Clear purpose needed in response to Covid-19
The first meeting of the Epidemic Response Committee has raised some important concerns with New Zealand’s health response to Covid-19, Leader of the Opposition Simon Bridges says. “We need clarity...
Minimum wage increase must be deferred
The Government must defer the minimum wage increase set to come in to force tomorrow, Opposition Leader Simon Bridges says. “With the entire country under lockdown, businesses up and down...
Fairness and common sense needed around safe essential services
There needs to be more fairness and common sense applied to determining what essential services can safely open, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says. “Nearly a...
National taking constructive approach to Select Committee
National will be taking a constructive and principled approach to scrutinising the Government’s response to Covid-19 through the Epidemic Response Committee, Leader of the Opposition Simon Bridges says. “It’s important...
Truck drivers need support from Govt
New Zealand’s truck drivers are working round the clock to keep our shelves stocked with essential goods and they deserve support, National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop says. “Truck drivers are...
Government needs to reverse community newspaper ban quickly
The Government’s decision to close down all community and weekly papers must be reversed, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says. “The decision that only paid daily...
Wage subsidy changes deeply unfair
Last night’s changes to the wage subsidy scheme appear to give large windfalls to part-time workers, which is an odd priority in a time of crisis, National’s Finance spokesperson Paul...
Fair access and affordability of food a priority
The Government needs to ensure there is continued fair access to food and that it remains affordable, National’s Economic Development and Small Business spokesperson Todd McClay says. “Given only a...
Government should rethink rules for butchers and greengrocers
The Government should review the framework that determines which grocery services can open during lockdown so our communities don’t struggle with access to vital food supplies, National’s Economic Development and...
Leader of the Opposition’s statement on State of National Emergency and move to Alert Level 4
We are in tough times as coronavirus sweeps our globe, taking people's lives and closing economies as it goes. The response around the world has varied. Some nations have been...