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Much will have been already made of last week's Budget so I thought I would pick out a few items that will be of interest to Wairarapa people.
First is the visionary new scheme to help New Zealanders save for their retirement or a new home.
KiwiSaver will help hard-working Kiwi households get into a long-term savings habit. It will also help thousands realise the dream of home ownership for the first time.
New Zealanders have been hearing for a long time that they're not good savers but saving isn't so easy. At last we have a government that understands this.
KiwiSaver will kick-start your long-term savings with an upfront contribution of $1000. It will make saving easy, with contributions paid directly from your wages through Inland Revenue. And it will boost the return you get on your investment, by subsidising fees to keep them low.
Why? Because saving doesn't just make sense for you, it makes sense for New Zealand.
With money put away in a retirement fund, you have more financial security and the prospect of enjoying a better lifestyle when you've finished working.
And with more Kiwi savings the economy is stronger. New Zealand business can grow under New Zealand ownership, rather than depending on overseas investment. Profits can stay in the country and fuel more new businesses and jobs.
KiwiSaver will open in 2007 after some necessary law changes. The Government expects about one in four eligible workers will join the scheme in its first five years.
People who already have workplace super schemes will not miss out. You can still join KiwiSaver, or your workplace savings plan could become a KiwiSaver scheme.
Employers will be able to contribute to their employees' KiwiSaver accounts. For many, this will be an easier way to offer a savings plan to their staff. KiwiSaver will also be open to the self-employed, who will be able to choose how much and how often they contribute.
Although KiwiSaver is being created mainly to help people save for their retirement, it will also help many buy their first home.
Like saving, home ownership brings security. It underpins better health and educational achievement and gives us a stronger sense of community.
First home buyers will be able to use their KiwiSaver funds for a deposit on a house, then turn their savings contributions into mortgage payments.
People who have been in KiwiSaver for three years will also get a deposit subsidy of $1000 for every year they've been in the scheme, up to a maximum of $5000.
This year's Budget invests responsibly in the health, education and safety of the people of Wairarapa and supports the economic future of the region.
New Zealand's economy has done well under this government, enabling us all to benefit from improved public services.
That record continues with new funding this year for healthcare, early childhood education, schools and Police.
Health funding will rise by an unprecedented $4 billion over the next four years. This includes money to extend low-cost primary care, establish a Cancer Control Council, offer free breast screening to more women, phase out asset testing for older people in rest homes, pay nurses more, and fund more hip and major joint operations.
Investment in education is focused on improving quality, from early childhood to the tertiary sector. Childcare centres are getting more funding to pay for better-qualified staff. Schools are being funded to employ more teachers, increase their operating budgets and invest in new technology.
New funding for higher education is targeted at better quality teaching in strategically vital subjects, including science, trades, technical subjects, agriculture and horticulture. There is also more money for Modern Apprenticeships and industry training, while tertiary students will benefit from new scholarships and changes to allowances.
Increased funding for Police would ensure the force had the resources necessary to keep on top of crime rates, which are the lowest in decades. New money in the Budget will pay for an estimated 245 more police nationwide in the coming year.
This Budget also provides substantial tax relief for business and changes to personal income tax thresholds that will protect people's incomes against inflation. Altogether it is a balanced investment in the nation's social and economic future.
I am proud to be associated with this Budget.
It's not too late to book in to see Ombudsman Beverley Waken and Investigating Officers Keith Robinson and Richard Featherstone in Featherston and Pahiatua on May 26 and Masterton on May 27.
They will be available to discuss complaints people may have with a central or local government department or organisation.
Appointments can be made by phoning 0800 802 602.
Finally Everyday Communities - Child, Youth and Family's child abuse prevention programme - is holding a community expo on Tuesday 31 May from 4 to 7pm at the Frank Cody Lounge.
It celebrates the community's achievements in dealing with issues of child abuse and family violence and sharing stories and strengthening community bonds will be the theme so please get along to it if you can.
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