New Zealand National Party

SPEECH: Christopher Luxon’s first speech as National Leader

Christopher Luxon November 30, 2021 Share

Tēnā koutou katoa and good afternoon everyone. It’s an incredible privilege and honour to have been elected Leader of the New Zealand National Party today and I thank my colleagues for putting their trust and confidence in me.

Christopher Luxon elected National Party Leader

Christopher Luxon November 30, 2021 Share

Christopher Luxon has been elected Leader of the New Zealand National Party, alongside Nicola Willis as Deputy Leader.

Statement from Dr Shane Reti

Dr Shane Reti November 26, 2021 Share

The National Caucus met this morning to discuss a press release issued last night about an allegation of an historic comment made by Hon Simon Bridges towards Jacqui Dean, Interim Leader of the Opposition Dr Shane Reti says.

Statement from Jacqui Dean

Jacqui Dean November 25, 2021 Share

About five years ago, Simon Bridges made remarks that upset me at the time. They were not about me, but they were inappropriate and not something I wanted to hear, National MP for Waitaki Jacqui Dean says.

Tourism businesses left high and dry by Labour

Todd McClay November 24, 2021 Share

Labour’s announcement that double vaccinated Australian visitors won’t be welcome in New Zealand until 1 May 2022, and that they will have to do self-MIQ for seven days means that the tourism industry has again been forgotten by the Government, says National’s Tourism Spokesperson Todd McClay.

Government border announcement makes Australia the destination of choice for skilled migrants and students

Erica Stanford November 24, 2021 Share

Today’s detail-free border announcement that businesses and universities will have to wait at least another five months to welcome skilled workers and students to New Zealand raises more questions than it answers and is a huge set-back for New Zealand’s economic recovery, says National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford

Government fake it till they make it up

Andrew Bayly November 24, 2021 Share

In eight days, the Government intends to move the Country into the traffic light system, but Grant Robertson is still refusing to reveal the details on how Business Financial Support will work, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Arrogant Government rams through traffic light Bill

Chris Bishop November 24, 2021 Share

The Government’s Bill to give effect to the Traffic Light Framework shows a Government that is contemptuous of Parliament, contemptuous of the New Zealand people and contemptuous of the rule of law, says National’s COVID-19 Spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Reserve Bank in a pickle and not helped by a spendthrift Finance Minister

Andrew Bayly November 24, 2021 Share

Today’s move by the Reserve Bank to raise the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 0.75% is what most commentators were picking given the worrying direction that the cost of living has taken, says National Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Jacinda steals Christmas from Kiwis in Australia

Chris Bishop November 24, 2021 Share

The Government’s panicked MIQ announcement goes nowhere near far enough and means that Jacinda Ardern will be stopping Kiwis in Australia from coming home for Christmas, says National COVID-19 Spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Labour must delay disposal of 600,000 books to Internet Archive

Simon O'Connor November 24, 2021 Share

Despite opposition from a large number of authors and publishers around New Zealand and overseas, this government is pushing through a deal with the Internet Archive to clean its hands of 600,000 books from The National Library’s Overseas Published Collection on the ‘deadline’ of 1 December 2021, says National Party Internal Affairs Spokesperson Simon O’Connor.

Not even coal for David Clark this Christmas

Mark Mitchell November 24, 2021 Share

News this week that KiwiRail workers have voted overwhelmingly for a strike in December, followed closely by the resignation of Chief Executive Greg Miller is a result of more Government incompetence, lack of oversight and failure to act, says National’s State-owned Enterprises Spokesperson Mark Mitchell.

National launches first step to world-class tech sector

Judith Collins November 24, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says technology will create exciting careers and higher paying jobs and has the potential to transform the New Zealand economy.

Prison violence exploding under Labour

Simeon Brown November 23, 2021 Share

Prison violence is out of control under Labour, with prisoner assaults on Corrections officers increasing by an astonishing 95 per cent since the 2016/17, says National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Zero fully vaccinated Aus travellers test positive in MIQ

Chris Bishop November 23, 2021 Share

Chris Hipkins admission in Parliament this afternoon that zero fully vaccinated travellers from Australia have tested positive in MIQ since August 23 should prompt him to immediately open the Trans-Tasman Bubble, says National’s COVID-19 Spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Dazed and confused – PM sows more uncertainty

Judith Collins November 23, 2021 Share

That the Prime Minister can’t answer even basic questions about her Government’s traffic light system is cause for major concern, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Minister of Finance out-of-touch with business

Andrew Bayly November 23, 2021 Share

The Minister of Finance has provided no details on how the transition to the Traffic Light System will affect businesses, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Farmers need say on greenhouse gas costs

Stuart Smith November 23, 2021 Share

The government-primary sector partnership He Waka Eke Noa has done good work designing how an agricultural greenhouse gas pricing system could work, with the intention of keeping Agriculture out of the ETS. It’s a by farmers, for farmers option, says National’s Climate Change and Agriculture spokespersons Stuart Smith and Barbara Kuriger

‘Resourced’ ICU beds have no ventilators in three DHBs

Dr Shane Reti November 23, 2021 Share

Andrew Little needs to explain why some DHBs are counting ICU beds as “resourced” despite not having enough ventilators for those beds, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Vaccination status employment minefield to ensue

Scott Simpson November 23, 2021 Share

On one hand the Government today has attempted to simplify My Vaccine Pass verification with the launch of the NZ Pass Verifier app.

Allow Aussie travel for Christmas, Prime Minister

Judith Collins November 23, 2021 Share

If the Prime Minister won’t heed the calls of the nearly 100,000 people who have signed National’s petition to end MIQ right now then she should at least open the Trans-Tasman Bubble for Christmas, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Auckland’s CBD becoming unsafe

Simeon Brown November 22, 2021 Share

Increasing assaults, drunkenness and gang violence is becoming the norm in Auckland’s CBD, seeing the inner city fast becoming a no-go zone, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Traffic lights to become law without any scrutiny

Chris Bishop November 22, 2021 Share

The Government’s intention to ram through the traffic light framework legislation under urgency this week with no opportunity for public consultation is an outrageous abuse of power, says National’s Covid spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Andrew Little reduces ICU beds mid-pandemic

Dr Shane Reti November 22, 2021 Share

Andrew Little has been caught out obscuring ICU bed numbers by mixing adult ICU beds with paediatric beds making the overall number of ICU beds look bigger when in fact the Delta outbreak is mostly all about adult ICU beds, says National Party Health Spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Labour's bad judgment on Three Strikes repeal

Chris Penk November 21, 2021 Share

Labour is showing terrible judgment by repealing Three Strikes legislation at the behest of unelected and unaccountable judges, says National’s Shadow Attorney-General Chris Penk.

Police Annual Report shows kiwis less safe under Labour

Simeon Brown November 20, 2021 Share

Increasing violent crime, increased sophistication of gangs, mental health demand pressures, increased family violence and a shortage of frontline police officers paints a bleak outlook on the state of law and order in New Zealand, says National Party Spokesperson for Police Simeon Brown.

Traffic light confusion puts businesses at risk

Todd McClay November 20, 2021 Share

The Labour government has said the traffic light system is coming, but a lack of clarity is causing concern and confusion for desperate businesses, says National’s Small Business and Economic Development spokesperson Todd McClay.

National welcomes use of genetic technology research in Conservation

Jacqui Dean November 19, 2021 Share

The National Party supports research into genetic technologies with the possibility of it playing a key role in New Zealand reaching its Predator Free 2050 goal, says National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean.

National urges New Zealanders to submit on the Three Strike Legislation Repeal Bill

Simon Bridges November 19, 2021 Share

Labour’s decision to repeal the Three Strikes law is a slap in the face to victims who have suffered at the hands of violent criminals, says National Party Spokesperson for Justice Simon Bridges.

Andrew Little stopped counting hospital PPE when the pandemic started

Dr Shane Reti November 19, 2021 Share

Stopping weekly audits of personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory after a pandemic has started has to be one of the dumbest things the Government has done, says National’s health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti

Police not attending half of mental health callouts

Simeon Brown November 18, 2021 Share

Figures released in the Police 2021 Annual Report show significant demand for police services which police are unable to meet, says National Party Spokesperson for Police Simeon Brown.

Government ducks questions about the looming summer of chaos

Judith Collins November 18, 2021 Share

The Government continues to duck simple questions about how its stop-and-check travel restrictions are supposed to work in practice, including how long Aucklanders will have to queue at the border to go on holiday, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Rural Connectivity not ready for COVID-19

Melissa Lee November 18, 2021 Share

Rural New Zealand is facing a COVID crisis thanks to the Government’s failure to secure their digital future, says National’s Digital Economy & Communications and Rural Communities Spokespersons Melissa Lee and Joseph Mooney.

Council water collaboration should be commended

Christopher Luxon November 18, 2021 Share

A partnership between two councils to address their water infrastructure challenges should be welcomed, and shows that voluntary alternatives to the Government’s forced asset grab are indeed practical and realistic, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Government Eviction Ban Breaks the Law

Nicola Willis November 18, 2021 Share

The Government must urgently direct Kāinga Ora to drop its state house eviction ban which breaches its obligations as a landlord and is resulting in the victimisation of innocent neighbours, National’s spokesperson for Housing and Urban Development Nicola Willis says.

MIQ stumps NZ Men’s U19 Cricketers World Cup hopes

Chris Bishop November 18, 2021 Share

“The lottery of human misery that is MIQ has forced the New Zealand Men’s Under 19 Cricket Team to cancel their attendance at the 2022 U19 Cricket World Cup, says National’s COVID-19 Response Spokesperson Chris Bishop

Minister missing when agriculture needs him most

Barbara Kuriger November 18, 2021 Share

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor must stand up for the industry that has carried New Zealand though the Covid crisis, says National’s Agriculture spokesperson Barbara Kuriger.

Where’s the education urgency?

Paul Goldsmith November 17, 2021 Share

Re-opening schools today in Auckland and Waikato has been great for some, but too many are still missing out, National’s Education Spokesperson Paul Goldsmith said today.

Government’s Covid plan version 4.0 creates summer of chaos

Judith Collins November 17, 2021 Share

Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister of a decision and an announcement that may happen in December is just the latest sign the Government has utterly lost the plot, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Government announces working group as tourism businesses close

Todd McClay November 17, 2021 Share

The Government’s focus should be on keeping tourism businesses open, not creating yet another working group, says National’s Tourism Spokesperson Todd McClay.

MIQ assaults against Defence staff unacceptable aspect of endless, thankless task

Chris Penk November 17, 2021 Share

The revelation that Defence Force personnel are being assaulted while posted to MIQ duties is unacceptable, says National Party Defence Spokesperson Chris Penk.

Government wasn’t ready for home isolation

Chris Bishop November 17, 2021 Share

The first appearance before the Health Committee in almost two months by Chris Hipkins and Dr Ashley Bloomfield has revealed just how poorly prepared the Government was for Delta, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

No gang members should have firearm licences

Simeon Brown November 17, 2021 Share

Figures released to the National Party show that six gang members have firearms licences despite the Police Commissioner saying in February this did not fit well with Police. – says National Party Spokesperson for Police, Simeon Brown.

Sanctions vital in stopping abuse of legal orders

Louise Upston November 17, 2021 Share

The Government’s admission that it plans to remove sanctions for outstanding arrest warrants underscores their soft-on-crime approach, says National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston.

Decommissioning bill another blow to energy affordability and security

Barbara Kuriger November 16, 2021 Share

National will repeal Labour’s decommissioning legislation for the oil and gas industry that will push energy prices up and risk more blackouts, says National’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Barbara Kuriger.

National acknowledges passing of John Luxton

Judith Collins November 16, 2021 Share

On behalf of the National Party, it is with deep sympathy that I acknowledge the passing of former National MP John Luxton.

Labour bans state house evictions

Nicola Willis November 16, 2021 Share

Kāinga Ora has evicted zero tenants in the past three years, according to answers given to me by the Associate Minister for Housing (Public Housing) Poto Williams in Parliament today, says National’s Housing Spokesperson Nicola Willis.

Government only signed vaccine pass contract in October

Chris Bishop November 16, 2021 Share

The disclosure by Chris Hipkins in Question Time today that the Ministry of Health only signed its contract with MATTR to develop a vaccine pass for domestic use in New Zealand on October 13 is staggering, says National’s Covid spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Kiwis getting poorer by the day under Labour

Andrew Bayly November 16, 2021 Share

The Minister of Finance has done nothing to stymie the rapidly rising cost of living in New Zealand and Kiwis are poorer for it, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Kiwis still out of pocket for over 14,000 MIQ stays

Chris Bishop November 16, 2021 Share

There are over 14,000 people who stayed in MIQ prior to 24 March 2021 who still haven’t been invoiced, says National’s COVID-19 Spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Government’s Covid confusion the new virus variant

Judith Collins November 15, 2021 Share

The Government continues to make up its Covid response up on the fly, randomly and publicly pondering changes to the traffic light framework announced only a few weeks ago and providing absolutely no certainty to Aucklanders or the rest of the country, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Booster boost comes better late than never

Chris Bishop November 15, 2021 Share

Today’s decision on Covid booster shots is positive but overdue, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Andrew Little pooh-poohed early warning letter about Whangārei Hospital

Dr Shane Reti November 15, 2021 Share

Andrew Little was warned to progress the health infrastructure in Northland months before sewage started running down the walls, says Dr Shane Reti, National’s spokesperson for Health and List MP in Whangārei.

Australia opens up as NZ remains a fortress

Chris Bishop November 15, 2021 Share

New Zealand should be following Australia’s lead and opening up to the rest of the world by scrapping MIQ for fully vaccinated travellers, says National’s Covid Spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Courts are in crisis

Chris Penk November 15, 2021 Share

The Court system is currently in a state of crisis says National Party Spokesperson for Courts, Chris Penk.

Shifting sands no way to enjoy summer

Judith Collins November 15, 2021 Share

News that the Government is considering restricting travel into some regions over the summer holiday period is just the latest of many signs Jacinda Ardern’s Government failed to plan for Delta and is working out its response as it goes along.

Why were test results for the two Northland women missing for 48 hours?

Dr Shane Reti November 14, 2021 Share

Northlanders are sick and tired of incomplete information, delayed results and late notification of locations of interest for nearly every single one of its positive Covid cases in the current outbreak and Jacinda Ardern and her Government must be held accountable, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

DOC fee means small tourism businesses will close

Joseph Mooney November 14, 2021 Share

The Government ‘s decision to require tourism businesses to pay DOC fees will be the final straw for many tourism operators near closure and should be reversed, says National’s Associate Tourism spokesperson Joseph Mooney.

Government must reverse state house eviction ban

Nicola Willis November 14, 2021 Share

The Government must harden up its policy for managing abusive, anti-social state house tenants after revelations that an innocent pensioner couple are being forced to move home because Kāinga Ora refuses to evict their abusive neighbour, says National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis.

Kelvin Davis’ ‘get out of community work free’ card

Simeon Brown November 12, 2021 Share

While Aucklanders have been locked up in lockdown, Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis has been giving thousands of criminals sentenced to community work a ‘get out of jail free’ card, National’s spokesperson for Corrections Simeon Brown says.

Firearms unit should be independent of Police

Simeon Brown November 12, 2021 Share

The Government should make good on its promise and make the new firearms unit announced today independent of Police, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

National welcomes Public Service Commissioner investigation into Kāinga Ora

Nicola Willis November 12, 2021 Share

National welcomes the decision by the Public Service Commissioner today to launch an investigation into the concerning matters we uncovered at Kāinga Ora, National’s spokesperson for Housing and Urban Development Nicola Willis says.

Lack of guidelines will hamper volunteer efforts

Maureen Pugh November 12, 2021 Share

The Government must extend the deadline for volunteer organisations to comply with new Covid contact standards to prevent a number of vital community organisations closing down, says National’s Community and Voluntary Sector spokesperson Maureen Pugh.

Government in a spin as Delta bites

Judith Collins November 12, 2021 Share

The Government’s lack of planning for Delta is being exposed as every day brings more confusion and evidence the Government is just making things up as it goes, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Public Service Commissioner must investigate Kāinga Ora

Nicola Willis November 11, 2021 Share

The Public Services Commissioner must step in and conduct a probe into an apparent culture of deceit and cover-up at Government housing agency Kāinga Ora, says National’s Housing and Urban Development spokesperson Nicola Willis.

Auditor-General slams saliva testing procurement

Chris Bishop November 11, 2021 Share

It is deeply troubling that the Auditor-General has identified “serious concerns” about aspects of the Government’s saliva testing procurement process this year and the need for an urgent independent inquiry has never been greater, says National’s COVID-19 Spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Government squanders opportunity to wage war on rabbits

Jacqui Dean November 11, 2021 Share

The Government’s failure to set targets or implement proper reporting measures for rabbit control as part of its $1.3 billion Jobs for Nature programme shows poor oversight and wasteful spending, National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean says.

Robertson a repeat offender in hiding spending from Kiwis

Andrew Bayly November 11, 2021 Share

The Minister of Finance has once again shown he is not willing to be transparent about how he spends taxpayers’ money, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Minister struggling to see through the weeds

David Bennett November 11, 2021 Share

The recent report from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment on the impact of weeds on native ecosystems highlights some glaring deficiencies in our biosecurity system, says National’s spokesperson for Biosecurity David Bennett

Labour commits to soft-on-crime approach

Simon Bridges November 11, 2021 Share

The repealing of the Three Strikes law shows how soft on crime Labour really is, says National’s Justice spokesperson Simon Bridges.

Minister of Health says Ministry of Health should release Māori health data

Chris Bishop November 11, 2021 Share

Since the High Court delivered its resounding view that the Ministry of Health should release critical individual data to the Whānau Ora Commission Agency to improve Māori communities Covid vaccination rates, everyone’s still waiting – despite the Minister of Health agreeing with the Court’s view.

ICU bed numbers slump in Auckland

Dr Shane Reti November 11, 2021 Share

New information on ICU bed occupancy during the current outbreak shows the very slim margins district health boards are running with ICU beds, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Minister adding transport costs to inflation bubble

David Bennett November 11, 2021 Share

The recent National Land Transport Plan includes a $2 billion loan that is a last-minute attempt by the Minister of Transport to balance the books, says National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett.

Time to wind down Defence Force’s MIQ mission

Chris Penk November 11, 2021 Share

It is time for Operation Protect – the work by the Defence Force manning MIQ – to wind down, along with the entire MIQ system, says National’s Defence spokesperson Chris Penk.

The wheels have fallen off the Government

Judith Collins November 11, 2021 Share

The wheels have well and truly fallen off this Government right as we should be reaching the crucial juncture of opening up our internal borders and restoring freedoms to Kiwis, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Bill passes to make Superannuation fairer

Andrew Bayly November 10, 2021 Share

The passing of the third reading of a bill to increase the residency requirement for Superannuation from 10 years to 20 years will make the system fairer, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Kāinga Ora: The Labour Party candidate, the taxpayer-paid ad, and the cover-up

Nicola Willis November 10, 2021 Share

The Minister of Housing must act to ensure high standards of political neutrality and integrity can be met by Government housing agency Kāinga Ora, following the release of documents suggesting a troubling culture has taken root at the agency, says National’s Housing Spokesperson Nicola Willis.

Government splurges today, we all pay dearly tomorrow

Michael Woodhouse November 10, 2021 Share

The Labour Government’s massive spending spree stepped up to a new gear, announcing $35 billion of spending in just a week with no details on how it will be paid, for says National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse.

100,000 Kiwis denied hospital care because of Labour’s failure

Dr Shane Reti November 10, 2021 Share

Andrew Little’s failure to prepare the health system for Delta has resulted in more than 100,000 Kiwis missing out on planned hospital procedures, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

National releases plan to get school students back on track

Judith Collins November 10, 2021 Share

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith have today released National’s education plan to get school students back on track and make up for lost class time.

Labour plays favourites with events sector plan

Todd McClay November 09, 2021 Share

The Government’s plan to underwrite events is picking winners and condemning small events businesses to the scrap heap, says National’s Economic Development and Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay.

More than 230,000 people have never secured MIQ spaces

Chris Bishop November 09, 2021 Share

Never before released data shows the scale of the humanitarian disaster that is New Zealand’s MIQ system, says National’s Covid spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Shambolic Government still can’t provide clarity

Judith Collins November 08, 2021 Share

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern still can’t tell Aucklanders how or when they’ll be allowed to leave Auckland for Christmas, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Marketing code only a small step in improving New Zealand’s digital future

Melissa Lee November 08, 2021 Share

The Commerce Commission’s ruling that broadband speeds must be advertised as actual peak-time speeds rather than theoretical maximums is the right one but long overdue, says National’s Digital Economy and Communications spokesperson Melissa Lee.

Retail crime unit a good move, but where are the police we were promised?

Simeon Brown November 08, 2021 Share

Today’s announcement that Police will establish a dedicated unit to tackling increasing retail crime is a good move, but the Government also needs to deliver on its 2017 promise of 1800 more officers, says National’s Police spokesman Simeon Brown.

More mental health announcements, more failure certain

Matt Doocey November 08, 2021 Share

The Government’s announcement of $5.6 million to help Aucklanders experiencing mental distress shows it does not care about other people struggling with lockdowns, says National’s spokesperson for Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Matt Doocey.

Experts support end to MIQ

Chris Bishop November 08, 2021 Share

As National’s petition to ‘End MIQ Now’ ticks past 75,000 signatures, public health experts have backed the idea that current MIQ requirements for vaccinated arrivals to Auckland could be dropped for most without increasing risk to Aucklanders, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Labour owes the events industry – before it’s too late

Todd McClay November 05, 2021 Share

With today’s announcement from Labour Cabinet Minister Kiritapu Allen that Rhythm and Vines is extremely unlikely to go ahead, the Government must adopt National’s event insurance policy to protect the devastated events sector, says National’s Economic Development and Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay.

Another day, another shooting – enough is enough

Simeon Brown November 05, 2021 Share

Yesterday an innocent family was caught in the crossfire of firearms violence and today someone has been shot and killed – enough is enough, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

50,000 sign up in less than a day to end MIQ

Chris Bishop November 05, 2021 Share

National’s campaign to end MIQ has had an incredible response, with 50,000 people signing the petition less than 24 hours after launch, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Auckland must pull back on parking plans

David Bennett November 05, 2021 Share

Auckland authorities need to pull back on plans to do away with hundreds of carparks, says National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett.

Auckland’s education funk hurting students

Paul Goldsmith November 05, 2021 Share

Ongoing uncertainty about schools reopening in Auckland has put much of the education system there into a funk, with students missing out, says National’s education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith.

Business owners angry over Robertson’s comments

Todd McClay November 04, 2021 Share

Small business owners in the retail sector deserve answers from the Deputy Prime Minister after he declared that throughout the whole pandemic “less than a handful of cases” were transmitted in retail settings, National’s Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Mangere shooting proof of why FPOs are needed

Simeon Brown November 04, 2021 Share

National’s warning that it was only a matter of time before an innocent member of the public got caught in the crossfire of increasing gang violence has sadly come true, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

National launches campaign to end MIQ

Chris Bishop November 04, 2021 Share

The time has come to end the lottery of human misery that is MIQ, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Auckland border stretching police resources to the limit

Simeon Brown November 04, 2021 Share

With the Government considering keeping the Auckland border in place over summer, it must consider the significant impact the this will place on police resources in Auckland and throughout New Zealand, says National’s spokesperson for Police Simeon Brown

PM must rule out summer holiday ‘timeshares’

Judith Collins November 04, 2021 Share

In a round of confusing media appearances yesterday, the Government piled yet more needless uncertainty on long-suffering Aucklanders by suggesting families will be allocated timeslots to be allowed to leave the city over summer.

More than 600 Covid test results returned later than 24 hours

Chris Bishop November 03, 2021 Share

It is staggering that, 18 months into the global pandemic and after repeated warnings about testing capacity, more than 600 positive tests for Covid in this current outbreak took longer than 24 hours to be returned, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Jacinda The Grinch comes for Christmas

Judith Collins November 03, 2021 Share

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s admission on radio today that the hard border around Auckland is set to remain in place over summer to unvaccinated people proves she’s prepared play The Grinch in order to mask her Government’s failures, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Kiwis keep getting poorer under Labour

Michael Woodhouse November 03, 2021 Share

Data released today by Stats NZ shows that, over the past year, the cost of living has risen twice as fast as wages, says National’s Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse.

Health Minister dithered for five months before arranging MIQ spots for critical health workers

Erica Stanford November 03, 2021 Share

It is unforgivable that Health Minister Andrew Little took five months to act before arranging priority MIQ spots for critical health workers, say National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford and Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Labour must rule out debt-to-income limits

Andrew Bayly November 03, 2021 Share

Despite the Government finally accepting National’s argument that the way to solve the housing crisis is to allow more houses to be built, it doesn’t appear the Finance Minister has got the memo, says National’s Shadow treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Public – not gangsters – warned over Mob tangi

Simeon Brown November 03, 2021 Share

Another gang funeral procession in Porirua today has seen the Police hand over public roads to gangs once again, says National’s Police spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Counselling crucial to Covid response

Matt Doocey November 03, 2021 Share

National is calling on the Government to urgently fund 100,000 free counselling sessions to respond to growing mental distress caused by Covid.

Government’s schoolkids’ mental health failure demands answers

Matt Doocey November 03, 2021 Share

The Government must front up and explain why its $75.8 million initiative to put more guidance counsellors in schools to cope with increasing mental health issues among children has seemingly achieved nothing, says National’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention spokesperson Matt Doocey.

Auditor-General’s further damning assessment of the Government’s financial transparency

Andrew Bayly November 02, 2021 Share

The Auditor-General has today agreed with National that this Labour Government’s Budget documentation falls well short of basic requirements for public transparency around the use of taxpayers’ money.

Ministry of Health must apologise for its stubbornness

Harete Hipango November 02, 2021 Share

The Ministry of Health must front up and apologise to the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for its denial of access to Māori health data that would help them lift Māori vaccination rates, says National’s spokesperson for Whānau Ora Harete Hipango.

Another loop on the roundabout of consultation

David Bennett November 02, 2021 Share

More plans, more talk, no achievement – the Minister of Transport is stuck in park when it comes to developing New Zealand’s transport infrastructure, says National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett.

Food security needs certainty

David Bennett November 02, 2021 Share

The Government must act now to ensure New Zealand growers have certainty in how Covid will handled, says National’s Horticulture spokesperson David Bennett.

Government’s vaccine deceit a disgrace

Judith Collins November 02, 2021 Share

Revelations that the Government used PR spin to deceive New Zealanders and mask its failure in securing the Covid vaccine is a disgrace, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Government’s mess just got even messier

Judith Collins November 01, 2021 Share

Exhausted Aucklanders entering their 12^th week in lockdown will be even more confused by today’s messy and illogical announcement of yet further announcements to come about their future, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Farewell, Dame Catherine Tizard

Judith Collins November 01, 2021 Share

I would like to acknowledge both the contribution and passing of Dame Catherine Tizard.

Non-education farce in Auckland must end

Paul Goldsmith November 01, 2021 Share

The Government must today announce a swift reopening of Auckland and Waikato schools to arrest the decline in students’ education and mental health after more than two months out of the classroom, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

New climate change target could cripple New Zealand’s economy

Stuart Smith October 31, 2021 Share

The announcement of a Glasgow climate change target of 50 per cent reduction by 2030 goes beyond New Zealand’s fair share and will cost the country billions of dollars, say National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith and Energy and Resources spokesperson Barbara Kuriger.

Andrew Little confirms no new adult ICU beds in Auckland in the past 18 months

Dr Shane Reti October 31, 2021 Share

The increasing number of positive community cases of Covid in Auckland will place an increasing burden on ICUs that Andrew Little has done nothing about for 18 months, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

New data reveals state house waiting time explosion

Nicola Willis October 31, 2021 Share

The most at-risk New Zealanders are waiting nearly three times longer for a state house, and Labour scrapped the target to house them quicker, National’s Housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says.

Royal Commission into Delta preparation required

Judith Collins October 31, 2021 Share

The time has now come for a Royal Commission into the Government’s clear lack of preparation for Delta and the move to a suppression strategy, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

Labour’s health restructuring figures don’t stack up

Dr Shane Reti October 30, 2021 Share

Andrew Little’s health restructuring comprises financial figures that are not credible and can only be explained as having been massaged to make them look better, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

$14 billion for a tram is economic lunacy

Judith Collins October 29, 2021 Share

The quiet announcement by Minister Michael Wood today that the much awaited trundling tram to the airport will cost $14 billion shows it is nothing but economic lunacy, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett say.

MIQ hotel all but empty while Kiwis stuck offshore

Chris Bishop October 29, 2021 Share

It is unbelievable that the Wellington Grand Mercure MIQ hotel had a grand total of just one guest for a week while over 100 rooms in the hotel remained empty, National’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

Robertson’s head-in-the-sand approach to struggling businesses a disgrace

Andrew Bayly October 28, 2021 Share

The Minister of Finance and his Government remain clueless about the plight of businesses in Auckland grappling with the ever-lengthening lockdown, says National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly.

Government still hasn't ordered Covid vaccine for kids aged 5-11

Chris Bishop October 28, 2021 Share

Chris Hipkins’ admission in Parliament today that the Government hasn’t yet ordered paediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year-olds, and that Pfizer hasn’t yet applied for approval of use in New Zealand should prompt him to move with urgency to sort the situation out, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Andrew Little wrecking DHBs in a pandemic

Dr Shane Reti October 28, 2021 Share

Andrew Little and the Labour Government are taking a wrecking ball to district health boards by introducing a bill that will dissolve DHBs and permanently damage the goodwill of staff and communities, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.

Government on track for another announcement

David Bennett October 28, 2021 Share

Here we go again. Another transport announcement from the Government who are yet to deliver on all of their previous transport announcements, National’s Transport spokesperson David Bennett says.

Labour turns back to senior citizens’ struggle

Louise Upston October 28, 2021 Share

Labour’s refusal to back a law change to allow senior citizens to receive superannuation payments if they are stuck overseas due to Covid-19 restrictions demonstrates their kindness mantra is hollow, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Hon Louise Upston says.

MIQ changes don’t go nearly far enough

Chris Bishop October 28, 2021 Share

The Government’s changes to the cruel MIQ system are a start but they need to go much further and much more quickly, says National’s Covid spokesperson Chris Bishop.

Small businesses bear brunt of ongoing lockdowns

Todd McClay October 28, 2021 Share

A fall in small business sales for the third consecutive month highlights the harm that has been done to small businesses in New Zealand, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says.

National halts Labour’s local government power grab

Christopher Luxon October 28, 2021 Share

National has forced the Government to back down on an electoral power grab buried in a Covid bill.

What on earth is going on at ACC, Minister?

Simon Watts October 27, 2021 Share

ACC’s breach of claim data, in which private information was allegedly shared by staff for the purposes of mocking and demeaning the injuries of claimants, is the latest in a string of serious incidents that demand answers from the Minister responsible, says National’s ACC spokesperson Simon Watts.

Government too slow to re-open schools

Paul Goldsmith October 27, 2021 Share

The Government is wrong to keep most children out of school in Auckland until 15 November at the earliest, National’s Education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says.

COP this, Minister – New Zealand needs real results from Glasgow

Stuart Smith October 27, 2021 Share

With COP26 beginning next week, New Zealanders will be looking for meaningful and tangible results, says National’s Climate Change spokesperson Stuart Smith.

Three Waters asset grab to be forced on councils

Christopher Luxon October 27, 2021 Share

National understands the Government will force the Three Waters asset grab on councils and centralise local, ratepayer-owned water services, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

National’s view on the role of proof of vaccination

Judith Collins October 26, 2021 Share

National’s position on vaccine certification is simple and we have been calling for a reliable proof of vaccination to be available since February, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins says.

Time to end the lottery of human misery

Chris Bishop October 26, 2021 Share

It’s time to end the lottery of human misery that is MIQ, says National’s Covid Response spokesperson Chris Bishop, ahead of the Government’s announcement of long-awaited changes to the failed system.

Ownership still murky under Three Waters plans

Christopher Luxon October 26, 2021 Share

The Government still can’t convincingly explain how councils and communities would retain control of their water assets under the Three Waters plans, National’s Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says.

Waikeria Prison riot costs taxpayers a ‘criminal’ $46.6m

Simeon Brown October 26, 2021 Share

Figures released in the Department of Corrections’ Annual Report show the costs of damage caused by the Waikeria Prison riot have blown up to more than $46 million, says National’s Corrections spokesperson Simeon Brown.

Removing conflict will provide peace of mind

Barbara Kuriger October 26, 2021 Share

The Financial Professional Services Trading Advice Transparency Bill, which was drawn from the ballot last week, will remove an inherent conflict of interest that exists for those providing advice on the trading viability of troubled companies, National’s Barbara Kuriger says.

New Bill announced to boost Build-to-Rent in NZ

Nicola Willis October 26, 2021 Share

National has announced the Boost Build-to-Rent Housing Bill – our plan to unlock investment in purpose built rental housing in New Zealand, National List MP based in Wellington Nicola Willis says.

Minister won’t investigate cancelled cancer procedures

Dr Shane Reti October 23, 2021 Share

Andrew Little’s lack of interest in cancer procedures cancelled over the lockdown is callous and negligent, National’s Health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.

Remember the regions? Economic stock take needed

Louise Upston October 22, 2021 Share

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

Back of the pack again – this time vax certificates

Chris Bishop October 22, 2021 Share

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

Labour cancels Christmas with incoherent plan

Judith Collins October 22, 2021 Share

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

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

Andrew Bayly October 22, 2021 Share

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

New data shows alarming ICU occupancy rates

Dr Shane Reti October 22, 2021 Share

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

A million fully vaccinated Aucklanders stuck at home

Judith Collins October 21, 2021 Share

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

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

Michael Woodhouse October 21, 2021 Share

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

New BYO bill will bolster racing

Ian McKelvie October 21, 2021 Share

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

Where is the plan to end the welfare dependency crisis?

Louise Upston October 21, 2021 Share

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

Government must avert KiwiRail Christmas strike

Scott Simpson October 21, 2021 Share

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

National pleased with UK agreement in principle

Nicola Grigg October 21, 2021 Share

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

Gang numbers surge 53 per cent under Labour

Simeon Brown October 21, 2021 Share

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

Government shoots down Bill to take guns off gangs

Simeon Brown October 20, 2021 Share

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

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

Chris Bishop October 20, 2021 Share

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

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

Erica Stanford October 20, 2021 Share

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

Schools decision wrong and misguided

Paul Goldsmith October 20, 2021 Share

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

National’s plan will lift the burden on business

Andrew Bayly October 20, 2021 Share

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

Fiscal discipline must underpin recovery

Michael Woodhouse October 20, 2021 Share

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

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

Todd McClay October 20, 2021 Share

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

National launches Back in Business plan

Judith Collins October 20, 2021 Share

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

National sets targets to end lockdown limbo

Judith Collins October 20, 2021 Share

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

Labour must abandon local election power grab

Christopher Luxon October 19, 2021 Share

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

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

Chris Bishop October 19, 2021 Share

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

National pledges Three Waters repeal & return

Judith Collins October 19, 2021 Share

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

Housing Bill a step forward, with more to be done

Nicola Willis October 19, 2021 Share

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

National drives game-changing housing reform

Judith Collins October 19, 2021 Share

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

No plan, no ideas, no hope from Government

Judith Collins October 18, 2021 Share

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

No new ICU beds costing 1000 surgeries per week

Dr Shane Reti October 18, 2021 Share

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

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

Stuart Smith October 18, 2021 Share

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

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

Judith Collins October 18, 2021 Share

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

Inflation soars – Kiwis suffer as cost of living spikes

Michael Woodhouse October 18, 2021 Share

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

Out of touch Prime Minister must level with New Zealanders today

Judith Collins October 18, 2021 Share

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

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

Paul Goldsmith October 18, 2021 Share

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

Little’s big fees costing New Zealand vital ICU beds

Dr Shane Reti October 17, 2021 Share

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

Shock and sadness after death of British MP

Judith Collins October 16, 2021 Share

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

National’s Auckland MPs speak out

Simon Watts October 15, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti October 15, 2021 Share

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

Things are dire for businesses in New Zealand

Todd McClay October 14, 2021 Share

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

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

Chris Bishop October 14, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti October 14, 2021 Share

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

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

Judith Collins October 14, 2021 Share

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

Petition launched to bring our Afghan Kiwis home

Mark Mitchell October 13, 2021 Share

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

Vaccine certificates delayed – again

Chris Bishop October 13, 2021 Share

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

Government must come clean on women’s border crossing debacle

Louise Upston October 13, 2021 Share

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

James Shaw moves from Climate Tsar to Economic Controller

Stuart Smith October 13, 2021 Share

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

As lockdown drags on, the Government drags its feet

Judith Collins October 12, 2021 Share

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

Urgent need for saliva testing inquiry

Chris Bishop October 12, 2021 Share

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

What’s the plan to reopen Auckland schools?

Paul Goldsmith October 12, 2021 Share

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

Government negligence keeps kids locked out of school

Paul Goldsmith October 11, 2021 Share

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

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

Erica Stanford October 11, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti October 11, 2021 Share

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

Government must be consistent in dealing with Covid rule breakers

Simeon Brown October 11, 2021 Share

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

The end of daily press conferences?

Judith Collins October 10, 2021 Share

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

Government must be upfront about enforcement of Covid rules

Simeon Brown October 09, 2021 Share

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

Where are the vaccine boosters?

Chris Bishop October 08, 2021 Share

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

Ministry’s block on Māori health info an embarrassment

Harete Hipango October 08, 2021 Share

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

Minister acts at long last to grant firearms licence extensions

Simeon Brown October 07, 2021 Share

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

I wrote to Minister Little in February about Māori vaccinations

Dr Shane Reti October 07, 2021 Share

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

Testing expert group slams Government response

Chris Bishop October 07, 2021 Share

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

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

Harete Hipango October 07, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti October 07, 2021 Share

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

Special Rep appointment must be made quickly

Gerry Brownlee October 07, 2021 Share

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

Reopening schools absolute priority

Paul Goldsmith October 07, 2021 Share

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

Just do what needs to be done, Prime Minister

Judith Collins October 07, 2021 Share

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

Labour’s Flexi-wage a flop

Louise Upston October 07, 2021 Share

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

Government failures make interest rate pain worse

Andrew Bayly October 06, 2021 Share

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

Govt kept Pfizer waiting six weeks before first meeting

Chris Bishop October 06, 2021 Share

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

One rule for gangs, another for everyone else

Simeon Brown October 06, 2021 Share

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

The electoral system belongs to all Kiwis

Chris Penk October 05, 2021 Share

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

New Zealand needs a clear economic roadmap

Andrew Bayly October 05, 2021 Share

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

Government causing chaos in early learning sector

Erica Stanford October 05, 2021 Share

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

No oversight of bailed prisoners

Simeon Brown October 05, 2021 Share

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

Government must buy Covid treatments now

Chris Bishop October 05, 2021 Share

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

Government has choices and needs to make them now

Chris Bishop October 04, 2021 Share

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

Time has run out on Government’s incoherent Covid strategy

Judith Collins October 04, 2021 Share

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

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

Matt Doocey October 04, 2021 Share

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

Muddled priorities behind education strike

Paul Goldsmith October 04, 2021 Share

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

New Zealand at Covid crossroads

Judith Collins October 03, 2021 Share

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

Government must heed advice on maths

Paul Goldsmith October 03, 2021 Share

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

Another one bites the dust

David Bennett October 02, 2021 Share

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

Aucklanders are fed up with gangs flouting the rules

Simeon Brown October 01, 2021 Share

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

Govt concedes Three Waters engagement is a farce

Christopher Luxon October 01, 2021 Share

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

Counter-terrorism bill a step in the right direction

Mark Mitchell September 30, 2021 Share

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

Benefit dependency crisis emerging

Louise Upston September 30, 2021 Share

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

What is the Government’s Covid strategy?

Judith Collins September 30, 2021 Share

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

Government failing vulnerable Kiwis in emergency housing

Louise Upston September 30, 2021 Share

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

Govt adopts National’s Covid Contribution policy

Erica Stanford September 30, 2021 Share

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

Govt wants power to delay local elections through 2023

Chris Bishop September 29, 2021 Share

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

Minister must act now to protect vulnerable children

Harete Hipango September 29, 2021 Share

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

National seizing immigration opportunities

Erica Stanford September 29, 2021 Share

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

National planning for a strong health system

Dr Shane Reti September 29, 2021 Share

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

Ten steps for vigorous suppression of Covid-19

Chris Bishop September 29, 2021 Share

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

National’s plan allows for vaccinated travel

Chris Bishop September 29, 2021 Share

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

National launches plan to open New Zealand up

Judith Collins September 29, 2021 Share

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

O’Connor must secure UK FTA before returning home

Nicola Grigg September 28, 2021 Share

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

Government fiddles with tenancy measures while small businesses burn

Andrew Bayly September 28, 2021 Share

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

Mahuta rips up Three Waters ‘partnership’ with councils

Christopher Luxon September 28, 2021 Share

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

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

Andrew Bayly September 28, 2021 Share

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

Minister must seize opportunity to sort immigration crisis

Erica Stanford September 28, 2021 Share

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

Sir Graeme Harrison joins National Party Board

National Party September 27, 2021 Share

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

Amazon wanted to stay, but Labour drove them away

Todd McClay September 27, 2021 Share

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

Kiwis overwhelmingly oppose Three Waters plan

Christopher Luxon September 27, 2021 Share

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

Border rules need common sense

Louise Upston September 26, 2021 Share

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

Time for Govt to front on wage subsidy failures

Louise Upston September 26, 2021 Share

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

Mongrel Mob meth programme gets dodgier by the day

Dr Shane Reti September 26, 2021 Share

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

Kiwis should demand the debate on Three Waters

Judith Collins September 25, 2021 Share

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

Govt reviewing itself on mental health is a sham

Matt Doocey September 24, 2021 Share

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

Multiple ICU failings from a distracted Minister

Dr Shane Reti September 24, 2021 Share

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

Government says no more help to hospitality sector

Todd McClay September 23, 2021 Share

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

Labour ignores 15,000 rural New Zealanders

Barbara Kuriger September 23, 2021 Share

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

Tightened LVRs another blow for first-home buyers

Andrew Bayly September 23, 2021 Share

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

Labour’s inaction putting animal welfare at risk

Tim van de Molen September 23, 2021 Share

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

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

David Bennett September 23, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti September 23, 2021 Share

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

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

Melissa Lee September 23, 2021 Share

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

National welcomes bill to stop Govt funding organised crime

Simeon Brown September 23, 2021 Share

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

Te Ture Whenua Māori Bill heads to Parliament

Joseph Mooney September 23, 2021 Share

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

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

Judith Collins September 22, 2021 Share

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

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

Matt Doocey September 22, 2021 Share

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

Government delayed vaccine rollout by two months

Chris Bishop September 22, 2021 Share

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

Govt finally sees sense on Armed Response Teams

Simeon Brown September 22, 2021 Share

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

Rules for Shaw might well mean more in Glasgow

Stuart Smith September 21, 2021 Share

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

Government blanked Northland mayors on lockdown

Dr Shane Reti September 21, 2021 Share

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

Wage subsidy problems must be sorted

Louise Upston September 21, 2021 Share

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

Shaw to have 14 staff in Glasgow for climate talks

Stuart Smith September 20, 2021 Share

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

Transmission blackspots will create emergency blackspots

David Bennett September 20, 2021 Share

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

MIQ lobby debut a depressing debacle

Chris Bishop September 20, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti September 19, 2021 Share

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

Extension of Operation Tauwhiro an admission of growing gang problem

Simeon Brown September 17, 2021 Share

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

Flood fund criteria way off the mark

Nicola Grigg September 17, 2021 Share

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

Minister must ditch Clean Vehicle Bill

David Bennett September 17, 2021 Share

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

Government splashes cash on consultants rather than cancer

Dr Shane Reti September 17, 2021 Share

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

Clearer expectations of home learning required

Paul Goldsmith September 17, 2021 Share

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

Govt must extend loss carry-back scheme to save businesses

Andrew Bayly September 17, 2021 Share

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

Robertson tops up Covid slush fund with borrowed money

Michael Woodhouse September 16, 2021 Share

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

Climate excuses just more hot air

Stuart Smith September 16, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti September 16, 2021 Share

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

Rapid testing should be used at Auckland border

Chris Bishop September 16, 2021 Share

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

Govt must release Māori vaccination data to Whānau Ora

Harete Hipango September 16, 2021 Share

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

Government’s Covid spend-up comes at a price

Andrew Bayly September 16, 2021 Share

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

Concerning NZ left out of AUKUS discussions

Judith Collins September 16, 2021 Share

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

Govt needs to do more to vaccinate disabled community

Penny Simmonds September 15, 2021 Share

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

Government must extend wage subsidy deadline

Louise Upston September 15, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti September 15, 2021 Share

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

Community sector neglected by Govt during pandemic

Maureen Pugh September 15, 2021 Share

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

The Oranga Tamariki report is ready now, so release it

Harete Hipango September 14, 2021 Share

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

Urgent need for Government to confirm plan to support Auckland businesses

Andrew Bayly September 14, 2021 Share

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

Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate to avoid lockdowns

Chris Bishop September 14, 2021 Share

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

Why are we still figuring out hospital visitation policy?

Dr Shane Reti September 14, 2021 Share

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

‘Short and sharp’ lockdown will be the longest ever

Judith Collins September 13, 2021 Share

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

Lockdown extension the final straw for many battling businesses

Todd McClay September 13, 2021 Share

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

Disabled population urgently needs Covid plan

Penny Simmonds September 13, 2021 Share

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

Government rules out vaccinating in MIQ

Chris Bishop September 13, 2021 Share

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

Unskilled pruning of labour force is a rotten policy

David Bennett September 12, 2021 Share

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

Government must park Three Waters plans

Christopher Luxon September 12, 2021 Share

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

Labour should listen to the education experts

Paul Goldsmith September 13, 2021 Share

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

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

Louise Upston September 10, 2021 Share

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

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

Todd McClay September 10, 2021 Share

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

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

Dr Shane Reti September 10, 2021 Share

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

NZ not at the table to discuss Afghanistan evacuation

Gerry Brownlee September 10, 2021 Share

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

Animal welfare crisis looms as Minister butchers opportunity

Barbara Kuriger September 10, 2021 Share

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

Quit the education complacency

Paul Goldsmith September 09, 2021 Share

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

This Kiwi won’t be flying to Climate Change Conference

Stuart Smith September 09, 2021 Share

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

Industry withers in Spring as strict lockdown rules bite

David Bennett September 09, 2021 Share

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

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

Harete Hipango September 09, 2021 Share

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

More time needed to consider conversion practices bill

Simon Bridges September 09, 2021 Share

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

Counter-Terrorism Announcement

Judith Collins September 09, 2021 Share

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

Greater certainty needed for wage subsidy applicants

Louise Upston September 09, 2021 Share

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

No mention of Delta strain in Government plans

Chris Bishop September 09, 2021 Share

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

Business will stall if trucks can’t get moving

David Bennett September 09, 2021 Share

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

Robertson has emptied the Covid piggy bank

Michael Woodhouse September 08, 2021 Share

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

How many close and casual contacts at Middlemore?

Dr Shane Reti September 08, 2021 Share

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

Kiwis left in the dark over interest deductibility rules

Andrew Bayly September 08, 2021 Share

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

Government misses the bus with transport bias

David Bennett September 08, 2021 Share

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

Rural NZ rejecting more regulation from Labour

Barbara Kuriger September 08, 2021 Share

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

Minister Little unaware of pathways for patients

Dr Shane Reti September 07, 2021 Share

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

Businesses will close because of new Level 2 restrictions

Todd McClay September 07, 2021 Share

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

Wage subsidy deadlines should be extended

Louise Upston September 07, 2021 Share

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

DOC shouldn’t get another crack at a failed project

Jacqui Dean September 07, 2021 Share

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

Turns out we could get vaccines earlier

Chris Bishop September 07, 2021 Share

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

Govt secretive on Groundswell correspondence

Joseph Mooney September 07, 2021 Share

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

Labour’s transport plan doesn’t prioritise economic growth

David Bennett September 07, 2021 Share

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

Time to introduce rapid antigen testing

Chris Bishop September 07, 2021 Share

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

Saliva testing welcome but long overdue

Chris Bishop September 07, 2021 Share

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

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

Judith Collins September 06, 2021 Share

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

Labour must release Māori and Pacific vaccination plans

Chris Bishop September 06, 2021 Share

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

Government drops vaccination ball again by failing to approve Auckland pharmacies

Dr Shane Reti September 06, 2021 Share

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

Labour’s failure to plan constraining our economy

David Bennett September 06, 2021 Share

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

Law change needed to strip citizenship from violent offenders

Judith Collins September 04, 2021 Share

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

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

Melissa Lee September 03, 2021 Share

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

It’s ‘Official’ – Poto has got to go

Simeon Brown September 03, 2021 Share

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

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

Chris Bishop September 03, 2021 Share

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

Health system unprepared for a Delta outbreak

Dr Shane Reti September 03, 2021 Share

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

South Island should drop now to alert level 2

Judith Collins September 03, 2021 Share

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

Critical healthcare workers must be granted residency as a priority

Erica Stanford September 03, 2021 Share

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

Wage subsidy early closure could see businesses miss out

Louise Upston September 03, 2021 Share

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

Answers needed over MIQ escapee

Chris Bishop September 02, 2021 Share

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

Two-week wage subsidy turnaround will cost jobs

Louise Upston September 02, 2021 Share

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

National’s plan to fix managed isolation allocation system

Judith Collins September 02, 2021 Share

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

Government rejected key way to boost vaccination among Māori and Pasifika

Louise Upston September 01, 2021 Share

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

Bayly urges Govt to adopt Rental Support Package

Andrew Bayly September 01, 2021 Share

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

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

Erica Stanford September 01, 2021 Share

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

Labour has dropped the MIQ ball

Chris Bishop September 01, 2021 Share

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

Pub quiz prize for Government’s vaccine rollout

Judith Collins September 01, 2021 Share

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

Bumbling Government gives up on those left behind in Afghanistan

Judith Collins August 31, 2021 Share

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

There’s only one course the PM should chart

Judith Collins August 31, 2021 Share

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

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

Todd McClay August 31, 2021 Share

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

Labour recklessly delayed vaccine shipments

Chris Bishop August 31, 2021 Share

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

New businesses being left out in the cold by Labour

Todd McClay August 30, 2021 Share

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

PM says too much vaccination demand

Chris Bishop August 29, 2021 Share

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

Government must release more outbreak data

Chris Bishop August 29, 2021 Share

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

New National portfolio allocations confirmed

Judith Collins August 28, 2021 Share

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

Labour must stop anti-democratic tactics

Judith Collins August 27, 2021 Share

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

Afghan allies must not be left behind following Kabul terror attack

Judith Collins August 27, 2021 Share

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

Labour making it too hard for pharmacies to vaccinate

Dr Shane Reti August 27, 2021 Share

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

National launches plan to supercharge vaccination

Judith Collins August 26, 2021 Share

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

Labour must take position on unvaccinated workers

Scott Simpson August 26, 2021 Share

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

Bring back the Epidemic Response Committee

Judith Collins August 25, 2021 Share

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

Crowne Plaza passing infection audits unbelievable

Chris Bishop August 25, 2021 Share

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

Missed opportunity for Govt to increase vaccine uptake

Louise Upston August 25, 2021 Share

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

Labour uses committee majority to block Covid accountability to Māori

Harete Hipango August 25, 2021 Share

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

Government vague on lockdown education

Paul Goldsmith August 25, 2021 Share

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

Where on earth is saliva testing?

Chris Bishop August 25, 2021 Share

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

Gobsmacking: Hipkins claims vaccine rollout has not been slow

Chris Bishop August 24, 2021 Share

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

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

Michael Woodhouse August 24, 2021 Share

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

Prime Minister’s suspension of Parliament is wrong

Judith Collins August 23, 2021 Share

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

Vaccination target vital to avoiding future lockdowns

Judith Collins August 23, 2021 Share

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

Clarity about Level 4 trading rules now urgent

Todd McClay August 23, 2021 Share

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

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

Chris Bishop August 22, 2021 Share

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

Labour must stop flooding rural NZ with pointless and onerous regulation

Barbara Kuriger August 21, 2021 Share

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

What Kiwis need to know about the vaccine roll-out

Judith Collins August 21, 2021 Share

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

National mourns passing of Sir Michael Cullen

Judith Collins August 20, 2021 Share

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

Lack of planning causing chaos

Chris Bishop August 20, 2021 Share

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

Low vaccination numbers putting officers at risk

Simeon Brown August 18, 2021 Share

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

RBNZ hold on rate rise the right move

Andrew Bayly August 18, 2021 Share

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

We must be decisive in the face of Delta variant

Judith Collins August 17, 2021 Share

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

Kāinga Ora Chief Exec misled Select Committee

Nicola Willis August 17, 2021 Share

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

Labour’s astounding apathy towards Afghan translators

Judith Collins August 17, 2021 Share

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

Another nail in the Three Waters coffin

Christopher Luxon August 16, 2021 Share

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

Labour delivers more officials than KiwiBuild houses

Nicola Willis August 16, 2021 Share

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

Cancer Society latest to experience Little’s temper

Dr Shane Reti August 16, 2021 Share

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

Minister’s blunder costs New Zealand $4.5 billion

Todd McClay August 13, 2021 Share

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

Aucklanders in more danger under Labour

Simeon Brown August 13, 2021 Share

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

Gloves must come off for ‘Coward Punch’ bill

Maureen Pugh August 12, 2021 Share

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

Southland MP presents petition for dairy farmers

Joseph Mooney August 12, 2021 Share

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

Labour pouring fuel on an overheating economy

Andrew Bayly August 12, 2021 Share

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

Opening New Zealand still hinges on vaccine rollout

Judith Collins August 12, 2021 Share

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

Labour isn’t taking cancer seriously

Dr Shane Reti August 12, 2021 Share

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

Labour arbitrarily limit debate on Conversion Practices Bill

Simon Bridges August 12, 2021 Share

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

What is Labour trying to hide?

Simon O'Connor August 12, 2021 Share

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

National to support BDMRR Bill to Select Committee

Nicola Grigg August 11, 2021 Share

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

Labour can’t keep the lights on

Barbara Kuriger August 11, 2021 Share

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

IPCC Report highlights size of climate challenge

Stuart Smith August 11, 2021 Share

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

Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate

Judith Collins August 11, 2021 Share

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

Government blocks Bloomfield recall, again

Chris Bishop August 11, 2021 Share

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

No urgency on port worker vaccinations

Chris Bishop August 10, 2021 Share

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

Waikeria Prison riot costs blow out

Simeon Brown August 10, 2021 Share

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

Maternity funding redirected to health restructure

Dr Shane Reti August 10, 2021 Share

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

Guns buyback 2.0 spends more on admin than buying back guns

Simeon Brown August 10, 2021 Share

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

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

Chris Bishop August 09, 2021 Share

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

Government should explore retaining Marsden Point

Barbara Kuriger August 09, 2021 Share

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

Health system restructuring leads to boom in bureaucrats

Dr Shane Reti August 09, 2021 Share

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

Next Generation Case Management system failing

Simon Watts August 09, 2021 Share

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

National focuses on the big issues facing NZers

Judith Collins August 08, 2021 Share

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

SPEECH: Leader’s Speech to the National Party AGM

Judith Collins August 08, 2021 Share

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

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

National Party August 08, 2021 Share

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

Bloomfield “all over” UN worker transfer

Chris Bishop August 07, 2021 Share

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

Government needs to clear up energy uncertainty

Barbara Kuriger August 06, 2021 Share

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

Indicators aren’t targets Minister Little

Dr Shane Reti August 06, 2021 Share

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

Govt must restructure travel agent reimbursement scheme

Todd McClay August 06, 2021 Share

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

New Zealand hasn’t ordered any extra Pfizer doses

Chris Bishop August 06, 2021 Share

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

Treasury wholly opposed to Labour’s Car Tax

Michael Woodhouse August 06, 2021 Share

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

Govt blocks opportunity for He Puapua writers

Joseph Mooney August 05, 2021 Share

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

Waiting list blowout nothing to do with Covid

Dr Shane Reti August 05, 2021 Share

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

Another broken Government promise on tax

Andrew Bayly August 05, 2021 Share

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

National making life a little easier for Kiwis with cancer

Dr Shane Reti August 05, 2021 Share

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

Labour has spent almost $300m on spin doctors

Mark Mitchell August 05, 2021 Share

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

National backs commerce teachers’ petition

Todd McClay August 05, 2021 Share

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

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