Ngaro Alfred: General Debate 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Ngaro Alfred: General Debate 
[Sitting date: 20 February 2013. Volume:687;Page:8035. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
ALFRED NGARO (National) 
: 
 Kia orana Mr Speaker. That speech and that speaker Dr Kennedy Graham are a reflection on the Opposition of Labour and the Greens—in other words the only growth in the manufacturing industry is the manufacturing of crisis and the scaremongering that continues to go on from the Opposition about all the things that this National Government is doing. This National Government has been working hard for Kiwis. We have been clear and consistent about our economic programme and priorities in the face of continuing global uncertainty. Unlike the tired plain-smoking-packaging Opposition over there this National-led Government has a strong plan and a busy agenda. We have to become a more competitive and productive economy to give New Zealand businesses the tools they need to grow and invest and to hire more staff. 
So what does that growth look like? Well 2 percent growth which is higher than in many other developed countries and both Treasury’s Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update and the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Statement show that the economy is growing at an average rate of 2.5 percent a year over the next 3 years. At that rate New Zealand is expected to grow more strongly than the euro area the United Kingdom Japan and Canada. Those members do not like to hear that over there but that is the truth. That is the fact. It is in a report. You can read it. We are responsibly managing the Government’s finances. 
Iain Lees-Galloway 
: What happened to the last few forecasts? 
ALFRED NGARO 
: That means living within our means Mr Iain Lees-Galloway. Jacqueline Ireland the Chief Executive of Colmar Brunton was asked what are the lessons that we can learn and that we have learnt as a Government and as a country. She said this: “… I believe that the recession and its aftermath have forced many businesses to look at their costs and rethink their strategy and those that have made good decisions are now far stronger leaner faster more productive and more agile.” The economy is also about how we grow the economy in the homes of everyday Kiwis who are listening to these speeches in the House. 
So let us say how we have made those changes. After-tax wages are up by 20 percent since 2008 which is over twice the inflation rate. Households’ disposable income has increased by almost a third in 4 years. We have the lowest mortgage rates—and here we go for the benefit of Mr David Clark—in 50 years. Tax reforms are encouraging saving and investment. We have increased the minimum wage three times in our term of Government. What about investment? We have a Business Growth Agenda helping businesses to access the tools they need to compete internationally. Export markets—we are increasing exports to 40 percent of GDP by 2015. Innovation—we are helping businesses access the latest research and development and technology to increase output. Infrastructure—we are ensuring businesses can rely on roads rail broadband and irrigation. What about natural resources? We are responsibly managing our economic opportunities and capital markets encouraging more investment in New Zealand. When businesses have confidence that our economy is in good shape and in strong hands they can create real jobs that support families. 
Skills—we are helping Kiwis to upskill train and find work in New Zealand and in tertiary places. Sir Mark Solomon the chairman of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu said this just recently. He said: “NZ’s best intergenerational assets are its people and its brand—let’s promote these … through education …” and sustainable resource management. So we are doing this as a Government. We are boosting skills and supporting jobs. There was a great opportunity particularly with the rebuilding of Christchurch. We have launched five new vocational pathways that are clear signposts to the subjects young people should take to prepare for vocational careers in construction manufacturing the primary sector the service sector and social services as well. Four thousand places are available in trades academies and service academies and there are 8700 Youth Guarantee places. We are revitalising the industry to ensure people have the right skills in the right places. 
“Where are the jobs?” they say. There are 2000 jobs through the Government’s infrastructure for ultra-fast broadband. There are 1000 jobs through the roads of national significance. There are 1500 jobs from the upgrading of the national grid. More jobs are being created. There was the wailing and the gnashing of teeth when the 90-day trial was introduced. We know now that there are 30000 jobs there from that and Mr Iain Lees-Galloway knows this. In Australia it is a 180-day trial. You do not hear that message but in New Zealand we have been fair we have been consistent and that has created 30000 more jobs. This Government has reform for ordinary Kiwis in New Zealand. 
The debate having concluded the motion lapsed.