BUDGET 2025

Following the Minister of Finance's delivery of Budget 2025, I wanted to share some key aspects that I believe are particularly relevant to Ilam, reflecting the issues many of you, including those who I have recently door knocked, have raised with me directly.

One of the most encouraging areas is the significant investment in education. Given Ilam's 32 schools and our university, education is always a paramount concern for residents. While there are numerous positive initiatives, I want to specifically highlight the increased support allocated for children with additional learning needs – an area I know is deeply important to many families.

LEARNING SUPPORT FOR KIWI STUDENTS

The Government is delivering the most significant investment in learning support in a generation to better support Kiwi kids at school. This includes funding all primary schools to have a Learning Support Coordinator.

Below, I've outlined a few additional Budget highlights that I believe will have a significant impact on our community here in Ilam. 

CHRISTCHURCH MEN'S PRISON

The site's redevelopment will include 240 new high security beds and a new 52 bed Health Centre and Intervention and Support Unit.

BURNHAM MILITARY CAMP

Funding will deliver the Burnham Regional Supply Facility: a centralised warehouse to house deployable supply, a regional equipment pool, and goods distribution function.

INVESTMENT BOOST

This is a new tax incentive to encourage businesses to invest, grow the economy, and lift wages. It allows a business to immediately deduct 20 per cent of the cost of a new asset, on top of depreciation, meaning a much lower tax bill in the year of purchase.

SUPPORT FOR GOLDCARD HOLDERS

66,000 seniors with SuperGold cards will be receiving a helping hand with their rates payments.

12 MONTH PRESCRIPTIONS

Prescription lengths will be expanded from 3 to 12 months, saving Kiwis' money on repeat fees and GP appointments.

For more details about the budget click on  Budget 2025 - Growing the Economy to Help Kiwis Get Ahead | National Party

This has been a carefully curated Budget, ensuring we, as a Government, focus on the core services which benefit all, and help grow the economy to ensure Kiwis can get ahead.