Kuriger Barbara: Debate on Prime Minister’s StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKuriger Barbara: Debate on Prime Minister’s Statement[Sitting date: 12 February 2015. Volume:703;Page:1574. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]BARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki - King Country):What a privilege it is to be in the House at the start of what is shaping up to be a fantastic 2015. The Government is one that is constantly making leaps and bounds in all sectors. We are working for families across the board in business health care social welfare housing affordability and unemployment all with the end goal of a more prosperous future for everyone in New Zealand.It is pleasing to see that the world-class broadband network is kicking off to a great start this year. Ultra-fast broadband targets are well ahead of schedule with 40 percent of planned infrastructure projects now complete. More than half a million New Zealand homes are now connected to fibre broadband with over 2000 schools able to connect to ultra-fast broadband.Yesterday it was announced that 14 new Rural Broadband Initiative towers have been completed which means extended cellphone coverage for the remote areas of New Zealand making it easier to deal with emergencies transport logistics and road safety issues. The Government is investing $300 million in the Rural Broadband Initiative with the same level of investment from partners meaning high-speed wireless broadband to enhance communities in some of our remotest parts of the country.One of the biggest jump-starts to come from the implementation of these broadband towers is the boost to New Zealand’s rural economy. That will occur by enabling those in our community the use of the latest farming technology and agri-innovation. As a farmer I know how important it is to be able to track fertiliser irrigation and rainfall. Digital communication enhanced by good internet enables this to happen. Reliable access to the network at home and at work on these high-speed networks means more employment more study options for young people higher business productivity with access to online services and the ability for rural businesses to connect with markets and customers in other parts of New Zealand and overseas. One of the essential benefits of faster broadband is the better access to health care that comes with it which I know many New Zealanders in rural communities will be thrilled about.Rural broadband highlights the Government’s continual commitment to connecting the rural to the urban and helping to close the divide that has been a little bit separated over recent years. It will provide faster broadband to 90 percent of our homes. I recently visited a programme where children in a North Island rural school—really remote—have a programme now whereby they are Skypeing children in the South Island. It is seeing results like this that reinforces the message of what the Government is doing.Our Prime Minister’s statement on Tuesday identified a key point in the Government’s policy agenda for this year and that is to build a more competitive and productive economy and this is happening and it is happening now. New Zealand is doing well compared with other countries. Our economy is growing employment is increasing and wages are rising. Investment and exports make a stable basis for the expanding economy that our nation has. At the forefront of our measures for a competitive and productive economy are our game-changing trade agreements including negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership where we can rest assured that the Government is ensuring that the total best interests of New Zealand are being served.This Government was recently elected again by the people of New Zealand for many reasons and one of these was to ensure a better future for all Kiwis. New Zealanders elected us because they know we have a track record of delivering results. No matter how many disparaging comments the other side of the House throws at us Kiwis know that this Government is implementing measures that are putting New Zealand on the map in the international trade market. We are increasing exports and subsequently increasing the quality of capital for those Kiwi-owned family businesses that are now open to more channels of exports.In rural regions such as Taranaki - King Country roading projects are welcome news and will lead to greater accessibility and safer roads to travel on reducing the number of accidents. Awakino Gorge has been prioritised as a focus for the Government to improve safety in this area and as an MP I am really excited about this. So we are delivering outstanding results in 2015 and beyond and I am looking forward to the future. Thank you.