Our priorities for Budget 2014

Good Afternoon,

Today I want to share with you some of our plans in this year's Budget to keep New Zealand heading in the right direction.

This Budget, our focus will move from managing our way through a recession to managing a growing economy that works for you and your family, not just now but in the years to come.

A stronger economy matters because it delivers more jobs, higher wages and better front line services.

Like households around the country, the Government will continue to spend wisely and keep its costs down.

So there will be no lolly scramble in this year's Budget. A return to Labour's tax and spend approach from the mid-2000s would mean greater debt and interest rates that are much higher than they would be otherwise. That would hurt Kiwi families just as the economy is starting to pick up.

The Budget will focus on supporting families, particularly in the areas of health and education.

We are also going to extend the assistance we give to New Zealand businesses who are competing overseas and growing exports, which is how New Zealand pays its way in the world. That means higher incomes and more jobs.

Today I announced that we are boosting the presence of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) in China, South America, and the Middle East.

These markets offer big opportunities to grow our exports.

NZTE is our trade organisation dedicated to helping Kiwi companies succeed overseas, and we will also be increasing its funding so it can help another 200 New Zealand companies to export and break into overseas markets.

The new funding comes to $69 million over four years and helps support our exports which now total around $60 billion a year.

I am confident about New Zealand's future, and in coming weeks we will outline more of our plans to keep building a stronger economy that provides more jobs, more opportunities and better public services for Kiwis and their families.

New Zealanders have every reason to be proud of what we are achieving by working together.

Sincerely,

John Key
Prime Minister

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