Butterick MikeMIKE BUTTERICK (National—Wairarapa): I'd like to start by saying that I hope everyone in the country on our farms that has been desperate for rain is finally receiving a drop or two as I speak. But I'm not here to talk about the rain today; I'm here to talk about something just as topical and front of mind for a large part of the population and that is education and it's a future for our children.Last year I was elected to Parliament to represent the people of the Wairarapa and I hear on a daily basis how important education is to my constituents. First and foremost before being an MP or a farmer I'm a father. I have four amazing children all of whom are now adults and have flown the nest—with the exception of all the times they turned up back at the house announced or otherwise. But our kids have had the privilege of a world-class State education which has set them up to do whatever they choose to do. They didn't attend a private school but they turned up at school every day and they did their homework. When I look at our children I see first hand what can happen when a child turns up at school each day and is taught the basics well. This is what makes me passionate about educational success because I truly do believe that every child should have the opportunity to reach their potential no matter who their parents are or what their postcode is. Outcomes matter.When the last National Government came into power in 2008 nearly one in two students were leaving school without NCEA level 2 and by the time we left level 2 achievement rose to more than four in five. Surprise surprise—after six years of neglect the previous administration left office with NCEA achievement falling across every level three years in a row. To put this in perspective barely six out of ten year 11 students or fifth-form children passed NCEA level 1 last year. Worst of all less than two in 100 decile 1 high school students were able to pass the most basic writing test.In my opinion the single greatest thing the Government can do to break intergenerational welfare dependency and poverty is to provide every child with a world-class education allowing them the opportunity of employment allowing them purpose and independence rather than becoming dependent on the State because no one wins from State dependency. That means getting kids to school. In term 2 last year less than half of students consistently attended school. This Government's committed to achieving 80 percent school attendance and getting back to teaching the basics brilliantly as part of our plan to get New Zealand back on track. And it's working—it's working. Just this week we've banned cellphones in school and the feedback I've had from parents in my electorate is great. Parents want these kids to go to school to learn not to sit on their phones.Our kids need role models at home. While we should be proud of our social security net modelling shows jobseeker beneficiaries are now predicted to spend an average of 13 years. That is simply not good enough. That's a social and an economic disaster. New Zealand is a country of hard-working folk who go to work pay their fair share of tax and get ahead through hard work and commitment. So that's why we've also set a target to reduce the number of people on the jobseeker benefit by 50000 by 2030 because a basic education will open doors to employment and career pathways—everyone wins.I come to this House as a proud sheep and beef farmer. Nearly one in six New Zealanders are employed in the food and fibre industry and I've had the privilege to pass my knowledge on to dozens of young farm hands most of whom have progressed into farm leaders right across our industry. Agriculture is just one of the sectors that relies on the next generation of kids. We know if these kids are equipped with a good education that allows them to continue to grow their skills they will continue this country's legacy of delivering the best primary produce to the world in the most environmentally friendly manner.I'd like to thank the members of the Opposition who sit with me on the Education and Workforce Committee and together I look forward to working collaboratively with you to ensure this House is focused on setting our kids up to succeed in tomorrow's world. Thank you Mr Speaker.