Today’s Press Conference began with the announcement of the government’s plan to spend $300M over the next 4.5 years on housing. Prime Minister John Key allowed Minister for Social Housing Paula Bennett to introduce a breakdown of where the money will be spent and to answer relevant questions.

Questions on housing addressed the timeline, quantity of housing/places (1400), if the government plans to use more motels. Ms. Bennett stated “no” there is not a “housing crisis,” and the government is working on the issue of housing. She also said there is a plan for non-emergency housing to assist those who are at risk of losing their tenancy.

More information on this can be found in the Government’s press release from today.

Other items Mr. Key spoke of included the TPP Amendment Bill, his meeting with Dutch Royals, and an upcoming meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Mr. Key was asked what he anticipated to discuss with Mr Kerry: the US election, Syria, Antarctica. He was reluctant to give any opinion on the outcome of the election though, saying that the New Zealand government will have to work with whoever the US president is. When questioned on the prime site for Waitangi Day celebrations next year, Mr Key indicated he would be open to discussion about any expressed intention to shift it from the lower marae to upper marae, or to another site altogether, depending on the wishes of the hosts. The Prime Minister expanded on his meeting with the Dutch Royals, stating that Dutch farmers are expected to be supportive, and that they discussed the issues of refugees, Syria and Iraq. Lastly, Mr. Key was asked for his opinion of Gareth Morgan’s launch of his political party; he said that Mr. Morgan loves being controversial, and that it’s very difficult for any party to win 5%.

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