Policy
From the Campaign Trail
Here are policies we've announced on our 'Back Your Future' Tour:
Committed to Back the Future of Tiwai Point
- We are committed to a 20-year agreement to save the aluminium smelter.
- There will be a 10-year review of the agree, with a fair electricity cost based on the cost of supply and a respectable margin.
Pledged our support for Agricultural Training Institutes such as Telford in Balclutha to continue operating
- Primary industry will help New Zealand's COVID-19 recovery, requiring 25,000 dairy jobs before 2025.
- These institutions will provide training in agriculture, forestry, apiculture, etc.
Support for Prisoner Training Programmes like that at Ngawha Prison
- We will support prisoners to develop skills to be productive and better integrate into society.
- PGF investment in the likes of the Howard Driving Programme has demonstrated the benefits of prisoner training.
- As we train the unemployed, supporting prisoner training programmes will assist with reintegration into society.
$100 million invested into Aquaculture through Aquacorp
- Aquaculture has the potential to be a $3bn industry by 2035 and already provides 3,000 jobs in the regions
- The PGF investment in Opotiki Mussels has already demonstrated the entity works
- Touted to be the ‘Marine Landcorp’, Aquacorp receive $100m and will partner with industry to invest in off-shore marine farming.
Capitalise Air New Zealand with obligations to regional New Zealand
- Our National carrier is 52% government owned and is about to draw on a $900 million loan.
- The Government should re-nationalise or increase equity in Air NZ with obligations to service regional routes.
Fully Fund St John to the level they require and need
- Our ambulance service operation expenses are funded to 72% by the Ministry of Health and ACC.
- Historical pressures have meant that pay disputes, cost-cutting initiatives, and threats to service levels are on the horizon
- New Zealand First was able to secure short term funding while sustainable model was produced
- We will fund St John up to the 90% that is requested. This will provide certainty of funding for a critical service that saves kiwi lives everyday.
Pledge $10 million support to mental health programme 'Gumboot Friday'
- Many young New Zealanders take their own lives as they struggle with mental health issues.
- Gumboot Friday is an initiative that provides kids and young Kiwis with choice and access to the help they need fast.
- New Zealand First will support 'Gumboot Friday' with $10 million in funding over three years towards the cost of providing free counselling and all administration costs.
- Admin costs will be capped at 9 per cent which means 91 cents of every dollar will be spent directly towards counselling.