Goodhew Jo: Address in Reply 
Goodhew Jo: Address in Reply 
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JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) 
: 
 When my contribution to the Address in Reply debate was interrupted I was reflecting on the reasons why New Zealanders voted resoundingly in November for change. After 9 years of opportunity and economic fair weather Labour was found wanting. Some may say—and they have—that it was a good election to lose but the National Government was certainly not thinking like that at the time. We believe in our vision. We will deliver to the people of New Zealand our promises even though that task may have become more complicated by the dirty socks that were left by Labour. Yes I am referring to the uncosted promises and unfunded commitment—things like the state of accident compensation funding.  
It must be galling to sit on the Opposition benches and watch the National Government taking true action and bringing forward infrastructure spending to stimulate our economy. Opposition members have tried in vain to undermine the infrastructure package that was announced yesterday although deep in their hearts I know they will be pleased to see jobs saved for New Zealanders. We saw education net five new schools school refurbishments and maintenance and an information and communications technology infrastructure improvement plan. We saw transport spending set to encompass five large State highway projects and in housing 10000 State houses will be upgraded and renovated and an additional 69 new State houses will be built—but more important built quickly. The Social Services Committee heard yesterday that the nation’s State housing stock has suffered from years of insufficient upgrades and maintenance. This deferred maintenance amounts to an estimated $2 billion. We were told that it will need 10 successive years of spending to address that. The neglect of the previous Labour Government has come home to roost for New Zealanders.  
Last week’s small to medium sized enterprise package has been well received in my electorate. It is amazing how many people will ring your electorate office when they hear that things will get better and say “Thank goodness for common-sense orders.” 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. We had pedantic comment on “your” earlier in the day and again yesterday. This member has breached the Standing Orders in that way. I am sure she would not be referring to your office Mr Deputy Speaker. Therefore I ask that the rules be applied evenly. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: It did come up again yesterday. Members cannot bring the Speaker into the debate so future speakers should not use the words “you” or “your” because they relate to the Speaker. Please continue. 
JO GOODHEW 
: I give my apologies Mr Deputy Speaker. These same people rang my office and said “Thank goodness we can see some common-sense measures coming from the Government.” 
Resource Management Act reforms are filling New Zealanders with hope. Anyone who has encountered delays with consents is saying “Thank goodness!” again. It is amazing how such news triggers a whole lot of stories coming into our offices. Let me give some examples: a code of compliance that was not granted because the plugs for the sinks did not have chains attached; and bolts that had round washers not square ones and therefore did not comply. It beggars belief does it not? 
Then there was the story of the housebuyer who lived in his new house at No. 11. He was contacted by the local council and told that his number 11 on the fence was larger than 300 millimetres and therefore he needed a consent because it was a sign. Can we believe this? The $400 cost and the five forms to get that consent seemed ridiculously idiotic so the house owner just gave up removed the number 11 from the outside of the fence and put it on the inside of the fence where it has become a talking point for anyone who can find his house. 
Changes to the Resource Management Act and to the culture that brings about idiotic and frequent examples like the ones I have just mentioned are absolutely essential for New Zealand’s future. For our country to weather the current economic storm and rise out and above the effects of the recession we need to work hard preparing the way for our country to be more productive than it has ever been before. The National Government has the purpose the drive and the determination to steer New Zealand in the right direction through these tough times. But at the same time we must apply the building blocks.