Just over a month ago our tax relief package kicked in, bringing meaningful tax relief to Kiwis for the first time in 14 years.
The numbers tell the story: around 727,000 households receive at least $75 more per fortnight, with 187,000 households getting at least $100 more per fortnight. That’s more money each fortnight that families around the country can spend on the things that matter to them – fuel, groceries, school supplies for the kids.
Our Government campaigned on giving hardworking Kiwis the tax relief they deserve and I’m proud that we have delivered on that.
Add to that the Reserve Bank recently cutting the Official Cash Rate (the first reduction in four years) and the sense is that things are truly getting back on track for New Zealand. The Reserve Bank’s move signals that inflation is under control, bringing tangible, flow-on effects for Kiwis such as lower mortgage repayments. Welcome news for homeowners across Auckland, I’m sure!
Meanwhile, it’s been another busy month at Parliament, including a big three-week sitting block in which our Government delivered several key announcements. And speaking of numbers, one of these was our action plan that will transform maths education in New Zealand.
I was shocked to hear that only 22 percent of Year 8 students are at the expected curriculum benchmark for maths. This new plan will complement the other steps we’ve taken in education – such as introducing structured literacy and removing the distraction of cell phones in the classroom – to further set our children up for success. Last month, I also had the pleasure of talking with the Mt Albert education community at Balmoral School, Edendale Primary School and Ferndale Kindergarten; about some of these upcoming changes and how they will benefit the community.
Inside the classroom and out, our Government continues to take action focused on improving Kiwis’ everyday lives. I know as well as any other Aucklander what a drain our traffic can be on our productivity. That’s why we introduced legislation to enable time of use schemes. Basically, this is about reducing travel times and increasing efficiency on our busiest roads, so people can get to where they need to be, quickly and safely, and get more stuff done.
That’s more businesses and tradies making more trips each day, ultimately playing their part in rebuilding our economy. I’m pleased to note that Auckland has a significant role to play in this – this city has long been considered a leading candidate for a time of use scheme, and the Government will prioritise working with Auckland Council.
In my role as Minister for Ethnic Communities, I’m always honoured to be able to attend significant cultural events for our diverse communities. The last few weeks were again busy on this front – did you know that Independence Day for India and the Republic of Korea fall on the same day (August 15)? It was a real pleasure to attend various celebrations for these two days, as well as several other ceremonies around Auckland, such as the 71st anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, where I got to catch up again with our Korean War veterans – true heroes who have sacrificed so much for us.
Until next time, (Hon Melissa Lee)
National List MP based in Mt Albert
Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
M.Lee@Ministers.govt.nz
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