✨ Government Policy Address
4704
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 187
9 NOVEMBER 2005
Over the next three years, eligibility for student allowances will also be
extended, in accordance with my government’s own policy and its agreements
with other parties.
Honourable Members,
Another key foundation for our growing economy is modern infrastructure.
In this regard, New Zealand not only faces major challenges with respect to
energy and transport policy and delivery, but also in ensuring that our ICT
infrastructure is capable of supporting a dynamic 21st century economy and
society.
It seems very likely that while the present high oil prices will fluctuate, there
will not be a return to the low prices of the previous decade or more.
This makes having efficient transport infrastructure more important that ever.
My government will continue to invest heavily in that, including in public
transport.
During this term my government will explore a wide range of potential energy
scenarios in order to develop a National Energy Strategy. Priority will be
given to renewable energy sources.
A more aggressive approach will be taken with respect to energy efficiency, in
order to reduce the growth in demand, while also meeting the needs of
households and businesses. This will be developed in co-operation with the
Green Party. Measures will include increased support for solar water-heating,
the introduction of a Home Energy Rating Scheme, improved building
standards, use of passive solar design systems, and other mechanisms to
achieve a sustainable path forward.
Progress will continue on the completion of Auckland’s roading network
in the next ten years with attention being paid to ensuring a smooth flow of
projects and flexibility around their management. The preferred solution to
Wellington’s western corridor issue will be advanced as identified in the
agreement with United Future.
Along with such investment, increased funding will be provided to encourage
more people to switch to public transport.
With respect to ICT, my government will be advancing policies to ensure
that the telecommunications sector becomes more competitive and that we
achieve faster broadband uptake in line with our competitors.
Honourable Members,
New Zealand’s transformation must be based on opportunity and security for
all. Unlocking the potential of all New Zealanders is an imperative, not an
ideal, in a dynamic modern economy.
Over the last six years my government has transformed our system of social
assistance so that it is focused on assisting people to find sustainable
employment. The social welfare system will continue to provide a base of
security for all New Zealanders, alongside the provision of opportunities for
work. During this term further action will be taken to encourage and support
those on Sickness and Invalids Benefits to participate in the workforce.
Next Page →
Online Sources for this page:
VUW Te Waharoa —
NZ Gazette 2005, No 187
Gazette.govt.nz —
NZ Gazette 2005, No 187
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🏛️
Speech from the Throne at the State Opening of Parliament
(continued from previous page)
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration8 November 2005
Governor-General, Parliament, State Opening, Economic Growth, Fiscal Policy, KiwiSaver, Education, Innovation