11 February 2011

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
This week I laid out National's two main goals for 2011. The first is to build the foundations for a stronger economy, which I also talked about in my speech a couple of weeks ago. The second is to build better results from the public services that New Zealand families rely on.

I'm really excited about the future prospects of this country, and I look forward to hearing what you think about National's plan. Let me know on Facebook, Twitter, or on my website.

Click here to read my Statement to Parliament.

BETTER PUBLIC SERVICES
New Zealanders expect a world-class health service, an education service that delivers for every child, an effective justice system, and social services for our most vulnerable.

By getting better results from public services, we'll improve the lives of families, help solve social problems, and build a brighter future for the next generation.

National's priorities include:
• Improving the results we get from welfare and social services.
• Continuing our drive to shift more resources to the frontline in areas such as health.
• Making sure Kiwis get the skills they need to succeed.
• Building a safer New Zealand and addressing the drivers of crime.

In my speech I also said that this year we're putting a special focus on vulnerable children. I want all Kiwi kids to have a fair crack at life. We're taking steps to improve social services for vulnerable children, to give them better protection in the justice system, to keep them healthier, and to help them succeed at school.

Click here to see a one-page summary of our plan for better public services.

A STRONGER ECONOMY
Only a strong economy will provide New Zealanders with better jobs, higher incomes, and improved living standards.

National has a comprehensive plan for faster economic growth. We're getting the government books back in order, demanding better value for taxpayer money, and tilting the economy towards savings, investment, and exports.

Our plan includes:
• Reducing new spending in Budget 2011.
• Considering advice on extending the public-private ownership model to four energy state-owned enterprises.
• Looking at reducing the size of the government bureaucracy because it's not as efficient as it could be.
• Building world-class infrastructure to help businesses compete.
• Reducing business costs and helping exporters sell more of their goods to the world at a better price.
• Building skills and knowledge for future-proofed jobs.
• Making the most of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Click here to see a one-page summary of our plan for faster economic growth.

FROM MY DIARY
On Sunday I'm off to the annual Big Gay Out in Auckland. Next week, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is visiting Auckland and Wellington. I'm looking forward to catching up with her. It'll be a great chance to build on the very close relationship between our two countries, and she'll be the first foreign leader to address New Zealand's Members of Parliament in the debating chamber.

Best wishes,
John Key
Prime Minister

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ENDS

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