Strong, stable government delivers on its promises

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton today released a solid list of achievements in a review of the Labour-Progressive government's first 12 months in office.

"When we took office for a second time 12 months ago, the government had big challenges ahead of it. It has dealt with them decisively, including the unpredictable like the power shortage," Helen Clark and Jim Anderton said.

"The government’s policies are about transforming the New Zealand economy, and improving opportunity and security. The building blocks are being put in place for a more prosperous and decent New Zealand which can produce the high value goods and services needed to guarantee high living standards.

"The economy’s performance has been strong, even in a challenging international environment. Our aim is to build and maintain solid levels of sustainable economic growth, fund good public services, and modernise our infrastructure.”

Achievements in the last year include: New Zealand achieving the fastest economic growth rate in the OECD at 4.4 per cent. Encouraging growth in the regions through the Regional Partnerships Programme. Improving New Zealand’s immigration policy to make it responsive to skills shortages in the economy. Primary Health Organisations are now reaching out to 1.7 million New Zealanders. Establishing a system of fee maxima to ensure that tertiary education remains affordable. Finalising policy on the phase out of asset testing on older people in rest homes and hospital care. Police numbers are now at their highest level and the police budget is the highest it’s ever been. Providing new support for big budget film and television productions through a 12.5 per cent grant on expenditure in New Zealand.

"The government’s key focus will continue to be on building a strong economy which delivers social and economic benefits to all New Zealanders. We are creating the conditions within which people and enterprises can prosper, and we prioritise fairness, opportunity, and security as key values driving the government.

"As coalition partners we are proud of the progress we have made. There is much to celebrate one year down the track but also much more to do," Helen Clark and Jim Anderton said.

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