4 June 2009

Budget 2009 focuses on important initiatives that will support jobs, maintain entitlements for those on low incomes, and take the necessary steps to get New Zealand’s finances back in good shape, says National MP Aaron Gilmore.

“By building better roads such as the Christchurch motorway projects, upgrading schools and delivering faster home broadband, thousands of much-needed new jobs will be created for Kiwis,” Mr Gilmore said.

The $323.3 million injection into the home insulation programme will mean 180,000 householders can get up to $1,800 towards installing insulation and clean heating devices such as heat pumps. As well as job creation, Kiwis, young and old, will benefit from healthier, warmer and drier homes, Mr Gilmore said.

“We have increased spending on upgrading state houses in Canterbury with Housing New Zealand spending $9 million upgrading 875 homes in the region in 2009/2010,” Mr Gilmore said.

“A lot of this work, which includes modernising kitchens and bathrooms, has been carried out.”

He said the corporation would also buy about 70 homes in the area in 2009/2010.

“Increased investment in core public services such as health and education will mean current and future generations of New Zealanders will not bear the legacy of this global economic downturn,” Mr Gilmore said.

“The National-led Government is also committed to ensuring that households who are struggling to make ends meet can still rely on Working For Families, Superannuation and other benefits and allowances to help steer them through tough times.

“We believe New Zealand has a genuine opportunity to emerge from the recession in a stronger position than most other countries. Critical to this budget is to keep debt levels within manageable limits so we don’t saddle our children’s generation with debt. Budget 2009 is the balanced and sensible first step to ensuring that happens.”