3. Infrastructure—SpendingMATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri) to the Minister of FinanceInfrastructure—Spending3. MATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri) to the Minister of Finance: How much is the Government planning to spend on infrastructure over the next four years?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Finance): This Government has a very strong track record as New Zealand's infrastructure Government. Following increases in infrastructure spending over the last few years Budget 2017 is a large step-up for infrastructure investment in this country to cater for our growing economy and population. We are committing a total of $32.5 billion in new capital investment over the next 4 years through new spending and projects under way from Government and key infrastructure agencies. That is a 40 percent increase on the last 4 years which was in turn a big increase on the 4 years before that.Matt Doocey: How will employers and exporters benefit from the additional capacity this new infrastructure will bring?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The Government is catering for New Zealand's current and future economic growth in helping employers expand their businesses and hire more staff. We are helping exporters get their goods to market through just under $12 billion worth of improvements to our rail and road networks over the next 4 years including 540 new lane-kilometres of State highway. We are facilitating digital innovation through the successful ultra-fast broadband and rural broadband programmes and supporting the growth of tourism with additional tourism infrastructure such as that announced just earlier today by my colleague the Hon Paula Bennett.Matt Doocey: How is the private sector assisting with the new infrastructure New Zealand needs?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The Government has a number of partnerships utilising private contributions for new infrastructure. For example Nikki Kaye our education Minister recently approved the third public-private partnership for new schools—a $220 million contract to deliver three new primary schools and two relocated secondary schools by 2019. We are using public-private partnerships for two very large roading projects including the Transmission Gully project and Pūhoi to Warkworth. In addition our strong economic plan gives private providers the confidence to make significant investments. Just today Auckland Airport has announced a $1.8 billion investment over 5 years to upgrade New Zealand's main international gateway.Matt Doocey: How will public services benefit from this Government's large infrastructure investments?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Total school capacity across New Zealand will increase significantly thanks to a $4.85 billion total investment in new and expanded schools over the next 4 years. This includes provision for many new schools two school expansions and around 305 new classrooms nationwide just out of this year's additional money alone. In addition we are spending $2.4 billion on new health facilities around the country. In fact there is currently construction or construction planned under way to upgrade most of the major hospitals in the South Island. This is a Government that manages the economy well and delivers infrastructure for a growing economy and for all New Zealanders.