Speeches

Just after World War 2, there were incentives to clear forest and bring land into agricultural production.

I want to start by thanking our hosts the Wellington Chamber of Commerce who graciously do this every year as we lead into the Budget.

Thank you to Business New Zealand and Fujitsu for hosting us here today, and I am grateful to be joined by Minister Faafoi, and Minister Hipkins.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Ngā mihi o te ata.

Good morning.

Thank you, Stephen, for that kind introduction.

Today I am setting out our plan to deal with growing hospital waiting lists.

It is a pleasure to be here tonight addressing you all and continuing to showcase New Zealand’s reconnection to the world.

I want to thank Rabobank for hosting us this morning, and all of you for making it along for an early start.

It is a pleasure to participate today in the United States Business Summit and to have the opportunity to speak to you about the US-New Zealand trade and economic relationship.

Today we are tabling in Parliament and releasing Rautaki Hanganga o Aotearoa, the 30-year New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy from Te Waihanga, the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission.

Today I come to you amid a six month exercise of accelerating New Zealand’s re-entry onto the world stage.