Jones Dail: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Jones Dail: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:627;Page:21995] 
DAIL JONES (NZ First) 
: 
 That was a very interesting speech from the Labour member for Whanganui. Of course she covered things like housing health trade and suchlike. I remind Labour members of what has happened to the cost of housing during the term of this Labour Government for people in Wanganui Gisborne Timaru or Auckland. Housing prices have now gone beyond the ability of young New Zealanders to buy a house. Young people are totally unable to buy a house now and that is why they are going to Australia. What has happened to interest rates for young people who are trying to buy houses? Interest rates have gone up and of course the amount one pays has gone up. Whereas in 1998 people could borrow $100000 or $150000 to buy a house now they have to borrow $300000 to $350000 and the amount paid on interest is doubled. It has gone up by 100 percent compared with what it was in 1999. The utter failure of this Labour Government is no better exemplified than in so far as housing is concerned. 
The member from Whanganui spoke about going to the doctor. Well what has happened about going to the doctor these days? When New Zealand First was in Government we introduced a scheme whereby young children up to the age of 6 got free health care. Is that still the case today under a Labour Government? No they are paying through the nose. The cost of health care has gone up for the young family in Wanganui Timaru Gisborne or Auckland. It has soared as a result of the failed policies of this Labour Government. 
New Zealand First policy is very clear: we will restore the situation for people with young families and with children under 6. In fact we will take it further. It is one of the New Zealand First planks of this election that that primary health care goal should be extended to young children at primary school as well. [ 
Interruption 
] That will be the best investment to be made for anybody— 
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Can the member please keep to the topic of economic development. 
DAIL JONES 
: I am responding Mr Chairperson. You had no complaints about the member who spoke before me so you should have no complaints about me. She raised the question of primary health care and I am prepared to continue with it. 
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Order! 
DAIL JONES 
: I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. That issue was raised by Jill Pettis. I ask you to have one law for both sides of this Committee. She raised the question of primary health care; I am taking it up. Now if you do not like it and if Labour does not like it I am not surprised— 
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) 
: The member will see that I am on my feet. Every member has the right to counter any debate but not for the length of time the member was doing. I gave him good ample time. I accept what he says and I understand his frustration. 
DAIL JONES 
: So I have made my point that New Zealand First will introduce a policy that is far better than Labour’s current failed policy which is not even carrying out the policy it inherited from a New Zealand First Government way back in 1998. We care about young children; Labour does not. It is as simple as that. 
As far as the way in which money is being spent in the regions what about spending a bit more money in Auckland? After all Auckland’s population has increased by 50 percent in the last 18 years. Its population has increased by 50 percent but have we had a 50 percent increase in the Auckland region in hospitals? Have we had a 50 percent increase in schools? Have we had a 50 percent increase in roads—in anything? No! 
Hon Harry Duynhoven 
: Yes more than. 
DAIL JONES 
: No there has not been a 50 percent increase in roads in Auckland. For example Auckland’s population in the last 18 years has increased by the size of Wellington’s whole population from year one. Have we had the same number of schools or the same number of hospitals in Auckland that exist in Wellington? 
Hon Members 
: No. 
DAIL JONES 
: That is the arithmetic. Auckland’s population in the last 18 years has increased by Wellington’s total population on a region by region basis and it is well behind in terms of funding. 
Now that member has explained that all the money is going into the provinces. I say good on the provinces for getting something and for getting growth. But I also remind that member and I remind the Minister for Industry and Regional Development that we are now facing a $10 billion deficit in trade and it is not surprising we are facing that deficit if this Labour Government is spending money and allowing Auckland and the regions to borrow money on credit as if it were going out of fashion. 
About 3 to 4 weeks ago I asked the Labour Government when it was going to put some controls on our balance of trade. It was a $6 billion deficit in trade then it went up to $8 billion and it is now $10 billion. Clearly all the Government wants to do is to see New Zealand get into debt and more debt so long as it can try to win the election on the basis of things being good. But there will be a time of paying the piper very shortly after the election and New Zealand First looks forward to working with any other party to make sure we act responsibly in the best interests of New Zealand. As we have done in this debate we have abstained from voting. As a responsible non-aligned party we are prepared to work with any party and if necessary to take the third option of sitting in the middle and approving votes as they come one by one as we have shown today. 
Darren Hughes 
: Who’s your favourite? 
DAIL JONES 
: Our favourite is the New Zealand public. Our favourites are New Zealanders I tell Mr Hughes. That will come as news to that member for Otaki. But we favour New Zealand—first. That is who we favour. [ 
Interruption 
] That is also something new for Mr Cunliffe one of the spending Ministers.