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- By Casey Costello, Minister of Customs, Seniors
Over the last month, I have been travelling around New Zealand, attending public meetings on behalf of New Zealand First.
What’s been most noticeable is that whether it is Pukekohe or Blenheim, Whangarei or Whanganui, the issues important to regional New Zealand are constant: housing, health and cost of living are key themes.
When I first became an MP and was campaigning in 2023, the most common concern was law and order.
I am grateful that, although we still have much to do, we have made good progress towards making our communities safer. People still care about the issue, but they feel better about it – so other things are now top of mind.
We’re doing a lot around sorting the health system and getting better housing options, but the key thing that every other part of government depends on is economic growth. The economy is what provides people’s income, and it’s what allows spending on public services.
Economic growth is essential for regional NZ to achieve its potential and to provide wealth, jobs and income.
That is why New Zealand First has been so outspoken on eliminating the constraints that prevent industry from doing what it knows will work to achieve growth, and on ensuring there is the right investment in regional economies and infrastructure.
Our biggest export earners are still very much regionally and provincially based, and whether it is agriculture, horticulture, mining, fisheries or technology, there is more that can be done to encourage investment, reduce bureaucracy and support business.
The Fast Track legislation that New Zealand First brought to this coalition Government was a key factor in helping to get the wheels in motion. It is important to send a strong message that New Zealand is a great place to do business and to support those who build, grow, create and produce.
The other thing that’s clear to me, from all the public meetings I have attended, is that sometimes the best thing a politician can do is listen.
That way, we can do the right things to encourage investment and growth, and most importantly, create jobs.
