Nicola's News: 29 September 2023

Voting opens on Monday!

As with all MMP elections, this one is going to be close. New Zealand cannot afford another three years of Labour, so it is absolutely crucial that if you want to change the government, you get out next week and Party Vote for National. 

Only a vote for National can guarantee a change of government. 

Below is a map showing you where you can vote for National next week around Selwyn. 

It is important to note that not all voting booths that are open on Election Day will be available for advanced voting.

You can find details of all advanced voting booths locations and opening hours at the Electoral Commissions website - click here to find your closest polling booth.

Fiscal Plan

National’s fiscal plan will restore discipline to government spending, lower taxes and reduce net debt compared to the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update forecasts.

The return of a National government means a return to responsible economic management, which will enable our economy to grow and get New Zealand back on track.

Labour inherited a very tidy set of books from National in 2017. But since then, Labour has increased spending by 80 per cent and seen debt blow out from $5 billion in 2019 to $104 billion in the latest forecast.

New Zealand cannot afford to continue down this path.

People are doing it tough right now – their household finances have been pummelled by the cost-of-living crisis, high interest rates and high taxes. Kiwis deserve tax relief and National will deliver it. 

At the same time, we know schools and hospitals need more funding and future budgets will need to make room for this.

The next National government will meet these pressing needs while also charting a path back to balanced books and lower debt.

Kiwis have had to tighten their belts through the cost-of-living crisis, so it is only fair that the Government does the same with smaller allowances for new spending in upcoming budgets.

National’s disciplined approach results in a forecast $3.4 billion reduction in debt compared to Labour in 2027/28. Under National a $2.9 billion surplus is forecast for 2026/27, $0.8 billion higher than Labour.

We have provided for significant buffers, with $9.9 billion of unallocated operating spending to ensure we can respond to cost pressures and changing circumstances. 

Labour’s plan does not have any credibility when they have failed to stay within their spending limits for every single Budget since they have been in office, nor when they have delayed the return to surplus three times in the last two years.

National’s fiscal plan is responsible and credible. It has been reviewed and verified by independent economic advisors Castalia.

This election is all about the economy and which party can rebuild it after six years of decline and Kiwis going backwards under Labour.

Only through a strong economy can we end the cost-of-living crisis, lift wages, reduce interest rates and afford the public services we all rely on – like hospitals, schools and police.

Policy announcements

In the last week we have released a range of new policies that I wanted to share with you. This is on top of all the policies we have already announced to date!

Accelerate NZ

National will scrap Labour’s unnecessary plan to slow Kiwi motorists down.

So many residents I talk to in Selwyn have become increasingly frustrated by the speed reductions on local roads. I know many of us here would far rather the roads were actually improved, instead of us all being forced to crawl around the district to make up for Labour’s incompetent handling of the transport network.

National will accelerate New Zealand by returning many state highways to 100 km/h from 80, and many local roads to 50 km/h from 30!

Read our full Accelerate NZ plan here

Law & Order

This week National also announced that we will deliver an extra 300 frontline Constables over the next four years to increase the physical presence of officers on the beat.

We will scrap Labour’s policing by consent philosophy which has been a failure and encourage a back-to-basics policing model with a focus on highly visible beat and patrol officers building relationships with local shop owners and retailers, increasing contact and interaction with the public, deterring anti-social behaviour and street violence, and reassuring urban communities.

Yesterday, we also confirmed that National’s 100 Day Action Plan will include the introduction of legislation cracking down on gangs and giving Police more tools and powers. Passing these new laws through the Parliament will be a priority for National in government.

Read our Law & Order policies here

Reducing benefit dependency

National will do more to get unemployed people off the Jobseeker benefit and into suitable work, including introducing more sanctions for those who persistently do not meet their obligations.

For those who are able to work, employment is the best way out of hardship. It provides individuals and families with greater independence, choice and opportunity, and is also better for taxpayers.

However, under Labour, benefit dependency has surged. There are now almost 60,000 more people on a Jobseeker unemployment benefit compared with when National left office six years ago, and over 35,000 more people who have been on it for a year or longer.

One reason benefit dependency has grown substantially is that Labour have removed clear consequences for jobseekers who don't fulfil their obligations to prepare for or find work. In the 12 months to June this year, the number of sanctions applied to jobseekers who breached their obligations was around half the number applied in National’s last year in office, despite a 45 per cent increase in the number of jobseekers since then.

National will introduce a traffic light system, making it crystal clear to unemployed people receiving a jobseeker benefit what their obligations are, and what consequences they will face if they refuse to do their bit.

Read our plan to reduce benefit dependency here

Out and about

As the election draws closer, the team and I are fully focused on encouraging voters to party vote National and change to government!

This week I've knocked on hundreds of doors around Rolleston, Prebbleton, Leeston, Kirwee, Darfield, Lincoln, and Tai Tapu. I also hosted a coffee catch up in Leeston and Tai Tapu. 

On Wednesday, I attended the opening of Lincoln University's new flagship science building, Waimarie. Following that, I participated in an Election Panel hosted by the Lincoln University Students Association - and it was really encouraging to see so many students interested and involved! 

Last night I hosted another successful pub politics event, this time at the Darfield Hotel. I always enjoy connecting with people in this more casual environment, so if you're keen to catch up, come along to my last pub politics before the election at The Good Home in Prebbleton - more details below!

Upcoming events

Prebbleton Pub Politics

With the election drawing nearer, come and join me at my final pub politics event before the election at The Good Home Prebbleton to share your thoughts and queries.

📅 Thursday 5 October

⏰ 5:00pm - 7:00pm

📍 The Good Home Prebbleton, 563 Springs Road, Prebbleton

More info: https://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/prebbleton_pub_politics

West Melton Community Market

The Selwyn National Party and I will be at the West Melton Community Market this Sunday from 9:30am - 12:30pm! Come along if you're keen to chat and learn more about our plans and policies to get New Zealand Back on Track - and to check out some of the other great stallholders!

More info: https://www.facebook.com/westmeltoncm/

Hororata Coffee Catch Up

Keen to catch up? I'll be in Hororata if you want to have a coffee and talk to me about an issue, policy, or just want to chat! No appointment needed.

📅 Wednesday 4 October

⏰ 11:30am - 12:30pm

📍 Hororata Village Bar & Cafe

More info: https://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/hororata_coffee_catch_up

Here to help

As always, my team and I are here and available to help.

You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected], phone 03 344 2800, or pop into the office in Rolleston Square between Monday and Fridays, 10:00am - 4:00pm.

Kind regards,

Nicola Grigg
https://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/