Government’s books show National’s plan working
The continuing improvement in the government’s books highlights the importance of sticking with the plan that is working, National’s Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis says.
“The financial statements for the first three months of the year, released today, show the operating balance deficit was $1.3 billion lower than forecast in the Pre-election Fiscal and Economic Update.
“This positive news shows that National’s plan is working and three years of responsible economic management is paying off.
“The improvement in the government’s books is due to higher-than-forecast revenue and lower-than-forecast expenditure, reflecting National’s work to grow the economy and stop wasteful spending.
“It reinforces recent surveys showing economic optimism and hiring intentions are increasing, and backs up other evidence that proves our economy is gaining strength.
“Exports are booming, the manufacturing sector is on a tear, and economic growth is outpacing countries like Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
“New Zealand is navigating its way through global uncertainty better than most of its international counterparts and Kiwis can look forward to the benefits flowing through to households if we stay the course.
“By sticking to National’s plan, there will be a brighter future for Kiwis, with a growing economy, less debt, more jobs, higher wages, and no new taxes.
“A Labour coalition, propped up by the Greens, Te Pati Maori and Opportunity, with Chloe Swarbrick as Finance Minister, would undo all this progress by spending recklessly, meaning more borrowing and higher taxes saddled on Kiwis.
“Borrowing and taxing more is not the way to create opportunity. It is the way to slow investment, stall growth and drive enterprising people out of the country.
“Just yesterday, experts warned that a Labour Government would risk a run on the New Zealand Dollar, pushing up costs for Kiwis.
“Don’t risk it. Stick with the plan and Party Vote National this Saturday.”
