement a radical Wealth Tax after reports this morning the Wealth Tax was specifically designed to circumvent their promise not to introduce a Capital Gains Tax, Leader of the National Party Judith Collins and National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith say.

Ardern needs to explain ‘pathetic’ Covid testing

Judith Collins October 08, 2020 Share

Jacinda Ardern needs to explain why ‘pathetically low’ testing rates were part of her Government’s plan to keep Kiwis safe from Covid-19, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Outrageous use of taxpayer funds so close to the election

Paul Goldsmith October 07, 2020 Share

It is outrageous if reports are correct that Finance Minister Grant Robertson has signed off $100 million of taxpayer money to upgrade marae around the country after voting has started, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National to better support manufacturing sector

Andrew Bayly October 07, 2020 Share

A National Government would better support the manufacturing sector by reducing taxes, slashing costs and upskilling the workforce, National’s spokesperson for Small Business and Manufacturing Andrew Bayly says.

Goldsmith acknowledges Frydenberg’s tax cuts

Paul Goldsmith October 07, 2020 Share

The Australian Budget overnight shows the Australians understand that tax relief is an essential component of an economic plan to restore prosperity, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National focused on creating at least 10,000 jobs a month

Judith Collins October 06, 2020 Share

A National Government would get the economy back to creating at least 10,000 jobs a month, and unemployment tracking towards 4 per cent by 2025, National Party Leader Judith Collins and Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay say.

Reviving the Kiwi dream of home ownership

Judith Collins October 05, 2020 Share

National will help New Zealanders secure their financial future by delivering policies that will allow more renters and social housing tenants to get a foot on the property ladder.

David Parker identifies error in Labour’s tax policy

Paul Goldsmith October 05, 2020 Share

Labour needs to defend the basis of its tax assumptions in its fiscal pamphlet and respond to attacks from Labour MP David Parker that New Zealanders will simply avoid paying their higher tax rate, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Auckland Council governance reset under National

Judith Collins October 05, 2020 Share

National will get New Zealand’s economic engine firing on all cylinders by undertaking an extensive review of Auckland Council and its governance to make sure it is fit for purpose.

Retired Kiwis better off under National’s tax cuts

Paul Goldsmith October 04, 2020 Share

A retired couple will be $1000 better off under National’s tax stimulus package, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Backing New Zealand’s racing industry

Judith Collins October 03, 2020 Share

National is proud of New Zealand’s history of excellence in the racing history and will ensure the industry isn’t put out to pasture, Leader of the National Party Judith Collins and National’s racing spokesperson Ian McKelvie say.

Labour’s child poverty claims ruled misleading

Louise Upston October 03, 2020 Share

More children are living in poverty because of Labour’s economic mismanagement and Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern should stop claiming otherwise, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Labour follows National’s lead on housing

Judith Collins October 02, 2020 Share

Labour’s announcement today that their plan to address house prices is to scrap the RMA is to follow where National strongly leads, National Party Leader, Judith Collins says.

Where is Labour’s Transport Plan?

Chris Bishop October 02, 2020 Share

Voting opens tomorrow and Labour has failed to deliver when it comes to transport, says National Transport Spokesperson Chris Bishop.

National will rebuild the tourism industry

Judith Collins October 02, 2020 Share

National will work alongside New Zealand’s tourism sector to restore the industry towards the levels of success it had prior to Covid-19, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

National to build for school growth

Nicola Willis October 02, 2020 Share

A National Government will resolve the overcrowding crisis in New Zealand schools by investing an additional $2.8 billion above current school property funding allocations for additional classrooms and new schools says National Education spokesperson Nicola Willis.

Case for pre-departure testing becomes more compelling

Dr Shane Reti October 02, 2020 Share

The 10 positive cases of Covid-19 that arrived into New Zealand on flight AI1354 may have been prevented with pre-departure testing, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Labour’s fiscal pamphlet missing another $10 billion

Paul Goldsmith October 02, 2020 Share

National can reveal that Labour’s fiscal pamphlet, which included a massive $140 billion mistake, has another $10 billion gap in it, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

SuperGold Card safe under National

Judith Collins October 01, 2020 Share

A National Government will prioritise and enhance the SuperGold Card, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

National will deliver Whangarei Marine Dry Dock

Judith Collins October 01, 2020 Share

A National Government will support the construction and operation of modern fit for purpose dry dock and associated infrastructure at Northport in Whangarei.

Labour releases a pamphlet with a $140bn mistake

Paul Goldsmith October 01, 2020 Share

Grant Robertson should rip up his mistake ridden fiscal pamphlet and present New Zealanders with a credible plan, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says

Water storage to unlock economic potential

Judith Collins October 01, 2020 Share

A National Government will utilise water to grow our economy and ensure better outcomes for our towns, cities and regions, Leader of the National Party Judith Collins says.

Labour has serious questions to answer

Gerry Brownlee September 30, 2020 Share

Labour’s use of a controversial company previously accused of push-polling in Australia raises serious questions about its commitment to run a clean campaign, National Party Campaign Chair Gerry Brownlee says.

Labour pumped up on debt

Paul Goldsmith September 30, 2020 Share

Despite the Reserve Bank pumping more than a billion dollars a week to hold up the economy, Labour still can’t deliver an economic plan, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Labour missing $10 billion for infrastructure

Paul Goldsmith September 29, 2020 Share

Labour needs to explain how it’s going to pay for $10 billion of funding for Light Rail and Pumped Hydro, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National will do more to stamp out corruption

Judith Collins September 29, 2020 Share

A National Government will back the Serious Fraud Office to do more to stamp out corruption, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

Reskilling & Retraining offers hope of fresh start

Judith Collins September 28, 2020 Share

Getting the unemployed back into work, upskilling small business owners and finding a pathway for young people to find work form the heart of National’s Reskilling and Retraining Policy which National Leader Judith Collins announced in Nelson today.

National will prioritise Nelson Hospital

Judith Collins September 28, 2020 Share

A National Government will prioritise the replacement of Nelson Hospital and provide a facility that is earthquake-proof and fit for purpose, National Party Leader Hon Judith Collins says.

Mental health care that delivers for everyone

Matt Doocey September 28, 2020 Share

A National Government will deliver high quality mental health care that is accessible, timely and effective, regardless of where you’re from.

Labour building a barrier to economic recovery

Todd McClay September 27, 2020 Share

With businesses failing and unemployment rapidly increasing, Labour’s plans are like throwing petrol on a bonfire, National's Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Survey results show need for tax relief

Paul Goldsmith September 27, 2020 Share

A new survey showing 40 per cent of respondents lived in homes where someone had seen their wages or hours cut during the last six months underscores the need for National’s tax relief from 1 December, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith said today.

Labour fails to front with costs for business

Todd McClay September 25, 2020 Share

“Jacinda Ardern needs to front up and explain to New Zealanders how much Labour’s policies will hurt the New Zealand, economy National’s Economic Development spokesperson,” Todd McClay says.

National will give children the best start in life

Louise Upston September 25, 2020 Share

The non-disclosure of child abuse will be an offense and there will be reduction targets for children suffering material hardship in a National Government, National’s Social Development Spokesperson Louise Upston says, as the party launched its Families & Children policy.

Time for serious action to back business

Todd McClay September 24, 2020 Share

“Business needs the confidence to invest and hire to deal with our growing unemployment problem,” National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

National will restore farmer confidence and pride

Judith Collins September 24, 2020 Share

A National Government will reduce regulatory burden and give farmers confidence for the future.

Three lost years under Labour on harbour crossing

Chris Bishop September 22, 2020 Share

Labour’s incompetence at delivering on Transport infrastructure has meant three wasted years on progressing another Auckland harbour crossing, says National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop.

National’s smart border plan will grow the economy

Gerry Brownlee September 22, 2020 Share

National will deliver a smarter border that allows New Zealand to safely reconnect with the world and our economy to grow, Covid-19 Border Response spokesman Gerry Brownlee says.

Cheaper power and fewer emissions under National

Jonathan Young September 19, 2020 Share

National is presenting a pragmatic energy policy which looks to the future, lowers Kiwis’ power bills, and supports the energy sector as innovative leaders, National’s Energy & Resources spokesperson Jonathan Young says.

National will nurture New Zealand’s technology talent

Judith Collins September 21, 2020 Share

National will double the size of New Zealand’s technology sector by 2030 with a $1.29 billion plan that will aim to create at least 100,000 new high-paying, future-proofed tech jobs.

Speech: Judith Collins 2020 Campaign Launch

Judith Collins September 20, 2020 Share

Thank you for your kind welcome. It’s great to join you all today for National’s first-ever virtual election campaign launch.

Transport under Labour a shambles in Wellington

Chris Bishop September 19, 2020 Share

“Labour’s ‘Let’s Get Wellington Moving’ project has so far been a failure. Nothing has been delivered, the funding for the programme is still unclear, and Wellington is drifting while congestion continues to choke the region,” National Spokesperson for Transport Chris Bishop says, commenting on news that external consultants have been called in to review the project.

Labour adds costs, National reduces taxes

Judith Collins September 19, 2020 Share

“National will help business grow, retain jobs and take on extra workers, while Labour will cripple businesses as they battle the recession,” National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

Second harbour crossing needed now, more than ever

Judith Collins September 19, 2020 Share

“As Auckland wakes up to the fact that the middle four lanes of the harbour bridge could close for an extended period due to yesterday’s accident, just shows that Auckland needs National’s plan to build a new second harbour crossing over the Waitemata sooner rather than later,” National Party Leader, Judith Collins says.

Labour’s economic hypocrisy on full display

Paul Goldsmith September 18, 2020 Share

Labour’s attack on National’s prudent plan to grow the economy, pay down debt faster, and put more money in Kiwis’ pockets shows how clueless they are when it comes to plotting a roadmap out of this economic crisis, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National will cut taxes for middle New Zealand

Judith Collins September 18, 2020 Share

National’s massive tax stimulus package will put more than $3000 extra into the pockets of hard-working Kiwis on middle incomes, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

National releases its plan to restore NZ’s prosperity

Judith Collins September 18, 2020 Share

National’s Economic and Fiscal Plan carefully balances the need to invest in infrastructure and core public services while also reducing tax pressure on Kiwi families and businesses.

New Zealand in deepest recession in living memory

Paul Goldsmith September 17, 2020 Share

The economic numbers today are proof that this Government has failed to keep our economy progressing, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

An extra 100,000 New Zealanders to lose their jobs under Labour

Judith Collins September 16, 2020 Share

Today’s Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update forecasts a longer and more painful economic crisis than earlier forecast and requires a serious growth plan to get New Zealand back on track, National Party Leader Judith Collins and Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith say.

Strengthening frontline services with primary care navigators

Dr Shane Reti September 16, 2020 Share

A National Government will increase our frontline primary healthcare services by adding a primary care navigator to every General Practice, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Better funding for PHARMAC

Dr Shane Reti September 16, 2020 Share

A National Government will increase funding for PHARMAC and ensure more Kiwis have access to life-saving medication, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

A modern health service that delivers for everyone

Dr Shane Reti September 16, 2020 Share

A National Government will deliver a health service that is modern, high quality, evidence-based and available to all, regardless of who you are or where you live, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

He pānui oranga - Tamariki Niho Ora - MySmile

Judith Collins September 15, 2020 Share

The next National Government will ensure New Zealand’s youth has improved access to better dental health services with the MySmile (Tamariki Niho Ora) policy.

For the South Island, it has gone on too long

Judith Collins September 14, 2020 Share

Staying on Level Two for another week means that this lock-down has gone on too long for those living far away from Auckland, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

Further investment in children with additional needs

Nicola Willis September 14, 2020 Share

A National Government would improve education for children with additional needs by intervening earlier and investing $683 million over four years to provide more teacher aides and a learning support funding boost for every school, National’s Education spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

National to invest in our children’s future

Judith Collins September 14, 2020 Share

A National Government will prioritise lifting achievement for all New Zealand children, no matter their background or ability, National Party Leader Judith Collins and National’s Education spokesperson Nicola Willis say.

Labour must front on Ihumātao before the election

Paul Goldsmith September 13, 2020 Share

Labour’s deafening silence on the Ihumātao dispute continues to undermine the business confidence we need to get the economy back on track, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Now isn’t the time to be making life harder for farmers

David Bennett September 12, 2020 Share

The Green Party’s agriculture policy is another slap in the face to Kiwi farmers at a time when we should be focused on growing our primary sector, National’s Agriculture spokesperson David Bennett says.

Job creation is the answer, not increasing dependency

Louise Upston September 12, 2020 Share

If Labour has a spare billion dollars up its sleeve – and that’s a big if – then that money should be spent on creating jobs rather than growing benefits, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Rugby Championship about loss to economy

Todd McClay September 12, 2020 Share

Labour are trying to blame the referee, but they dropped the ball, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Labour drops the ball again – this time on trade

Judith Collins September 12, 2020 Share

Labour's lack of focus has cost the New Zealand economy a massive opportunity at a time when we most need to kick start it, National Leader Judith Collins says.

Labour loses All Blacks to Oz

Mark Mitchell September 11, 2020 Share

Labour’s clumsy and incompetent handling of the Rugby Championship has led to the hosting rights being lost to Australia, National’s Sport & Recreation spokesperson Mark Mitchell says.

National investing in zero-emissions transport future

Judith Collins September 11, 2020 Share

A National Government will make Electric Vehicles (EVs) cheaper and reduce our transport emissions through a smart and ambitious electric vehicle plan.

National to fund TRENZ for two years

Todd McClay September 11, 2020 Share

A National Government would help rebuild our tourism sector by funding the annual tourism gathering TRENZ, the most significant international travel and trade event in New Zealand, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Labour piling more costs on to Kiwi households

Judith Collins September 10, 2020 Share

Labour’s energy policy will hammer Kiwis’ back pockets by increasing the cost of electricity by as much as 40 per cent, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Higher taxes won’t create jobs

Paul Goldsmith September 10, 2020 Share

Labour’s higher taxes will do nothing to help create jobs but it will stifle investment, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

An innovative approach to funding infrastructure

Judith Collins September 09, 2020 Share

The next National Government will take a new approach to delivering the infrastructure New Zealand desperately needs by creating a new National Infrastructure Bank.

Labour’s first instinct: Higher Taxes

Paul Goldsmith September 09, 2020 Share

No country in the world has ever taxed itself out of recession, but Labour’s first instinct is to raise your taxes, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Labour fails on electric vehicles

Chris Bishop September 09, 2020 Share

New figures on the world’s first ever World EV Day lay bare the Government’s utter failure at decarbonising our transport fleet and spurring the uptake of new electric vehicles, say National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop and Associate Environment spokesperson Erica Stanford.

Labour offers more loans and debt

Paul Goldsmith September 08, 2020 Share

Labour’s plan for small businesses is to offer more loans and get deeper into debt, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Job loss figures reveal grim reality of COVID lockdown

Judith Collins September 08, 2020 Share

News that 185,000 New Zealanders expect to lose their jobs or businesses by mid next year drives home the scale of the economic challenge our country is facing, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

National will improve health outcomes for Hawke’s Bay

Judith Collins September 08, 2020 Share

A National Government will urgently upgrade the Hawke’s Bay Hospital so it can deliver the care that New Zealanders deserve.

National commits extra $300 million for road maintenance

Chris Bishop September 08, 2020 Share

The news that the Government has rejected adding road maintenance to its list of shovel-ready projects is concerning, National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Labour’s economic plan: another public holiday

Paul Goldsmith September 07, 2020 Share

New Zealand is in the biggest economic crisis in a generation and Labour’s answer to this is another public holiday, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Ardern’s defence of Shaw sends terrible spending message

Paul Goldsmith September 07, 2020 Share

The Prime Minister’s wholehearted support for James Shaw as an ‘exceptional Minister’ sends a terrible message about the standards for spending in this Government, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National will tackle methamphetamine harm

Judith Collins September 07, 2020 Share

National has outlined an integrated and comprehensive plan to tackle the issues caused by methamphetamine use.

5 actions in 5 days to improve our COVID-19 response

Dr Shane Reti September 06, 2020 Share

National has identified five ways in which the Government could immediately improve our response to COVID-19, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Come clean on tax, Labour

Paul Goldsmith September 06, 2020 Share

Less than six weeks before the election, Labour continues to conceal its tax intentions and it’s time to come clean, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National’s new paid parental leave supports Dads

Louise Upston September 06, 2020 Share

On Father’s Day, National is all about giving Dads choice, National’s Social Development Spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Harsh reality brought to light by Unicef report

Alfred Ngaro September 05, 2020 Share

The Unicef report which reflected the poor rates of child wellbeing in New Zealand, represents the lack of support this Government has provided for children, National’s Children spokesperson Alfred Ngaro says.

Job loss figures show scale of economic challenge

Paul Goldsmith September 04, 2020 Share

The latest unemployment figures paint a sad picture for thousands of New Zealand families and highlight the scale of the economic challenge our country is facing, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Stop the slow drip feed and come up with a plan

Todd McClay September 03, 2020 Share

The Government must stop the slow drip feed of announcements for Tourism and establish a proper response plan to save jobs across the sector, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Labour puts saving own skin ahead of sensible spending

Paul Goldsmith September 03, 2020 Share

Reports that indicate Education Minister Chris Hipkins gave verbal sign off for the Green School funding shows Labour is more interested in saving its own skin than looking after taxpayer money, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Investing in the first 1000 days

Louise Upston September 03, 2020 Share

Recognising that the first one thousand days of a child’s life is the most critical period in their development, National has committed to a raft of parent-and-child focused plans in its First 1000 Days policy, announced by National Party Leader Judith Collins and Social Investment Spokesperson Louise Upston.

Shovel ready fund, or just another slush fund?

Paul Goldsmith September 02, 2020 Share

The murky brinksmanship revealed in the decisions to fund the Green School suggest the $3 billion shovel ready fund is operating like a slush fund by the Government, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Government hiding cannabis reports

Dr Nick Smith September 02, 2020 Share

The Government’s refusal to release two reports commissioned by the Ministry of Justice on the economic impacts of cannabis regulation until after October 17 undermines the referendum, National’s Drug Reform spokesperson Nick Smith says.

A better way of delivering school infrastructure

Chris Bishop August 31, 2020 Share

National’s Fix New Zealand Schools Alliance is another important part of our Plan to Get New Zealand Working, Infrastructure spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

30-year plan to build new schools and classrooms

Judith Collins August 31, 2020 Share

National will continue our aim of giving every New Zealand child the opportunity to succeed through education by committing $4.8 billion in new spending to school infrastructure.

$2 billion to repair, redevelop and rebuild our schools

Judith Collins August 31, 2020 Share

National will invest $2 billion in a ‘Fix New Zealand Schools Alliance’ that will bring together builders, educators, architects and engineers to fast-track school repairs and upgrades.

NZIST deficit shows Govt shouldn’t be pushing ahead

Simeon Brown August 31, 2020 Share

The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) is moving faster towards full amalgamation than was first anticipated to cover up its large deficit, National’s Tertiary Education spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Nearly 400 a day out of work over lockdown

Paul Goldsmith August 31, 2020 Share

The first full week of lockdown cost nearly 400 New Zealanders their jobs every day, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Govt fails to deliver for mental health as need grows

Matt Doocey August 31, 2020 Share

Labour promised big on mental health but has failed to even come close to delivering, particularly with the demand for services set to grow as a result of Covid-19, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

Government must front up on Green School deal

Nicola Willis August 31, 2020 Share

The Government must explain why it won’t back-down from a deal to give the private elite ‘Green School’ $11.7m in taxpayer cash, National’s Education spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Seven day 3 tests – how many are being missed?

Dr Shane Reti August 29, 2020 Share

Several cases of Covid-19 have been picked up by day 3 tests over the past few days, which highlights why it must be compulsory, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Government’s economic claims ring hollow

Paul Goldsmith August 28, 2020 Share

The Finance Minister’s claim that his Government have been careful economic managers rings hollow given it turned a forecast $6 billion surplus into a $1 billion projected deficit before the Covid-19 crisis, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National works to support Southland jobs

Judith Collins August 28, 2020 Share

A National Government will facilitate negotiations between Rio Tinto, power companies and Transpower to achieve a more cost competitive environment to keep the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter open, Opposition Leader Judith Collins says.

Govt should make Day 3 isolation tests compulsory

Dr Shane Reti August 27, 2020 Share

The Health Minister should focus on delivering the comprehensive Covid-19 testing his Government promised rather than digging a deeper hole and putting us all at risk, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Hipkins must explain school funding hypocrisy

Nicola Willis August 27, 2020 Share

The Education Minister needs to front up and explain his extraordinary decision to approve $11.7 million of taxpayers’ money for the privately-owned Taranaki Green School, National’s Education spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

National will back New Zealand’s small businesses

Judith Collins August 27, 2020 Share

A National Government will back the private sector, in particular our small businesses, to create jobs and get the economy moving again, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

PM avoids addressing risk from ships’ crew

Judith Collins August 26, 2020 Share

Opposition Leader Judith Collins says the Prime Minister is either confused about the powers of the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Maritime Border) Order 2020, or is refusing to address a known risk of spreading the virus which the order creates.

Freshwater reforms need to work with farmers and the community

Scott Simpson August 26, 2020 Share

Speculation that Environment Minister David Parker will have to yet again make fixes to his freshwater regulations further exposes the flaws in Labour’s package, National’s Environment spokesperson Scott Simpson and Agriculture spokesperson David Bennett say.

Another hole in the Government’s border defences

Dr Shane Reti August 25, 2020 Share

Despite weeks of telling the public that ‘everyone’ in managed isolation is being tested for Covid-19 on day three of their stay, the Health Minister has admitted he knows these tests are not compulsory and his ministry does not know how many people haven’t had them.

Govt takes no responsibility for costly lockdown

Paul Goldsmith August 25, 2020 Share

We are two weeks into a stricter lockdown, which Treasury estimates is costing the country $500 million a week and many jobs, and the Government refuses to take any responsibility, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Hospitality paying price for Govt border failures

Todd McClay August 25, 2020 Share

New Zealand’s hospitality sector is paying a heavy price for the Government’s bungling of the border, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay says.

National will upgrade the Napier to Taupo Road

Chris Bishop August 24, 2020 Share

The next National-led government will fast-track safety improvements on the dangerous Napier-Taupō road (SH5), National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

National will invest $35 million on Route 52 upgrade

Chris Bishop August 24, 2020 Share

The next National-led government will spend $35 million upgrading Route 52 in the Tararua District, National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Call for Public Health Summit

Judith Collins August 24, 2020 Share

Judith Collins says that, as Prime Minister, she will convene a Public Health Summit to review lockdown levels and discuss other public health measures that avoid future lockdowns.

National will reinstate funding for Louise Nicholas

Judith Collins August 23, 2020 Share

The Ministry of Social Development reporting that they will not renew the funding given to Louise Nicholas, a prominent advocate against sexual violence is absolutely disgraceful, National Party Leader Judith Collins and Louise Upston National’s spokesperson for Social Development say.

Minister missing in action

David Bennett August 23, 2020 Share

The Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor has taken a staggering 10 days during the Auckland level 3 lockdown to grant a blanket exemptions for sheep and beef farmers, National’s Agriculture spokesperson David Bennett says.

Yet more inconsistencies from Labour

Gerry Brownlee August 21, 2020 Share

Labour’s mismanagement of the border comes down to Ministers not doing their jobs, National’s Covid-19 Border Response spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

More holes in the resurgence plan

Gerry Brownlee August 21, 2020 Share

It is becoming increasingly clear that Labour’s ‘resurgence plan’ completely failed to prepare for regional lockdown, National’s COVID-19 Border Response spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

Labour fails to plan for primary sector

David Bennett August 21, 2020 Share

Labour needs to stand up for the essential primary sector workers who are wrongly being turned away at Auckland region checkpoints, MP for Hunua Andrew Bayly and National’s Agriculture spokesperson David Bennett say.

Government refusing democratic process

Dr Shane Reti August 20, 2020 Share

The Government has refused National’s request to re-convene Parliament’s Health Select Committee, preventing an opportunity to improve our response to the second wave of Covid-19, National’s Health spokesperson and Deputy Chair of the Health Select Committee, Dr Shane Reti says.

Securing New Zealand’s border against COVID-19

Judith Collins August 20, 2020 Share

A National Government will inject some steel into our first line of defence against COVID-19 by delivering robust border systems that will keep the virus at bay and allow our economy to thrive, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

Just a minute, Prime Minister

Judith Collins August 19, 2020 Share

The Prime Minister must release the Cabinet minute which she claims clearly laid out what was expected of officials when it came to implementing the Government’s testing strategy for essential workers at the border and in managed isolation and quarantine, National Leader Judith Collins says.

Unclear Govt advice could cost businesses thousands

Paul Goldsmith August 19, 2020 Share

Businesses need immediate clarity that they will not be liable for thousands of dollars in back pay because they followed the Government’s own wage subsidy scheme guidance, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Parliament’s Health Committee must return

Dr Shane Reti August 19, 2020 Share

National Party Health spokesperson Shane Reti is calling for Parliament’s Health Select Committee to return, allowing for a principled and constructive assessment of our response to the second wave of COVID-19.

Government needs to sort out Auckland border mess

Andrew Bayly August 17, 2020 Share

Today’s traffic chaos at the checkpoints between Auckland and Waikato shows the Government has not done a good enough job of communicating travel restrictions to the public, Hunua MP Andrew Bayly says.

Miscommunication jeopardising COVID-19 response

Dr Shane Reti August 17, 2020 Share

The Minister of Health needs to release any information the Government has received about border-facing staff being tested for COVID-19, National’s Health spokesperson Shane Reti says.

Kiwis paying heavy price for Govt border failure

Paul Goldsmith August 17, 2020 Share

National supports extending the wage subsidy following Auckland’s Level 3 lockdown, but ongoing subsidies can’t hide the heavy price Kiwis are paying for the Government’s border failures, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National Party acknowledges new election date

Judith Collins August 17, 2020 Share

National is looking forward to engaging with the public on ideas to drive our economic recovery and safeguard New Zealanders from Covid-19 now that the election has been rescheduled for October 17, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Hipkins needs to explain Govt’s Covid complacency

Dr Shane Reti August 16, 2020 Share

Health Minister Chris Hipkins needs to explain why, just two weeks ago, he was comfortable with face masks not being compulsory for staff working in managed isolation, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Statement on COVID-19 community transmission

Judith Collins August 11, 2020 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins is calling on New Zealanders to follow the advice of health officials and do their part to stamp out the latest case of COVID-19 community transmission.

Vaccine shortage tells us what we already know

Dr Shane Reti August 11, 2020 Share

Reports that New Zealand is facing a temporary shortage of the flu vaccine amid the Covd-19 outbreak vindicates what I have known since April, National’s Health Spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

National will protect New Zealand’s backyard

Judith Collins August 11, 2020 Share

National is committed to protecting and preserving our world-class landscapes so that all New Zealanders can experience and enjoy them, Leader of the National Party Judith Collins and National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean say.

Reality sets in for Kiwi businesses

Paul Goldsmith August 11, 2020 Share

“The economic reality is now hitting home to New Zealand businesses, with more pessimistic than optimistic about their own prospects,” National’s Finance Spokesman Paul Goldsmith says in reaction to ANZ’s Business Outlook report for August

National will tackle crime and keep Kiwis safe

Judith Collins August 11, 2020 Share

A National Government will make New Zealand a safe place to live, work and raise a family through effective policies that fight crime, National Party Leader Judith Collins and Justice spokesperson Simon Bridges say.

National selects Emma Mellow as Auckland Central candidate

National Party August 10, 2020 Share

Tonight the National Party has selected Emma Mellow to stand in the Auckland Central electorate for the 2020 General Election.

Labour needs to come clean on tax

Paul Goldsmith August 10, 2020 Share

With less than six weeks before the election, it’s past time that Labour reveals its tax plans to New Zealanders, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National will encourage more drivers to get insurance

Judith Collins August 10, 2020 Share

National will encourage more drivers to get car insurance and make life easier for Kiwis to sort out damage claims by requiring vehicle insurers to be displayed on registration labels.

More wishful thinking from the Greens

Jacqui Dean August 09, 2020 Share

The Green’s latest housing policy is a lot of wishful thinking, National’s Housing spokesperson Jacqui Dean says.

National selects Nancy Lu as List only candidate

National Party August 08, 2020 Share

The National Party is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Lu to the National Party’s List for the 2020 General Election, President Peter Goodfellow says.

Megan Hands National’s new candidate in Rangitata

National Party August 10, 2020 Share

Today Megan Hands has been selected by the National Party to contest the Rangitata electorate in the 2020 General Election.

National releases 2020 Party List

National Party August 08, 2020 Share

National’s 2020 Party List is a strong mix of experience coming up through our Caucus, and new and exciting talent joining our team from communities across New Zealand, Party President Peter Goodfellow says.

Government admits border will close for at least two years

Gerry Brownlee August 07, 2020 Share

MBIE hiring communications staff for their Managed Isolation Unit on a two-year contract shows that the border will be substantially closed for at least another two years, the National Party’s Covid-19 Border Response Spokesperson, Gerry Brownlee says.

National continuing to fight cancer

Judith Collins August 07, 2020 Share

National is pledging $20 million to protect women from gynaecological cancer through greater awareness, improved clinical guidelines, increased testing and greater access to clinical trials, National Party Leader Judith Collins and National’s spokesperson for Rural Communities and Women Barbara Kuriger say.

Economic alarm bells ring

Judith Collins August 07, 2020 Share

Recently released unemployment figures show that New Zealand is living on a form of economic morphine, that is insulating us against the full force of the economic crisis that’s hitting the global economy, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

The Government is failing the tourism sector

Todd McClay August 06, 2020 Share

The tourism sector is one of the most damaged sectors from the impacts of Covid-19 and the Government is failing to support them, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

‘Shovel-ready’ buries opportunities for women

Barbara Kuriger August 06, 2020 Share

Unemployment stats released this week show women are still not being taken seriously within the work environment, National’s spokesperson for Women Barbara Kuriger says.

Brownlee calls on Government to come clean

Gerry Brownlee August 05, 2020 Share

The Government needs to come clean on what they know about the state of Covid-19 in New Zealand,” National’s Covid-19 Border Response Spokesperson, Gerry Brownlee says.

Kelvin Davis must apologise to the travel industry

Todd McClay August 05, 2020 Share

The Government must step up and provide a clear plan for outbound tourism and travel operators so they can avoid large scale job loss, National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Unemployment figures don’t tell the full story

Paul Goldsmith August 05, 2020 Share

The unemployment figures released today don’t reflect the sad reality for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who have found themselves unemployed in the past months, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

$4 billion investment to end Wellington’s congestion woes

Judith Collins August 05, 2020 Share

A National Government will invest another $4 billion in transport infrastructure across Wellington, igniting the economy and delivering the congestion-busting solutions the region has long been crying out for, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

National announces $330 million in new transport projects for Horowhenua and the Kāpiti Coast

Judith Collins August 03, 2020 Share

National will unlock the economic potential of Horowhenua and Kāpiti by connecting Ōtaki to Wellington’s electric commuter train network and fast-tracking construction of a four-lane expressway between Ōtaki and Levin, National Party Leader Judith Collins has announced.

Labour needs to explain how it will repay NZ’s debt

Paul Goldsmith August 03, 2020 Share

With the election only weeks away, Labour needs to clearly explain to voters how it intends to repay the massive debt it is taking on to deal with Covid-19 – and whether its plan will involve higher taxes, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

New Zealanders support charging at the border

Gerry Brownlee August 02, 2020 Share

The Government’s proposal to introduce very limited border charging for managed quarantine is little more than spin and highly disrespectful of New Zealanders who think there should be a higher level of cost recovery, National’s COVID-19 Border Response spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says

Kiwis need more than two-trick pony on economy

Paul Goldsmith August 02, 2020 Share

Massive debt-fuelled spending and keeping the border tight are necessary but insufficient to restore our economy and create jobs, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Years of inaction from Government on vaping

Nicky Wagner August 01, 2020 Share

Labour has failed to achieve anything on vaping since they’ve come into Government, resulting in countless teens taking up the habit, National List MP Nicky Wagner says.

Shovels Sit Idle In Wellington

Nicola Willis July 23, 2020 Share

Nicola Willis, National’s List MP based in Wellington is calling on Labour to fully release the list of shovel ready projects and get Kiwis back to work.

National selects Joseph Mooney for Southland

National Party July 31, 2020 Share

Today the National Party has selected Joseph Mooney to stand in the Southland electorate for the 2020 General Election.

Job losses pile up under Government with no plan

Paul Goldsmith July 31, 2020 Share

Today’s troubling revelation that another 1500 Kiwis lost their jobs this week highlights the need for a sound economic plan to get us through the current jobs crisis, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Release the list, Prime Minister

Judith Collins July 31, 2020 Share

As jobless numbers mount up, Jacinda Ardern needs to front up and release the list of shovel-ready projects that will provide much needed work for New Zealanders, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Labour inconsistent in treatment of Warriors players

Gerry Brownlee July 31, 2020 Share

Labour is completely inconsistent in their handling of two New Zealand Warriors players trying to get home, National’s Covid-19 Border Response spokesman Gerry Brownlee says.

Random roadside drug testing Bill welcome

Dr Nick Smith July 30, 2020 Share

National welcomes the introduction today of the Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill that enables Police to randomly test for drug impairment, National’s Drug Reform spokesperson Nick Smith says.

Waka-jumping repeal Bill passes first reading

David Carter July 30, 2020 Share

The Electoral (Integrity Repeal) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading, marking one step closer to Parliament getting rid of NZ First’s ‘waka-jumping’ legislation, National List MP David Carter says.

Jones overseeing a ‘treacle-riddled’ PGF

Michael Woodhouse July 29, 2020 Share

It’s been three years and despite many, many questions, New Zealanders still have no idea whether the Provincial Growth Fund has created the jobs it was intended to, National’s Regional Economic Development spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

Collins hits back at KiwiSaver funds manager

Judith Collins July 29, 2020 Share

National Leader Judith Collins has hit back at funds manager Rupert Carlyon of Kōura Wealth KiwiSaver, for his criticisms of National’s BusinessStart plan, which allow Kiwis to access $20,000 of their own money to start a new business.

Release the list, Grant

Chris Bishop July 29, 2020 Share

Grant Robertson’s repeated refusal to tell Parliament how many shovel-ready projects have been through due diligence but are yet to be announced by the Government is the height of arrogance, National’s Transport and Infrastructure spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Collins claims victory over RMA

Judith Collins July 29, 2020 Share

National Leader Judith Collins is claiming victory after Labour’s Resource Management Act (RMA) Working Group has finally recommended this morning to scrap the RMA and replacing it with a Natural and Built Environments Act and a Strategic Planning Act.

National to unleash entrepreneurial and job-creation explosion

Judith Collins July 29, 2020 Share

National’s plan will unleash an entrepreneurial and job-creation explosion over the next 17 months, which economists say will be the toughest times any living New Zealand has ever known, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

National will fast-track Palmerston North ring road

Judith Collins July 27, 2020 Share

National will begin work on Palmerston’s North’s long-awaited rural ring road within six months of forming Government to stimulate the Manawatū economy and create new jobs, National Party Leader Judith Collins has announced.

Labour/Green Govt certain to raise tax & destroy jobs

Paul Goldsmith July 27, 2020 Share

The one certainty about a Labour-Green Government is that it would raise the taxes Kiwi families and small businesses are forced to pay - and destroy jobs in the process, National’s Finance Spokesman Paul Goldsmith says.

Brownlee dismisses poll as ‘rogue’

Gerry Brownlee July 26, 2020 Share

National Campaign Chairman Gerry Brownlee says tonight’s Newshub poll is a rogue.

Increasing mistakes compromise coronavirus safety

Dr Shane Reti July 24, 2020 Share

This incompetent Government’s poor management of coronavirus isolation facilities is continuing to put New Zealanders at risk, National’s Health spokesperson Shane Reti says.

Quarantine absconders should meet cost of apprehension

Gerry Brownlee July 25, 2020 Share

The Hamilton 5 quarantine breakout is alarming and the absconders must foot the bill, National’s COVID-19 Border Response spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

Time for Ardern to come clean on Ihumātao

Judith Collins July 26, 2020 Share

Opposition Leader Judith Collins is calling on Jacinda Ardern to be upfront with New Zealanders before the election and say whether a Crown deal for Ihumātao is on the table.

National to adopt Parliamentary code of conduct

Judith Collins July 24, 2020 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins will recommend to her National Party caucus colleagues that the party signs up to Parliament’s code of conduct.

National announces Bay of Plenty/Coromandel transport package

Chris Bishop July 24, 2020 Share

National’s Bay of Plenty and Coromandel transport package will create hundreds of jobs and drive economic growth across this fast-growing region, National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

National OIA’s Prime Minister to release the list

Judith Collins July 24, 2020 Share

National’s Leader has issued an Official Information Act request demanding that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her government release the remaining list of shovel-ready projects immediately.

It’s about growth and disciplined spending, not borrow, borrow, borrow

Paul Goldsmith July 24, 2020 Share

The best path back to prudent levels of debt in a decade or more is an absolute focus on economic growth, combined with disciplined spending, National’s Finance Spokesperson Paul Goldsmith said today.

No hope, no solutions

Andrew Bayly July 22, 2020 Share

The Minister for Small Business cannot offer anything new for small businesses, National’s spokesperson for Small Business and Manufacturing Andrew Bayly says.

Crimes have victims, Davis

Simeon Brown July 23, 2020 Share

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis is ignorant of the harm caused when people break the law, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Govt’s border exceptions are costing Kiwis jobs

Stuart Smith July 23, 2020 Share

The Government’s current border exceptions are failing to respond to the needs of New Zealand businesses and it’s costing Kiwis jobs, National’s Immigration spokesperson Stuart Smith says.

Comprehensive medicinal cannabis bill drawn

Dr Shane Reti July 23, 2020 Share

My Member’s Bill to implement a comprehensive medicinal cannabis regime that would widen access to medicinal cannabis and license high quality domestic production, has been drawn in Parliament, MP for Whangarei Shane Reti says.

New Bill to improve access to justice

Chris Bishop July 23, 2020 Share

A Member’s Bill to improve access to justice by making it easier for lawyers to do work outside their existing employment has been draw from the ballot, Hutt South MP Chris Bishop says.

Release the secret $5 billion list to get Kiwis working

Judith Collins July 23, 2020 Share

Nearly 135,000 work-ready Kiwis and tens of thousands of construction workers desperately need Labour to release its secret list of $5 billion worth of shovel-ready projects today, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins has demanded.

Member’s Bill to notify schools of sex offenders drawn

Matt Doocey July 23, 2020 Share

Today my Member’s Bill that would require the Department of Corrections to notify schools of sex offenders placed in their local communities was drawn in Parliament, Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey says.

National announces Wairarapa transport package

Judith Collins July 23, 2020 Share

National will create hundreds of new jobs and boost the Wairarapa economy by delivering a suite of transport projects to get the region moving, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

Release the list, Ms Ardern

Judith Collins July 22, 2020 Share

National Leader Judith Collins is demanding Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern release the list of the shovel-ready projects her Government has agreed to fund but is keeping secret for political reasons.

Labour failure on shovel-ready projects costing thousands of jobs

Judith Collins July 22, 2020 Share

“Tens of thousands of jobs are on the line as Labour sits on its hands over the shovel-ready project scheme,” National Party Leader Judith Collins said today.

National will fix First Responders Bill

Simeon Brown July 22, 2020 Share

While National supports increased protections for first responders and tougher penalties for offenders but wants a Bill that works, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Law to crack down on gangs one step closer

Brett Hudson July 22, 2020 Share

National’s Firearms Prohibition Order’s (FPO) Bill has finally passed its first reading, National’s Police spokesperson Brett Hudson says.

Scrutiny needed for medical examinations in isolation

Dr Shane Reti July 22, 2020 Share

This clumsy and incompetent Government needs to make sure that people in coronavirus isolation aren’t being subjected to illegal medical examinations, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Economic crisis deepens and business confidence drops

Paul Goldsmith July 21, 2020 Share

The economic and jobs crisis is looking even worse on the back of news that confidence among small businesses has plunged to an all-time low, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

Early intervention times continue to blowout

Nicola Willis July 21, 2020 Share

The Associate Minister of Education has confirmed that this clumsy and incompetent Government has failed to deliver on the Prime Minister’s 2018 promise to reduce early intervention times for young children, National’s Education spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Under Kelvin Davis, criminals get off lightly

Simeon Brown July 20, 2020 Share

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis continues to let down victims of crime, as more than half of those who received Community Work sentences over lockdown have not met the terms of their sentence, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

National slams Labour for opposing Upper North Island Expressway

Chris Bishop July 18, 2020 Share

National’s Transport and Infrastructure Spokesman Chris Bishop has slammed the Labour Party for opposing National’s Plan to connect Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.

National will build Christchurch to Ashburton Expressway

Todd Muller July 08, 2020 Share

The next National Government will drive our economy forward and create hundreds of jobs by delivering a new four-lane expressway between Christchurch and Ashburton, National Party Leader Todd Muller has announced.

National to charge for quarantine

Gerry Brownlee July 19, 2020 Share

Everyone entering New Zealand from 11.59pm on 3 October 2020 will be charged a fee to partially meet the costs of their quarantine under a National Government, National’s Covid-19 Border Response spokesman Gerry Brownlee says.

National will smash congestion with intergenerational funding

Chris Bishop July 17, 2020 Share

National will deliver a record level of congestion-busting transport infrastructure if elected in September, Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

National will bring the congestion crisis to an end

Judith Collins July 17, 2020 Share

National will fix the Auckland and upper North Island congestion crisis, and get New Zealand moving again, National Party Leader Judith Collins says.

Judith Collins thanks outgoing National MPs

Judith Collins July 16, 2020 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins has thanked National MPs Nikki Kaye and Amy Adams for their contributions to politics, following their decisions not to stand for re-election in 2020.

Amy Adams confirms retirement from politics at 2020 election

Amy Adams July 16, 2020 Share

Amy Adams has announced that she will not take up the offer of a list position for the New Zealand National Party for the 2020 election.

Judith Collins announces caucus reshuffle

Judith Collins July 16, 2020 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins has today announced a reshuffle to the National Party caucus line-up.

Nikki Kaye to retire from politics at 2020 election

Nikki Kaye July 16, 2020 Share

Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, has today officially announced that she will retire from politics at the 2020 election.

500 per cent waste levy increase another tax on Kiwis

Scott Simpson July 15, 2020 Share

Today’s announcement that the Government is massively increasing the waste levy will hurt Kiwi’s back pockets, at a time when they need it least, National’s Environment spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

Judith Collins elected Leader of the New Zealand National Party

Judith Collins July 14, 2020 Share

Judith Collins has been elected Leader of the New Zealand National Party, the party caucus announced.

Statement from Senior Whip

Barbara Kuriger July 14, 2020 Share

The National Party caucus have agreed to meet tonight to discuss the way forward, Senior Whip Barbara Kuriger announced.

Todd Muller resigns as Leader of the Opposition

Todd Muller July 14, 2020 Share

I have taken time over the weekend to reflect on my experience over the last several weeks as Leader of the Opposition.

Businesses and landlords in legal limbo

Paul Goldsmith July 13, 2020 Share

Many businesses and commercial landlords are in a completely unacceptable legal limbo because of Coalition infighting and incompetence, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

High Court decision a win for hunters

Jacqui Dean July 11, 2020 Share

A High Court decision has stopped this clumsy and incompetent Government from destroying a $17 million industry and hundreds of jobs, National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean says.

Public housing figures another failure for Labour

Nicola Willis July 06, 2020 Share

The number of families who need homes continue to grow at an alarming rate as public housing figures soar from 5844 in 2017 to 17982 as at May this year, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Statement from Michael Woodhouse

Michael Woodhouse July 10, 2020 Share

Between June 21 and 25 I received four unsolicited emails from Michelle Boag containing information that, while not the same information that is the subject of the Inquiry led by Michael Heron QC, was similar insofar as it contained patient details.

Dr Jian Yang to retire from politics at 2020 election

Jian Yang July 10, 2020 Share

National List MP Dr Jian Yang has today officially announced that he will retire from politics at the 2020 election.

Todd Muller thanks retiring MP Dr Jian Yang

Todd Muller July 10, 2020 Share

National Party Leader Todd Muller has today thanked retiring MP Dr Jian Yang for his commitment to the party and to New Zealand over the past nine years.

National’s Plan to get New Zealand working

Todd Muller July 09, 2020 Share

National Party Leader Todd Muller has revealed the framework for the party’s Plan to create more jobs and a better economy. At a speech to the Christchurch Employers’ Chamber of Commerce today, Mr Muller outlined the five elements of National’s Plan.

Govt’s vision fails to address today’s issues

Todd Muller July 07, 2020 Share

The Government’s ‘Fit For a Better World’ vision for the primary sector fails to address the myriad of issues they’ve created for farmers over the past three years, Leader of the Opposition Todd Muller and National’s Agriculture spokesperson David Bennett say.

More than a third of businesses plan to lay off staff

Paul Goldsmith July 07, 2020 Share

More than a third of businesses plan to lay off staff over the next three months, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith said today.

Labour admits it has no plan

Todd Muller July 06, 2020 Share

National Party Leader Todd Muller says the admission by Labour Party Leader Jacinda Ardern yesterday that her Government has run the country for three years “without a playbook” comes as no surprise.

Labour promises are “just more KiwiBuild”

Todd Muller July 06, 2020 Share

National Leader Todd Muller says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern’s promises today are “just more KiwiBuild”. “Nothing Labour promises you this election will be delivered – except more tax for you to pay.

Thousands of Kiwis need help getting back to work

Louise Upston July 06, 2020 Share

Recent Jobseeker figures illustrates the economic and job crisis New Zealand is facing and Labour has no plan on how to lower them, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

This Government can’t be trusted with anything

Michael Woodhouse July 04, 2020 Share

Yet another mistake just goes to prove that this Government is not fit to manage the Covid-19 recovery, National’s Health spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says. “Reports coming in this morning of personal details being leaked which reveals the identity of New Zealand’s current active cases, is yet another serious failing from this incompetent Government.

Labour can’t and won’t deliver anything

Todd Muller July 04, 2020 Share

Jacinda Ardern’s big talk today is yet more empty promises from a clumsy and incompetent Government, National Leader Todd Muller said today. “You cannot believe anything that this Prime Minister promises will be delivered except more tax,” Mr Muller said today.

Thousands of illegal firearms still in circulation

Brett Hudson May 27, 2020 Share

Despite the Government claiming to make New Zealand safer with its firearms reforms and gun buyback, according to the Auditor-General we still don’t know how many now illegal firearms are in the country, National’s Police spokesperson Brett Hudson says.

New Zealand facing largest decline in GDP in 160 years

Paul Goldsmith May 27, 2020 Share

Estimates from the Reserve Bank today show New Zealand will this year experience the largest decline in annual GDP in at least 160 years, highlighting the seriousness of the economic crisis we are facing, National’s Finance Spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

National commits to extending Waikato Expressway

Todd Muller July 03, 2020 Share

National’s plan to create jobs and boost the economy will include a new four-lane expressway between Cambridge and Piarere, National Party Leader Todd Muller has announced. The new 16-kilometre, four-lane motorway will connect the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway to the intersection of State Highway 1 and State Highway 29.

Jobs crisis laid bare

Todd Muller July 03, 2020 Share

“The scale of our economic and jobs crisis is starting to become clear,” National Leader Todd Muller said today. "Data released this week by leading employment website, SEEK, shows jobs advertising has collapsed by nearly a half since February - standing at just 57.1 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels over the last two weeks.

Phil Twyford big on promises but can’t deliver

Judith Collins May 27, 2020 Share

Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford has continued his streak of non-delivery with no infrastructure projects underway since calling for industry to come forward with shovel ready projects two months ago, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Judith Collins says.

More for some, less for others

Louise Upston May 27, 2020 Share

The Government’s new welfare scheme is ill targeted and provides the most support to those who need it the least, National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston says.

Yet another KiwiBuild flop

Nicola Willis May 27, 2020 Share

The ongoing KiwiBuild disaster has dashed more hopes for would-be first-home buyers in Wellington, National’s Housing and Urban Development spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Davis delivers more broken promises

Simeon Brown May 28, 2020 Share

There’s no more hiding, Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis will clearly fail to deliver on his promise to reduce the prison population according to Ministry of Justice projections released today, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

‘Zero-deaths’ seabird pledge hollow without cameras

Jacqui Dean May 28, 2020 Share

The Government’s pledge to have zero seabird deaths rings hollow when they have scrapped National’s plan to implement cameras on all commercial fishing boats, National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean says.

National backs businesses with $10k JobStart

Todd Muller May 29, 2020 Share

National will provide a $10,000 cash payment to businesses that hire additional staff as part of our commitment to keeping New Zealanders in jobs, National Party Leader Todd Muller and Finance spokesperson Paul Goldsmith have announced.

Families, communities, small business

Todd Muller May 29, 2020 Share

It’s great to be in Auckland. I’m pleased to be giving my first formal speech as Leader of the New Zealand National Party here, and to be with my Deputy Leader Nikki Kaye for whom this city is home.

Muller wants to fast-track JobStart with Government

Todd Muller May 30, 2020 Share

Opposition Leader Todd Muller wants National’s $10,000 JobStart programme in place within weeks.

Government fails to keep breast screening promise

Michael Woodhouse May 30, 2020 Share

The Government has failed to keep the promise in its coalition agreement with NZ First to progressively increase the age for free breast screening to 74 years of age, National’s Health spokesperson Michael Woodhouse says.

90-day trials should be fully reinstated

Dan Bidois May 31, 2020 Share

The Government needs to urgently restore 90-day trial periods to encourage large businesses to take on new staff, National’s Workplace Relations and Safety spokesperson Dan Bidois says.

Is it the sentiment or the symbolism Mr Peters?

Gerry Brownlee May 31, 2020 Share

Foreign Minister Winston Peters should explain why New Zealand was absent from a joint statement by his ministerial counterparts from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States on China’s proposal to impose strict new laws on Hong Kong, National’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says.

Mike Butterick National’s new candidate in Wairarapa

National Party May 31, 2020 Share

Today Mike Butterick has been selected as National’s candidate standing in Wairarapa for the 2020 General Election.

Government must explain why we’re still at Level 2

Todd Muller June 01, 2020 Share

The Government needs to explain to New Zealanders why it won’t consider a move to Alert Level 1 for another week, Leader of the Opposition Todd Muller says.

Greens climate taxes risk economic recovery

Scott Simpson June 02, 2020 Share

Changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) announced today will pile extra costs and taxes onto New Zealand businesses at a time when they can least afford them, National’s Climate Change spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

Plan needed for devastated conservation sector

Jacqui Dean June 02, 2020 Share

The Government doesn’t have a coherent plan for the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on the conservation sector, National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean says.

Marine engineering jobs at risk

Dr Nick Smith June 02, 2020 Share

The Government’s refusal to allow entry of vessels into Nelson despite them posing no risk of introducing Covid-19 is putting millions of dollars of work and dozens of jobs at risk, MP for Nelson Nick Smith says.

Government needs to prioritise move to Level 1

Todd Muller June 02, 2020 Share

With businesses hemorrhaging money by the day, the Government should be discussing the move to Level 1 now, not in a week, Leader of the Opposition Todd Muller says.

Government deciding which industries will survive

Dr Shane Reti June 02, 2020 Share

Today we have seen the first indication that the Government will decide which industries will survive after Covid-19 rather than creating the economic framework where all businesses have an opportunity to thrive, National’s Tertiary Education spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Questions remain around Govt’s Covid-19 law

Judith Collins June 03, 2020 Share

The Government should be using this time to draft up a second Covid-19 Public Health Bill in case we are faced with a second wave of Covid-19, National’s Shadow Attorney-General Judith Collins says.

Govt needs to be upfront on border exemptions

Judith Collins June 03, 2020 Share

The Government needs to explain why special permission has been granted for the Avatar film crew to enter New Zealand but America’s Cup teams are still waiting for their visas to be approved, National’s Economic Development spokesperson Judith Collins says.

It’s time for a captain’s call on level 1

Todd Muller June 03, 2020 Share

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern needs to make a captain’s call on moving the country to level 1, Leader of the Opposition Todd Muller says.

What is Phil Twyford hiding?

Chris Bishop June 03, 2020 Share

Minister of Transport Phil Twyford needs to front up and admit that his officials recommended against the shambolic process he’s undertaken for Auckland light rail, National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Where’s the proof, Kelvin?

Simeon Brown June 04, 2020 Share

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis needs to be upfront about the reasoning behind the use of extraordinary powers given to Corrections staff under the Epidemic Preparedness Notice, National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

Big on announcements, slow on delivery

Matt Doocey June 04, 2020 Share

The Government has spent less than half of the money allocated to the its flagship new frontline mental health service over the past year, National’s Mental Health spokesperson Matt Doocey says.

$100m Tourism Accelerator to support recovery

Todd Muller June 05, 2020 Share

National will launch a $100 million grant programme called Tourism Accelerator to help fund projects that will get New Zealand’s tourism sector back on its feet.

Sympathy should be with passengers

Andrew Falloon June 05, 2020 Share

In response to a deluge of complaints over Air New Zealand’s refusal to grant refunds, the Government’s sympathy should be with passengers, says National’s Associate Transport Spokesperson Andrew Falloon.

DoC leaves concessionaires in the lurch

Jacqui Dean June 06, 2020 Share

The Department of Conservation (DoC) has shown a lack of compassion towards businesses permitted to operate on conservation land, National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean says.

Tania Tapsell National’s new candidate for East Coast

National Party June 06, 2020 Share

Tania Tapsell has today been selected as the National Party candidate for East Coast in the 2020 General Election.

Timeline for trans-Tasman bubble needed now

Todd Muller June 07, 2020 Share

The Government needs to put forward a timeline for the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble immediately to allow businesses to plan for the future, Leader of the Opposition Todd Muller says.

Where’s the projects, Phil?

Judith Collins June 08, 2020 Share

Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford has questions to answer on why no shovel ready projects are underway despite calling for ideas two month