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WE KNOW Other matters may also have been on the PM’s mind in May, however (as ever) the budget took centre stage, as this commentary from the EastLife team, based on official reports from Ms Ardern’s office, reveals. Jacinda Ardern.
BUDGET 2021 – LABOURING ON... The latest money-go-round sees funds flying furiously as the Government dishes out the dosh needed to keep doing this. “This Budget targets investments that will set Aotearoa New Zealand up to both recover from Covid-19 and be stronger than when we entered the pandemic,” Ms Ardern said on May 20, with reference to the budget as a whole. “Our economic plan is working. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the OECD, growth has exceeded expectations and debt is lower than forecast. Coupled with our successful management of the virus, we are well placed to seize the opportunities the recovery now presents.” Budget 2021 is intended to strike a balance between economic recovery and ‘keeping a lid on debt’, but the wellbeing of the most vulnerable is a major component. “Previous economic downturns have made inequality worse. We’re taking a different approach. By investing in those who need it the most, we are driving the recovery by reducing need, at the same time as providing stimulus for our economy,” the PM added.
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“As well as investing in the homes, family and whanau who need it most, we will continue to invest in critical services like health, education and social housing, in order to support the recovery.” The budget can be viewed in its entirety via www.treasury.govt.nz.
INNOVATION – THE CHILD OF NECESSITY Child wellbeing requires ongoing action, the PM confirmed following the release of two reports in mid May.
“While I’m proud of the Government’s achievements to date in reducing child poverty, the work is far from done,” the PM added. “The results will take time, but we will continue to build on progress, putting children and young people first, so that New Zealand really can be the best place in the world for them to be.”
COOKS – BOOK IT! Following the resumption of limited links with the Cook Islands earlier this year, two-way, quarantine-free travel has now been resumed.
“The reports highlight that most children and young people in New Zealand are doing well. However, there is still a group of children for whom life at home is quite different,” Ms Ardern said. “Reducing the number of children living in poverty is a key priority for the Government and it’s pleasing to see the range actions are starting to have a positive effect on children’s lives.”
“Two way quarantine-free travel is a significant step in both countries’ Covid-19 recovery, and a direct result of both New Zealand and the Cook Islands’ successful response to the pandemic,” the PM said when confirming the move in early May. “It [means] families can reconnect, commercial arrangements can resume and Kiwis can take a much-welcomed winter break and support the Cook Islands’ tourism sector and recovery.”
The first annual report for the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy and the second Child Poverty Related Indicators (CPRI) Report reveal there is room for improvement.
As with the trans-Tasman bubble, conditions do apply, however. In particular, travel will not be permitted for anyone who has not been in either the Cook Islands or
New Zealand for at least 14 days before departure.
MALLARD IN HER SIGHTS The Speaker is usually the one to chastise unruly MPs, but in early May, it was a case of open season on one particular Mallard, who drew fire and earned the ire of the PM. “I have spoken with The Speaker. He retains my overall confidence; however I have expressed serious concerns to him about the manner in which he conducted himself in the House,” Ms Ardern said. “It did not meet the standards I expect. Nor do I consider it to have met the needs of the victim in this situation. The Speaker acknowledges he did not meet his own standards either.” Mr Mallard’s conduct related to allegations made of sexual assault, despite no charges being laid to date by police. “The serious issue of alleged sexual assault and harassment at Parliament was poorly managed and inappropriately politicised. The tone of the debate did not reflect well on Parliament as a whole.” www.eastlife.co.nz
