Nov 28, 2017  -  The next four weeks will mark further significant progress for the Labour-led Government on our 100 Day Plan, says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

“When my government was sworn in just over four weeks ago we promised action and we’ve made huge strides on many issues already.

“By Christmas we’ll make further important progress, putting families at the heart of everything this government does.

“On Thursday we will pass legislation extending Paid Parental Leave – lifting it to 26 weeks by July 2020. This will be of huge benefit to working families and the well-being of their young children.

“The Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill will be passed by the House in the next two weeks, underlining our commitment to ensure all New Zealanders can live in warm, dry homes.

“On Friday Finance Minister Grant Robertson will deliver his first major speech where he will announce the date of the Half Year Fiscal Update and Budget Policy Statement. This will incorporate our 100 Day Plan and set us on the road towards Budget 2018. It will show our investment and spending plans are responsible, affordable and in line with our Budget Responsibility Rules.

“The update will also spell out the renewed contribution to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund after nine years of a contribution freeze. This is all about safeguarding super for future generations.

“We will also shortly be introducing legislation to give effect to the Families Package. This includes Best Start, the Winter Energy Payment and increased payments to parents with children under Working for Families. This package will make a huge difference to low and middle income earners.

“We promised to make post-secondary school education and training more affordable and accessible. Last week’s increase of $50 to student allowances was the first stage of that plan. In the next weeks we will outline our policy on making the first year of post-secondary school education and training free from 1 January, 2018.

“There’s much more for this government to do, but I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and the difference we’re making to the lives of many New Zealanders,” says Prime Minister Ardern.

|  Note: Progress to date on 100 Day Plan

• Minimum wage to rise to $16.50 to take effect from April 2018
• Student allowances and living cost loans to increase by $50 from 1 January 2018
• Extension of Paid Parental Leave – legislation introduced and to be passed this week
• Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill – legislation introduced and to be passed shortly
• Ban on overseas speculators buying existing houses – legislation to be introduced shortly
• Tax Working Group - establishment underway
• Pike River Recovery Agency – establishment underway

 | A Beehive release  ||  November 27,  2017   |||