Media Release

18 May 2006

An MMP Budget: New Zealand First Fixing It for All New Zealanders

There is no coincidence that New Zealand First's five policy platforms from the 2005 election – senior citizens, immigration, law and order, Treaty of Waitangi and an export led economy – feature so strongly in today's budget, because it is a genuine MMP budget, says the Rt Hon Winston Peters.

"From the significant increase of $126 million in elder care funding and the development of a Golden Aged Card for seniors, through to the $500 million to dramatically boost police numbers, and making Tauranga’s new Harbourlink Bridge toll-free, New Zealand First's imprint on this budget is unmistakable.

"We have demonstrated clearly that parties who work constructively are able to deliver for their constituents across a range of fronts and make a real difference to the lives of our families, businesses and workers," Mr Peters said.

"We are particularly pleased to see that the Government is now using the language of New Zealand First, from pursuing an 'export-led economy' through to 'securing our borders' in immigration.

"The difference between this government and National is that this government at least gives us some credit when they borrow our policies.

"While New Zealand First does see some gaps in the budget – we would like to have seen all of the petrol excise put into transport infrastructure for example – we do believe that it is generally headed in the right direction.

"This budget demonstrates that some parties have matured with MMP and that the public got it right to reject those parties that simply don't understand that by working together you can get more done. New Zealand First is proud to deliver on it promises and to fix it like we promised for all New Zealanders," concluded Mr Peters.

ENDS

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