5. Question No. 5—Economic and Regional DevelopmentSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for Economic and Regional DevelopmentQuestion No. 5—Economic and Regional Development5. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for Economic and Regional Development: What announcements has he made on resources to support reactivating Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland?Hon STUART NASH (Minister for Economic and Regional Development): Last week along with the Prime Minister and the Minister for Social Development I announced a new support package to help provide economic social and cultural activities in Auckland over summer. The Auckland region has been hit hard by COVID-19 alert level restrictions families need a break and businesses need new customers. That's why I've worked closely with the Auckland Council and economic development agency Auckland Unlimited to make 100000 vouchers available for families and individuals for Auckland attractions as well as discounts for free access to Auckland Council facilities to help get Aucklanders out and experience the city while providing much-needed foot traffic in the CBD. The package also includes a contestable fund for businesses or community organisations to organise events that are free for the public bringing neighbourhoods and town centres back to life.Shanan Halbert: Why is the Government encouraging Aucklanders to rediscover Tāmaki-makau-rau?Hon STUART NASH: We want to encourage Auckland to rediscover the best local businesses and visitor attractions. The new funding will encourage whānau to reengage with special qualities that make Auckland vibrant modern and exciting. This support will reach a wide range of communities and neighbourhoods through activities like Christmas markets new year cultural activities and council-run sports and leisure facilities. This package builds on the Government's support for Auckland revitalising households businesses and community groups to get out and enjoy the best that the city has to offer through a targeted boost to the regional economy. It builds on other support already paid to date to Auckland workers and businesses including $1.8 billion in wage subsidies and a further billion for Auckland businesses' fixed costs through the Resurgence Support Payment. A further transition payment for Auckland Waikato and Northland will also pay up to $490 million to businesses.Shanan Halbert: What feedback has the Minister seen on this package?Hon STUART NASH: I've seen great feedback on this package including Mayor Phil Goff who said that—and I quote—This funding which is in addition to the significant financial support already provided to Auckland businesses recognises the sacrifices Aucklanders have made throughout the COVID-19 response to contain the virus". Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said that they welcome and appreciate the package that will—and I quote—"support Aucklanders who have felt the emotional wellbeing and financial impacts of the latest lockdown." And finally Auckland Business Chamber commerce chief Michael Barnett said the spend was great initiative by the Government and Auckland Council—and I quote—"The scheme shows that central and our local council are thinking laterally beyond the critical resurgence transition and wage subsidy support packages to look ahead to stimulate economic recovery and vitality in the city over summer"."