1. Prime Minister of New Zealand the Right Honourable Bill English and Prime Minister of Japan His Excellency Shinzo Abe held a productive meeting in Tokyo on 17th May 2017. The two leaders reiterated the Strategic Cooperative Partnership between New Zealand and Japan founded on common values, such as freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights, as well as a strong commitment to peace and security, free trade and investment, and sustainable development.  

2. The two leaders acknowledged the success and maturity of New Zealand –Japan relationship at all levels, reflecting strong cooperation over many years.  

3. The two leaders reiterated their firm commitment to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Prime Minister Abe welcomed New Zealand’s recent ratification of the TPP Agreement, alongside Japan. The two leaders appreciated the value of the TPP in enhancing high-standard regional trade rules and architecture, and contributing to growth, competition, innovation, and productivity that creates jobs and lower costs to consumers, as well as its strategic benefits. The two leaders affirmed the importance of close cooperation in realising TPP’s strategic and economic benefits and remain committed to maintaining the unity among the signatories and early entry into force of the TPP Agreement, whilst bearing in mind opportunities for other economies to join if they accept the high standards of the TPP. They also confirmed that New Zealand and Japan continue to work together on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement negotiations to achieve a high-quality agreement, covering trade in goods, trade in services, and investment as well as rules such as trade facilitation, rules of origin, e-commerce, intellectual property and government procurement, reaffirming the RCEP Guiding Principles and the Joint Statements by RCEP Leaders. They shared the view that ambitious, comprehensive, balanced, and high-standard TPP and RCEP outcomes would contribute positively to the shared goal of regional economic integration.  

4. The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms North Korea’s nuclear tests, repeated ballistic missile launches and proliferation activities. They strongly urged North Korea to cease its destabilising and provocative actions immediately and to fully comply with its international obligations and commitments, including those under relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions. The two leaders welcomed the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2321 and emphasised the importance of enhancing pressure on North Korea through full, thorough and sustained implementation by Member States of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 2270 and 2321. The two leaders strongly urged North Korea to resolve the abductions issue at the earliest time.  

5. The two leaders underlined the importance of ensuring a stable, free and open rules-based order and of enhancing connectivity in our region and beyond. They confirmed that New Zealand and Japan will continue to work proactively in this regard, together with other like-minded partners. Prime Minister English appreciated the briefing by Prime Minister Abe on Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” and welcomed Japan’s greater engagement in the region.  

6. The two leaders also re-emphasised the importance of upholding the rules-based regional and international order in the maritime domain, and called on all states to respect freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded trade. They reaffirmed that any issues in the maritime domain should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law and expressed their strong opposition to any use of force or actions that could increase tensions.  

7. In this regard, the two leaders expressed concern over the situation in the South China Sea and called on the parties to settle disputes by peaceful means in accordance with United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and in light of the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on 12 July 2016. They called on all parties to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight and ensure unimpeded trade while avoiding provocative actions that could increase tensions and erode regional trust and confidence, including land reclamation, building of outposts, construction and militarisation.  

8. The two leaders encouraged early finalisation of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety.  

9. The two leaders welcomed the contribution of the East Asia Summit (EAS) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as important elements of regional architecture that promote stability and prosperity and advance regional economic integration. Japan welcomed New Zealand’s hosting of APEC in 2021.  

10. Recognising the unique and complex challenges in the Pacific region, the two leaders emphasised the importance of cooperation between Japan, New Zealand, and the Pacific island countries to build economic and environmental resilience and maintain regional peace and stability. The two leaders committed to continue practical cooperation and policy consultation.  

11. The two leaders acknowledged the commitment to develop the security and defence relationship following the signing of a Memorandum of Intent on Defence Cooperation in 2013. They welcomed recent concrete progress on the unit-to-unit exchanges and underscored the importance to seek further exchange and cooperation opportunities. They encouraged their officials to continue work on a possible acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA) between the two countries.  

12. The two leaders encouraged stronger business linkages between Japan and New Zealand in areas of complementary strengths. They reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the partnership in food and agriculture between the two countries, and a shared commitment to food quality and safety. They welcomed the recent growth in research and commercialisation partnerships in functional food, elderly care technologies, agri-business, and geothermal energy. The two leaders welcomed the ongoing discussion between their officials to explore a Japan-New Zealand partnership on renewable energy. Prime Minister English welcomed Japan’s upcoming role as Chair of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). The two leaders instructed their officials to resume Joint Economic Consultations.

13. The two leaders welcomed enhanced bilateral cooperation in sport, culture and people-to- people linkages. They stated their intention to cooperate for the success of the Rugby World Cup 2019, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the World Masters Games 2021 to be hosted by Japan. They appreciated both initiatives; “Sport for Tomorrow” and “Game on English”. They also welcomed the signing of the bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation between the Japan Sports Agency and the Sport New Zealand. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of sister city exchanges for promoting mutual understanding especially among young people.  

14. With their past experiences of natural disasters in both countries, including great earthquakes, the two leaders shared the intention that both sides will seek further opportunities to work together to enhance recovery and resilience in the region.  

15. The two leaders reaffirmed that Japan and New Zealand would continue to work closely together on global issues such as security, disarmament and non-proliferation, human rights, the 2030  Agenda for Sustainable Development, climate change, the UN Security Council reform, based on their shared commitment to common democratic values, peace and security, free trade and investment, and international law.

Prime Minister Bill English and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated their commitment to the Trans-Pacific-Partnership (TPP) in a meeting in Tokyo today.

“Both New Zealand and Japan remain committed to seeing the TPP Agreement come into force, while at the same time ensuring there are opportunities for other economies to join,” Mr English says.

“The TPP remains valuable both economically and strategically for New Zealand. It will improve access for our exporters and lower tariffs around the Asia-Pacific.”

Mr English and Prime Minister Abe also discussed a number of key bilateral issues, and shared their concerns on regional and international issues including North Korea, and the threat of international terrorism.

“We value Japan’s views on these issues,” Mr English says.  “Japan and New Zealand are close friends and have partnerships in a number of areas including trade and investment, science and technology and security and defence.

“Today we agreed that renewable energy and agriculture will be two areas which we will focus on in the next few years,” Mr English says.

“Sport will also feature with Japan set to host Rugby World Cup in 2019, the Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2020 and the World Masters’ Games in 2021.

“I was pleased to announce that the All Blacks will play a test in Japan in November 2018,” Mr English says.

Mr English was accompanied on his visit to Japan by Minister of Trade Todd McClay, and a delegation of senior business leaders.

Japan is New Zealand’s fifth largest trading partner, with two-way trade totalling over $7 billion, and the fifth largest source of foreign investment.  Over 100,000 Japanese visit New Zealand each year, including nearly 10,000 students.

“My visit recognises the strength of our long-standing relationship, and the important role that Japan plays in our region,” says Mr English.

Prime Minister Bill English will travel to Japan next week to meet with Prime Minister Abe to discuss a range of global and regional issues, before travelling to Hong Kong to promote New Zealand’s economic and trade interests.

“I am looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Abe and discussing a wide range of issues, including trade and security, and initiatives our two countries are working on together in food, education, sport and defence,” Mr English says.

“Strengthening our trade and economic links with Japan will be a focus, including through the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

“New Zealand has long-standing and strong ties with Japan.  My visit is an opportunity to help New Zealand businesses explore new ways of working more closely with Japan.

“My focus in Hong Kong will be to advance New Zealand’s economic relationship, build on our connections with some of the largest Hong Kong investors into New Zealand, and facilitate greater business and trade opportunities,” Mr English says.

During the visit to Hong Kong Mr English will meet with the current Chief Executive Mr CY Leung and incoming Chief Executive Mrs Carrie Lam.

In Japan, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by Trade Minister Todd McClay, and a delegation of senior business leaders.

Mr English will leave on May 16 and return on May 20.

Note to Editors:

The business delegation includes: Sir Graeme Harrison (chair ANZCO), Rachel Taulelei (chief executive Kono), John Wilson (chair Fonterra), Whaimutu Dewes (chair Sealord/Moana), Lain Jager (chief executive Zespri), Steve Tew (chief executive NZRU)  Ian Simpson (chief executive GNS), Brian Stanley (chair Wood Council of NZ), Graeme Muller (chair NZ Tech), Simon Draper (executive Director Asia NZ Foundation) and Mike Allen (New Zealand Special Envoy for Renewable Energy).

Prime Minister Bill English has this morning congratulated Emmanuel Macron on his victory in the French presidential election.

“The people of France have spoken and I congratulate Mr Macron on his victory,” Mr English says.

“I will write to Mr Macron shortly to offer my personal congratulations, along with those of the New Zealand Government, and my best wishes for his presidency.”

Mr English says New Zealand has a great deal in common with France, and the two countries share similar interests across a wide range of issues.

“France is a key partner for New Zealand in Europe, the Pacific, and around the world. 

“We have an excellent relationship, built on common values, shared history and strong people-to-people links. I’m confident that the relationship will continue to go from strength to strength under President-elect Macron. I look forward to working with him,” Mr English says.

Prime Minister Bill English has paid tribute to His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and thanked him for his extraordinary public service.

Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Philip will be stepping down from public duties from August this year.

“The Duke has had a tremendous career. He has dedicated his working life to supporting Her Majesty, and making a remarkable contribution to hundreds of military, charitable and philanthropic organisations throughout the Commonwealth,” Mr English says.

“We’ve been honoured to have hosted the Duke in New Zealand on 14 occasions dating back to 1953.

“His connection with New Zealand was celebrated in 2012 when he was made an Additional Member of the Order of New Zealand.

“I am sure that the Duke of Edinburgh will continue to be an enormous support to Her Majesty in the years to come, and that New Zealanders will join me in thanking His Royal Highness for his unwavering service and dedication.”

Note to Editors:

The Duke of Edinburgh has visited New Zealand 10 times with the Queen (1953-54, 1963, 1970, 1977, 1981, 1986, 1990, 1995, and 2002).  He has visited four times on his own (1956, 1968, 1992, and 1997).

His Royal Highness holds the honorary ranks of Field Marshal of the New Zealand Army, Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, established in New Zealand in 1963, continues to be a popular way to encourage and motivate young New Zealanders over the age of 14 to become involved in a programme of voluntary self-development activities.

He is patron of over 780 organisations, including the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and is a life member of the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand. He is an Honorary Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Engineers, the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Veteran’s Association of New Zealand, and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

Prime Minister Bill English has announced the reappointment of Cheryl Gwyn as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.

The reappointment is for a term of three years, commencing 5 May 2017.

“In the past three years Ms Gwyn has established the Inspector-General’s office as a strong, effective and independent oversight body for the intelligence community,” Mr English says.

The appointment of Ms Gwyn was made after consultation with Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, as is required by statute.

Ms Gwyn took over the Inspector-General role shortly after the responsibilities of the Inspector-General’s office were expanded and as the investigative and advisory staff available to support the office were being substantially increased. 

“I would like to thank Ms Gwyn for her work in her first term including her thorough and critical investigation and reporting on key issues of public concern and look forward to her ongoing contribution,” Mr English says.

Prime Minister Bill English has announced challenging new targets for the public service to ensure it continues to improve the lives of New Zealanders, as well as $321 million in funding for social investment initiatives to help our most vulnerable.

“The National-led Government is committed to improving the lives of New Zealanders through effective public services and targeted investment in the areas where we can make a real difference,” Mr English says.

“Since we introduced the Better Public Services targets in 2012 we have seen tangible and long-lasting results in priority areas like reduced welfare dependency, better educational achievement, improved healthcare and less serious crime.

“We want to build on that success so today I announced we are setting new targets which outline my expectations of the public sector.

“I expect to see our public services do even more for New Zealanders so they can lead better lives and these targets will help ensure that.”

The Prime Minister also announced that Budget 2017 will include a $321 million Social Investment Package to support some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders.

Included in the package is a $69 million investment over four years focused primarily on ensuring young New Zealanders get a better start to life.

“The $69 million investment includes a national rollout of the Family Start Programme, an expansion of behavioural services for young children and a new programme to support pre-school children with oral language needs and literacy difficulties,” Mr English says.

“These will help support children most at-risk of long-term dysfunction by investing earlier to help them overcome barriers to leading successful lives.

“These programmes are backed by rigorous analysis to ensure we’re investing where it makes a real difference. That’s important – we need to drive improvement and also ensure we invest taxpayers’ money where it is most effective.

“In Budget 2017 we set a challenge to Government agencies - show us it will work and we will pay for it.”

Mr English says these announcements demonstrate the Government’s commitment to improving lives, helping New Zealanders and sharing the benefits of a growing economy.

“It is because of our growing economy and this Government’s clear economic plan that we are now in a position to achieve things we hadn’t thought possible 10 years ago, including tackling some of our most pressing social issues. We are determined to grasp the opportunities that a strong economy gives us.”

Ladies and Gentlemen.

It’s a pleasure to be here today.

Can I start by acknowledging my Deputy Paula Bennett and paying tribute to the man who is responsible for pulling this year’s Budget together - Finance Minister Steven Joyce.

And can I say it’s a pleasure to lead a country that’s becoming more confident and sure of itself, and where we have so many positive choices.

New Zealand has an enviable international reputation.

We are known for our lifestyle, safe and friendly communities and a clean and green environment.

And we have one of the best-performing economies in the developed world, underpinned by the Government’s wide-ranging and sensible economic plan.

A growing economy and strong government accounts give us choices we didn’t have just a few years ago.

Wages are rising and new jobs are being created every day.

We’re reforming public services and investing more in them to ensure that everyone – particularly those most in need - can access the services they require.

We’re building more infrastructure like schools, hospitals, housing, public transport and roads.

And we’re doing all that at the same time as getting our books back in order.

It's no wonder that we've changed from being a place many wanted to leave, to one Kiwis want to return to.

But the job is far from done.

We’re now in a position to achieve things we hadn’t thought possible before.

We can make tangible and long-lasting improvements to even the most challenged lives and we can set our country up for real and sustained success.

I’m determined to grasp the opportunities that a strong economy gives us.

It will be no surprise to you that the Government’s top priority is to promote and encourage a strong economy.

We are supporting businesses and investment that will deliver more jobs and higher wages for New Zealand families.

As well as a growing economy, we have an increasingly diversified one.

Between 2014 and 2016, global dairy prices fell markedly, and as a result annual dairy exports fell by $3.3 billion.

Once, that would have thrown our economy into decline.

But in fact over that same period non-dairy exports grew by $5.9 billion.

IT exports have more than doubled since 2008.

Tourism is at record levels and the construction sector is booming, with over 30,000 new houses being built a year, compared with just 13,000 six years ago.

A big reason for these successes – on top of the hard work and enterprise of people like you and those who work for you – is the Government’s consistent programme of economic reform.

Our plan is set out in the hundreds of projects and ideas included in the Business Growth Agenda.

For example, the 90 day trials are making it easier to hire new staff.

We’re supporting exporters by expanding our trading ties, and we have an ambitious goal of having 90 per cent of goods exports covered by Free Trade Agreements by 2030.

We’re rolling out Ultra-Fast Broadband to 85 per cent of New Zealanders.

We’ve cut income taxes and we’ve reduced annual ACC levies by more than $2 billion since 2010.

The point of these changes isn’t economic growth for its own sake.

Far from it.

The point is that growth delivers more jobs, higher wages and more choices for New Zealand families.

After adjusting for inflation, on average, take home pay has increased twice as fast here as it has in Australia since we came into office in 2008.

And we have one of the highest employment rates in the OECD.

These are the rewards for the hard work, innovative thinking and risk taking that are driving your businesses and growing our economy.

That growing economy gives us options.

Improving public services, building infrastructure, and solving social problems is possible only because we’ve enjoyed sustained, solid economic growth.

The logic is pretty simple – a stronger economy means more jobs and higher wages, driving a greater tax take and increasing surpluses.

We’re keeping expenditure under control, because we are acutely aware that we are spending money earned by hard-working New Zealanders - people who get up early every day to milk the cows, make the kids’ lunches or catch the bus to work.

If more of that money was in their pockets, I’m sure they could do a lot with it.

It’s our responsibility to spend it carefully, investing in the areas and in the initiatives we know will make the most difference.

We’ve moved from an $18 billion deficit five years ago to a $1.8 billion surplus last year, but we still need to get debt down so we can respond to future shocks, as Steven Joyce outlined last week.

At the core of it, surpluses mean choices.

They mean we can help people through difficult times – like in Christchurch, Kaikoura and Edgecumbe – without having to cut public services elsewhere.

They mean we can increase wages for 55,000 low-paid health care workers through a $2 billion pay equity settlement, as we announced last month.

And they mean we can invest in new infrastructure, like the $800 million to rebuild State Highway One through Kaikoura, as Simon Bridges announced last week.

We know that to keep growing we need to invest in infrastructure to support that growth.

In 2007 John Key stood in the 35,000-seat Westpac stadium and said the number of New Zealanders heading offshore every year was enough to fill it.

Nine years later that 35,000 is down to almost zero.

In fact, in the 12 months to March the net outward migration of Kiwis was at its lowest level for any March year since 1964.

That’s a vote of confidence in New Zealand.

We celebrate that and we’re building for it.

Over the next four Budgets the Government will allocate a further $11 billion toward capital infrastructure – taking our total capital investment over the next four years to around $23 billion.

That’s on top of the $20 billion of capital investment the Government has made over the last five years.

And we will be setting out the next steps of that programme in the upcoming Budget.

The growing economy and growing surpluses also give us the ability to dig into long-term social problems.

Too often, past governments have judged success only by what they spent, rather than what difference that spending made to people’s lives.

Yet changing lives is the whole point.

It’s what drove me to enter Parliament, and it’s what drives me now as Prime Minister.

People often struggle to comprehend just how big our social services are.

Our health sector is bigger than the dairy sector.

And if you add education, justice and welfare that’s a $47 billion a year industry.

We want to get that whole lot operating more efficiently and focused on what matters to New Zealanders.

In 2012 the Government set 10 challenging targets aimed at doing just that, delivering results for our customers, by reducing welfare dependency and crime, and increasing immunisation and achievement at school.

We’ve made improvements across the board:

Over 50,000 fewer people are now on a benefit than in 2011. We’ve reduced rheumatic fever by 23 per cent. 94 per cent of 8 month olds are now fully immunised. Crime is down 14 per cent, with youth crime down by a third. And 85 per cent of 18 year olds now have NCEA Level 2, meaning 6000 more young New Zealanders each year are getting the start they need to move into a job or further training.

These targets were deliberately meant to be challenging, so although not everyone has been met yet, I’m proud of what we have achieved, alongside New Zealand families.

Each of these statistics represents tangible improvements for real people, with a flow on effect to their families and communities.

Their success inspires me, and my ministers, because we’re achieving results that only a few years ago seemed impossible - and we now know we can be even more ambitious.

So today I’m pleased to announce a new group of 10 targets.

I’m setting my clear expectations for Ministers and the public service to deliver even better results for New Zealand families.

In particular, I expect improved maths and literacy skills in primary schools.

I expect better health outcomes for new mums and their children.

I expect reductions in child abuse and in the number of victims of serious crimes.

I expect the number of people dependent on welfare to reduce further.

And I expect the public service to cut the time it takes people to access social housing.

Today the Government is publishing the specific, measurable targets we want to achieve in each of these 10 areas.

Most targets are new while some build on existing achievements.

We are persisting with our existing targets to reduce welfare dependency and serious crime because we want to achieve more alongside the New Zealanders and their communities whose lives are blighted by these issues.

Every six months we will publish an update on our progress, so you can see exactly how your money is making a difference.

And you will be able to see that lives are changing.

The targets are challenging.

They demand a lot of the public service and community organisations.

But I’ve seen the skill, dedication and commitment of our teachers, nurses, doctors, police, social workers, corrections staff, NGOs and other public servants.

I know that we can do even better, by focusing on our customers and working together.

I’ve spoken to many of you before about the Government’s programme of Social Investment – intervening early to help the most at-risk people lead better lives and become more independent.

The more we help people who have complicated and sometimes chaotic lives, the more independence they will gain, and the more they can participate in the wider community.

And when they have better lives, we save on public services.

In other words, what works for the community works for the Government’s books.

So in the lead up to Budget 2017 we set a challenge for Government agencies.

The Cabinet said that where agencies could demonstrate their ideas would deliver significant results for New Zealanders and a long-run payoff, we would fund them.

This might sound logical to most people, but that investment focus is new in the public service.

Agencies had to clearly answer three questions:

First, what people where – who are we trying to help, and how do they need our support? Second, who has the relationship to earn the trust of these people and help them change their lives? And third, how do we know we are making a difference?

As we ask these questions, we’re increasingly finding that programmes tailored to the needs of quite small groups can have the biggest long term impact.

So Social Investment is pushing us to customise the services we deliver, particularly where people’s lives are challenging and complex.

Today I can also announce that Budget 2017 will include a $321 million Social Investment Package of 14 new initiatives that went through this new process and met the investment threshold.

I want to thank Social Investment Minister Amy Adams for her leadership in this area.

One particular focus of the Government’s work on Social Investment is ensuring all New Zealand children have a good start to life.

That’s why three of the 10 better public services targets I mentioned focus on young children.

And that’s why, as part of the Social Investment package in Budget 2017, I can confirm today that $69 million will be provided to support children most at risk of long-term dysfunction.

The new funding will allow for the nationwide roll-out of Family Start – a programme that provides intensive, weekly in-home support targeting young children in homes where there may be mental health issues, addiction problems, family violence or other child development risks.

This programme has proven to work well in certain communities, but we want it to be available to all New Zealand families who need it.

The new money also allows us to support a further 1000 children with behavioural issues to improve their self-control.

This is a key factor in their ability to learn, function socially and lead better lives as adolescents and adults.

And finally we will invest in targeted and specialist support for three and four year olds with oral language needs, to help prevent these children from turning up to school unable to communicate properly.

Without these skills, they cannot learn and participate as well as other children.

These seem like simple and obvious interventions – but they’re backed by rigorous analysis to ensure we’re putting taxpayer’s money in the right place to make a difference.

We now have a much better understanding of the drivers of long-term social dysfunction – and we can see some of those drivers in children as young as five.

Of the children known to the care and protection system, fewer than 40 per cent will receive NCEA Level 2, and 70 per cent will be on a benefit by age 21.

These children are seven times more likely to be in trouble with police as teenagers, and nine times more likely to receive a custodial sentence.

These are children who have come to the attention of social services, usually because of problems in their own families.

So they rely on all of us, on our money, our ideas, and our people to help them have better futures.

I’m proud of what this Government has already done to support families with young children.

Last year we increased benefits for the first time in over 40 years, and increased Working for Families payments for those on lower incomes.

We’ve increased access to early childhood education, with participation rates now at 97 per cent.

We’ve made sweeping changes to family violence laws to keep victims safe and to change perpetrator behaviour.

And we’ve established the new Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki, which has an explicit focus of supporting those most in need.

All New Zealanders will benefit from these changes.

That’s because all of us and our children pay in one way or another for poor parenting.

All our kids will get a better education when every child can behave and learn.

All of us feel safer when we can help someone into a job rather than choosing crime.

When I said at the beginning of this speech that New Zealand is a great place to live, it's not just for the clean air.

It's also for our sense of community, our view that a great country is one where children with a tough start will be supported so they can live good lives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A hallmark of this Government has been to think long-term.

We will continue to do that because it’s working for New Zealand and it’s working for New Zealanders.

In recent years our country has weathered, storms, floods, earthquakes and a global financial crisis.

But we never lost sight of our long term goals.

And we’ve emerged stronger than ever.

We are mainstays at the top of international rankings recognising our quality of life, prosperity, equality, transparency and ease of doing business.

Solid economic growth is driving more jobs and higher wages.

That’s creating more opportunities here, so more Kiwis are staying at home because they know they can build positive and prosperous lives.

We’re investing in the infrastructure and public services needed for a growing country while delivering surpluses and paying down debt.

That all adds up to a country able to make positive choices.

We’ll seek your support in the election later this year because the longer we can govern, the more we can achieve.

We’re a busy and energised Government.

And as I’ve outlined today we’ve got a clear plan for the future.

If we stick to that plan we can deliver sustained success.

Thank you.

Prime Minister Bill English has announced the election of National’s new whips following the National Party Caucus this morning.

Mr English says the new senior whip will be Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross. He was previously junior whip and replaces Tim Macindoe, who is now a Minister outside Cabinet.

The junior whip will be Taranaki King Country MP Barbara Kuriger who steps up from third whip.

The third whip will be Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey.

“Jami-Lee Ross, Barbara Kuriger and Matt Doocey will be a great team and I congratulate them on their appointments,” Mr English says.

The Prime Minister also thanked Mr Macindoe for his two-and-a-half years service as senior whip.

Prime Minister Bill English today announced the appointment of Gerry Brownlee as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nathan Guy as Minister of Civil Defence, Nikki Kaye as Minister of Education and Mark Mitchell as Minister of Defence.

The changes follow the resignations from Cabinet of Hekia Parata and Murray McCully.

In other changes Simon Bridges has been appointed Leader of the House and Nicky Wagner has been made Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration.

Mr Mitchell has been promoted to Cabinet.

Tim Macindoe, a former chairman of the justice and electoral select committee and National’s senior whip since the 2014 election, and Scott Simpson, the chairman of the local government and environment select committee have been appointed ministers outside cabinet.

“This is a Government that is focused on the future. Our careful stewardship of the Government’s books over the past eight years has given us a rare opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives and we are going to take it.

“These changes illustrate the depth of talent within National’s parliamentary ranks,” Mr English says.

“As education minister, Ms Parata has changed the conversation in our schools and driven sharp rises in achievement for all our students, particularly Māori and Pasifika.

“As foreign affairs minister, Mr McCully has improved existing relationships and developed new ones, all the while running a truly independent foreign policy for New Zealand.

“Neither will be easily replaced but in Nikki Kaye and Gerry Brownlee we have two very well qualified successors.

“The same holds true for the Ministers who are picking up the roles relinquished by Mr Brownlee to take up the demanding foreign affairs position.

Mr English said he particularly wanted to pay tribute to Mr Brownlee for his untiring efforts to put Christchurch back on its feet after the 2011 earthquakes.

“Having worked alongside him as associate minister for several years his successor, Ms Wagner, is ideally placed to replace him.”

The Prime Minister also announced some changes to the housing portfolios.

Social Housing Minister Amy Adams will remain responsible for Housing New Zealand and all aspects of the Government’s supply of social and emergency housing. She will also take responsibility for the Crown land programme and have a closer involvement in the Government’s overall house building programme.

Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith will continue to oversee the various aspects of building regulation, including planning, minimum codes and building sector productivity issues.

The new ministers will be sworn in next Tuesday and the new Cabinet will hold its first meeting on May 8.