Lee MelissaMELISSA LEE (National): It is a great pleasure to rise to take a call in this general debate. I want to remind the member who just took her seat Carmel Sepuloni that just because she talks about it does not mean that it is actually the reality. This Government has in fact added 144000 more jobs in the past year with 35000 of those in the past quarter. Just in case the Labour Party is not very good at arithmetic quarter" means "3 months". Our unemployment rate is at the lowest level in years at 4.9 percent. We are the envy of the world—a 4.9 percent unemployment rate. This is a great achievement by this Government and by our honourable Ministers. It is an achievement for all of us in fact because when unemployment is low jobs are high and our economy is working for New Zealand our aspirations as a nation can truly be achieved and we can actually succeed as a nation. Jobs and social investment are two key aims of the National Party. The National Government is providing real tangible outcomes supporting the best interests of the wider New Zealand community and working to ensure more New Zealanders can in fact follow their aspirations and their dreams as part of a fantastic growing world-class economy. This week the Hon Paula Bennett announced a massive $300 million investment into social housing for emergency housing. This announcement translates to supporting up to 1400 extra emergency housing places with at least 600 of those in Auckland and 800 others in other regions of high demand around the country. Under this funding boost there will be an extra $71 million a year for annual rent subsidies while another $102 million will be held for community providers of social and emergency housing to support tenants to transition into longer-term housing options. Some members across the House have actually said that this is a Government that does not support people who are vulnerable. I have to say that that is in fact not true and that this is one aspect of the Government's work that has actually delivered for the people who are vulnerable. There are many many others. Of course in the past year the National-led Government was in fact the first Government in 43 years to raise benefits for families with children to give greater support and engagement to vulnerable families—the first time in 43 years. Of course New Zealand has been named top of the global prosperity index a week after the World Bank rated us No. 1 for ease of doing business. These great acknowledgments from the world market show what a great country New Zealand is to work in and how much we are in fact respected by the world. When that result came out this week I was very proud obviously—being a New Zealander—so I posted it on my Facebook and on my Korean social media. I have had numerous replies from my friends who are living in Korea who are actually envious. Their comments ranged along the lines of "I wish I lived in New Zealand." and "I want to move to New Zealand—what are the things that I have to do to migrate to New Zealand?". These are the comments. They are envious of New Zealanders. I think we should all be very very proud that we have that status in the world. Wages are up near 2 percent on last year. Compare that with inflation of 0.2 percent. There are better wages in the job market which are all growing the opportunities that young and old New Zealanders alike have to seek out their dreams in our great nation. I also want to raise the importance of the social housing accord in Auckland and the work that we have been achieving to get more homes into the market. There are over 150 special housing areas in Auckland everywhere from Clarks Beach near Manukau Heads to North Shore and even in Mount Albert where I am a list MP in Auckland. These new developments will increase the housing stock help more Kiwi families into affordable homes and improve the lives of many. It is a shame when Opposition members decry such an amazing initiative by this Government to step up get land open get consent granted and support construction jobs infrastructure and the social welfare of the people of our largest city. It is a real shame that they oppose every Government initiative hold their own constituents back and fail to recognise the excellent plan the Government is putting in place for the improvement of Auckland and wider New Zealand. To me we are very blessed here in New Zealand to have so many opportunities to progress and develop our aspirations. I just want to say that New Zealand is a wonderful place. When a Korean-born woman can actually become a member of Parliament in New Zealand this country is in fact a great country."