Lee MelissaMELISSA LEE (National): It is always a great pleasure and a joy to participate in the general debate and particularly as a member of the National Government to talk about the amazing work that National has done to support New Zealand infrastructure across the country support more jobs grow the economy and grow the aspirations and opportunities of Kiwi families under nearly 9 years—9 great years—of the National-led Government.Under this Government we have worked hard despite natural disasters global economic crises and all manner of world political interest to get our people into jobs into the economy and to build New Zealand as an international trading nation. That reminds me of a comment that a great leader once said to me. It was John Key actually—the Rt Hon Sir John Key—who said: We will never get rich as a country if we just trade within our own country." If we just sell to each other we will never get rich. We need to trade with the world and we need to become a good and fantastic trading nation and that is what we are doing.It is a brave new world out there and a fragile world but our nation and our Government are up to the task of tackling it with the No. 8 fencing wire spirit that all Kiwis aspire to as the innovative country that we are. A couple of days ago I was on a phone call to a friend of mine who lives overseas and I had to try to explain what this No. 8 wire mentality was because they did not understand that. I had to think that No. 8 wire is the kind of wire that can fix anything that it was the most versatile of wires that can help farmers and help people who needed equipment that needed to be purchased but when they live far away they could not and they used this No. 8 wire. They actually got that idea that New Zealand was in fact very innovative. When we live so far away from the rest of the world we need that kind of innovative spirit and style and approach.Our economy is forward-looking and is supporting Kiwi jobs and businesses. Our Innovative New Zealand package of $761 million for sciences skills and regional development initiatives is helping to grow diversify and reinvigorate different aspects of our economy. Our infrastructure packages are getting $2.1 billion into 21st century school buildings fit for purpose roading projects amazing ultra-fast broadband speeds and of course better cities with safe and warm houses for our communities.Our four key aims—better public services infrastructure reducing debt and reducing the tax burden—will always be at the core of our values as a Government team. We know the hard work that goes into every tax dollar that the Government collects and we will continue to deliver for New Zealand. Look at the amazing transport infrastructure that National is delivering right across New Zealand. The New Zealand roads of national significance project is driving urban and provincial industry such as the recently opened Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway on the Kapiti Coast making travel in the lower North Island fast and effective without compromising local community roading. The Auckland western ring route roading project and provincial projects such as the Whirokino bridge replacement in Manawatū-Wanganui are working to ease traffic and to provide long-term infrastructure for New Zealand's community commuting and freighting needs.In particular the Waterview Connection in Auckland will help reduce traffic congestion and promote easier movement across Auckland regions. After the Waterview tunnel actually opened up I had a Facebook message from someone who commutes all the time from Glen Innes to the North Shore. It took only 20 minutes and they were absolutely amazed. They had been locked into a gridlock of traffic from Glen Innes to the North Shore but after the traffic was diverted to the tunnel and people were using alternative routes it actually cut time for travel from Glen Innes to the North Shore and they were very very happy that the National Government is in fact delivering for New Zealanders.I know that members opposite try to sound enthusiastic and full of energy when they get up and try to sell their retreaded vision for the future of New Zealand. But frankly what I am thinking is that they must know deep in their hearts that they are not going to win this election. They are terribly disappointed in the performance of their leadership and they are waiting for the election to be over so that they will have a brand new leader and then perhaps in 2020 they might have a remote chance a very remote chance of taking over the Treasury benches. I do understand the Opposition's feelings because I would also hate to be in Opposition for 9 years let alone 12 years."