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Here’s what you may have missed this week.
1.Boom! Tourism drives billions into New Zealand economy
New Zealand’s tourism sector is booming, driving billions into the economy. International visitors are flooding in, boosting hospitality and creating jobs.
2.International trade up $2b, bringing big benefits to the regions
Exports rose to $29.2 billion for the December quarter, up $2.2 billion. Increased trade means more jobs, higher wages, and higher growth in our regions.
3. Country cops, rural teachers and farm workers can now buy a home with KiwiSaver
We’re making changes to KiwiSaver because we don’t think it’s fair that many farm workers, rural teachers, and country cops have not been able to use KiwiSaver for their first homes. We’re also letting young farmers use their Kiwisaver to get onto their first farm. National backs our rural communities.
4.Welcome mat out for foreign buyers and their investment in New Zealand
Overseas investors with a New Zealand investor resident visa can now buy a house in NZ worth over $5 million, with the restrictive ban on overseas house buyers lifted from today. This means more international investors can move to New Zealand, create jobs and build stronger connections to Kiwi communities.
5.Building consents up 9%
Almost 40,000 new homes were consented in the past year, up 9.3% in 12 months. After a rough few years for construction, things are looking up and National’s RMA and building and construction reforms will help drive further growth.
Chris Bishop
National Campaign Chair