Rurawhe Adrian; Utikere TangiBUDGET DEBATEDebate resumed from 31 May on the Appropriation (2022/23 Estimates) Bill.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Members when we were last having this debate we were on the second of a split call. I call Tangi Utikere.TANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North): Talofa lava Mr Speaker and thank you. It's a pleasure to rise and take a call in the Budget debate this afternoon. In doing so can I acknowledge our hard-working Minister of Finance Grant Robertson for pulling together a Budget that seeks to secure the future for all Kiwis. While members on the opposite side of the House are not supportive of securing a future for all Kiwis we certainly are.Budget 2022 was pulled together in a difficult global environment and if we look at the context beforehand I want to acknowledge the fact I was able to host the Minister of Finance and also the Minister for Social Development and Employment the Hon Carmel Sepuloni when they were visiting Palmerston North last week. As part of that visit we were able to meet with the not-for-profit sector and specifically with the Palmerston North Community Services Council an organisation doing fantastic local work on the ground. It represents more than 100 community organisations within Palmerston North and they were so positive about the Budget—particularly two things. One is the change to child support payments that Minister Sepuloni touched on in question time today because it will pull between 6000 and 14000 children out of poverty. Also when it comes to dental care we're providing increased provision accessibility and availability to dental grants for low-income families and that is also something that was well received.When we're talking about context let's remind ourselves that this Government has delivered on increases in the 1 April package increases to main benefits as a result of the recommendations from the Welfare Expert Advisory Group increases to family tax credits and increases to superannuation that will make a difference. Why will they make a difference? They will make a difference because they're an adjustment and increase for an individual of $52 a fortnight and for a couple of $80. It's not just tinkering on this side of the House but rather initiatives that are supported by local communities.On top of that we can look at the reintroduction of the winter energy payment back in May creating real opportunities and difference in supporting those on low incomes and also for our seniors. Half-price public transport fares are continuing specifically also for community services card holders. In terms of context again in my city and others if you hold a Bee card like I do if you jump on to our local service provider in the Horizons region in Palmerston North you will pay $1. One dollar with a Bee card for that public service and actually that's less than some councils have charged for car-parking. That's been delivered by a Labour Government—a Bee card for everyone in Palmerston North.This is a fantastic Budget that we should all be very proud of. I am proud of the largest investment in health ever—over $11 billion. Members in the National Party are more focused on other priorities. They're not interested in health. We don't hear them talking about the spend in health. We don't hear them being supportive of investment in health—rather it's under-investment on that side of the House. This particular investment from a Labour Government is aimed at providing better care at that primary and community level helping and supporting our Māori and Pasifika community members amongst others as well.There has been investment in ambulance services—assistance for those first responders those on the ground; the front-liners. We have added 61 motor vehicles to the fleet and 248 more crew members on the ground. Last week I had the opportunity to meet with local folk at the Palmerston North rescue helicopter. They will benefit from this Government's additional investment of $90 million over four years. Listening to the difference that will make to not just my community but the regional community as well is something that I am extremely proud of.I want to conclude my contribution this afternoon with two things. One is to say that I'm proud to be a member of the 11-strong Pasifika caucus within the Labour Party. Last week we took the opportunity to meet with communities in Auckland but also in the Ōtaki electorate as well hearing about the difference that Tupu Aotearoa and STEAM academy funding will make for that community. The second thing is that I am so proud of the ongoing support for the Apprenticeship Boost funding. In previous general debate slots I have talked about that. I have talked about a local company Norwood in my city and I've talked about how valued that support was. What was exciting was the chief executive of that company at their chamber of commerce lunch last week was able to directly share with the Minister of Finance his appreciation for the support of the Government for the ongoing nature of that initiative. I am proud to commend this Budget to the House.DEPUTY SPEAKER: This call is a split call. I call Penny Simmonds.