1. Question No. 1—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Finance1. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The Government's swift and decisive efforts to keep people connected to their jobs and to support businesses in response to COVID-19 has been reflected in New Zealanders' overall wellbeing. A new report by Statistics New Zealand on wellbeing shows that while the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the country New Zealanders have remained resilient. While there were small changes over the year to March 2021 most New Zealanders remain satisfied with their lives overall with a rating of eight out of 10 where zero is completely dissatisfied and 10 is completely satisfied. They also continued to find things they do in their life worthwhile with a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Statistics New Zealand said that while the pandemic clearly had a major impact on the country most people remained happy healthy and satisfied with their lives despite the challenges." The report shows however that levels of satisfaction among groups were uneven and there are still ongoing challenges from the pandemic.Dr Duncan Webb: What impact has COVID-19 had on New Zealanders' financial wellbeing?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government's efforts to provide cash flow and confidence was a crucial factor in underpinning financial wellbeing during an unprecedented time. The wellbeing statistics released by Statistics New Zealand show that financial wellbeing remained at similar levels over the year though some New Zealanders still struggle. Some 70 percent of New Zealanders said they had enough or more than enough to meet their everyday needs while 23 percent said they only just had enough and 6.4 percent said they did not have enough money. These statistics show we cannot afford to be complacent. The Government is working to keep people safe and accelerate the recovery including targeting to support where it is needed most—and I note that this week on 1 July we have the first round of the benefit increases and the reintroduction of the training incentive allowance.Hon Member: Oh yeah that'll help the economy. Dr Duncan Webb: What other reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: In response to the interjection from opposite the export sector continues to support the recovery. Statistics New Zealand reported on Friday that exports of goods in May hit their highest ever monthly level at $5.9 billion. That's an increase of 8.5 percent on the previous month and an impressive 28.2 percent increase on the same period a year ago. The main contribution came from dairy products with gains in prices in sales of milk powder and fresh milk. Forest product prices and quantities also rose in the month. [Interruption]SPEAKER: No? David Seymour.David Seymour: Point of order Mr Speaker. I'm assuming you're calling question 2? SPEAKER: Yes—yes. David Seymour: Oh OK. SPEAKER: I've sort of got to that point that I—David Seymour: OK. I'd hate to be premature Mr Speaker. Hon Grant Robertson: For a father and son you don't communicate very well. SPEAKER: No grandson grandson—just get there you know. David Seymour question 2.David Seymour: Thanks "Grandad"."