Opinion: This Government is striving for growth

Maureen Pugh, West Coast-Tasman MP

I’m sure you have heard the message: this Government is striving for growth! Across all sectors it’s economic growth that is the key to getting ahead.

Just like in our own households, the more money we have coming in the more we are able to invest in the things our families want and need, while also paying off a mortgage, loans or credit card debt. Unfortunately, the Government is also stuck with a maxed-out credit card in the form of Government debt so growing the economy is how we can afford to repay that debt while at the same time invest in things like schools, hospitals and infrastructure we need as a nation.

So, we’re saying ‘yes’ to more infrastructure and less regulation to get things moving and have thriving towns, cities and rural communities. The Government’s growth strategy has five platforms; developing talent through our education system; competitive business settings; global trade and investment; innovation, technology & science; and infrastructure for growth.

You will have noticed the focus we have put into education especially on basic maths and language skills as well as school attendance so that the current school generation are set up for future success. Competitive business settings means we’re cutting red tape and reducing compliance costs to enable businesses, large and small, to focus on what they do best, not on paperwork.

Our third platform is promoting global trade and attracting overseas investment. Around 100 of the world’s high-profile investors, business leaders and construction companies made their way to New Zealand on March 14 and 15th for the very successful Global Investment Summit. The most recent exposure New Zealand has had on the world stage was the Prime Minister’s four-day visit to Delhi and Mumbai, making great progress on a free trade deal with India. Given the changing and unpredictable geo-political landscape this was a vital connection, especially as India becomes a growing influence in world trade.

Innovation, technology and science are all getting emphasis in the Government’s strategy, creating high-paid jobs across the whole gambit of ‘tech’ industries which mean more jobs and opportunities in a wide range of enterprises. Improving infrastructure and removing barriers for major projects is vital to allow us all to enjoy more housing, improved roads and cheaper, reliable and increased energy supply.

I am so pleased that the South Island electorates with their incredible potential will not be forgotten in this preparation for growth. As the newly appointed Minister for the South Island, Rangitata MP James Meager is busy in his new role, meeting with Councils and local businesses, finding out what they need to succeed and also connecting organisations to co-ordinate progress and avoid duplication.

I am looking forward to travelling with my colleague James Meager within the West Coast-Tasman electorate soon, looking at ways to further unlock the growth potential our regions have.