Search

Budget 2017 invests an extra $68.8 million over four years to support vulnerable children and their families, say Minister for Children Anne Tolley and Education Minister Nikki Kaye.

This is part of the Government’s $321 million Social Investment Package announced by Prime Minister Bill English today.

The package includes:

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.

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.

Budget 2017 will include a $321 million Social Investment Package with 14 initiatives designed to help our most vulnerable to improve their circumstances, Social Investment Minister Amy Adams says.

“Social investment is about tackling our most challenging social issues – intervening early to help the most at-risk New Zealanders to lead better lives, become more independent and cost taxpayers less in the long run.

Good afternoon.

Thank you John and Peter and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

Special guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Budget 2017 is now just under one month away and preparations are continuing.

I have four key areas I am thinking about in getting ready for this year’s Budget.

First, delivering better public services for a growing country – providing all New Zealanders with the opportunity to lead successful independent lives.

Minister of Transport Simon Bridges announced today that Budget 2017 will provide up to $812 million for reinstating State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.

“The Government’s priority is to restore the pre-earthquake transport links to Kaikoura and its surrounding communities, and ensure these vital links are resilient for the long term,” Mr Bridges says.

“To make sure this work continues at pace, Budget 2017 will provide up to $812 million to reinstate State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.