Post-Cabinet press conferences

Well, kia ora, good afternoon, everyone. With me today is our great Education Minister, Erica Stanford, who is joining me to make a pre-Budget announcement that is a substantial investment in our children’s futures because the education of our children, frankly, is at the centre of all of our hopes and dreams for the economic future of our country. This Government’s relentless ambition to grow the economy is not achievable without making education of our children a total priority. Investment in our children is an investment in the economic prosperity of our country, and I’m very proud that a lot has changed in our education agenda in the past year, because at last our kids are reaping the benefits of our plan to teach the basics brilliantly.

Well, look, good afternoon, everyone. It’s great to be joined this afternoon by our awesome Trade Minister, Todd McClay, who’s doing some incredible work. As you know, it’s a big sitting block with the Budget at the end of it, and that Budget will then be there to underline this Government’s clear focus on economic growth and, as you know, growth is the primary focus of us and our Government and will continue to be at the core of everything we do. We know that these are challenging times and not easy. New Zealand is still recovering from the economic damage inflicted by Labour and further global instability has made things tough for Kiwis. But despite these challenges, we are overseeing a steady economic recovery with export-led growth and business confidence increasing, and we have started to turn the corner.

All set? Well, kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Today is truly a landmark day for the coalition Government and the New Zealand Defence Force as we announce a significant step change in our defence spending and also our capability. Before I would start, I just do want to acknowledge the tireless work of Minister Collins and the unwavering support of our coalition partners, New Zealand First and Act, in advancing this plan. New Zealand First, of course, previously drove the procurement of our new P-8A and Hercules aircraft, and I appreciate that both partners, like National, support today's announcement, as well as continuing commitment to increase funding as our economy strengthens.

Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Look, it’s the start of another busy week in Parliament and you’re going to be hearing a lot this week about the moves that the Government will be making to ease the burden of red tape and regulation on Kiwi workplaces and particularly those in the building and construction sector, to help them get things built and also to bring down the cost of building for everyday Kiwis. And on that note, I’m really pleased to be joined today by Minister Brooke van Velden, our Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, who’s going to talk a little bit more about some of the decisions that Cabinet has taken on reforming our health and safety laws and regulations.

We leave India having broadened and deepened our relationship on all fronts, whether that be in peace and security, trade and commerce, and people-to-people [Inaudible]. As you know, India is the most populous country on Earth, soon to be the world’s third largest economy, and is a major regional and global player in an increasingly multipolar world. Our team is now looking to build very quickly on the momentum of the visit, which will be made clear with our comprehensive FTA negotiations. When one out of four Kiwi jobs are tied to trade, we’ll continue to do everything that we can to drive all of our partnerships to new levels, and the work that we’ve done with the UAE and the GCC FTAs, as well as hopefully the Indian FTA, I think are good examples of that work.

Well, look, kia ora and good afternoon, everybody. Before I begin, can I just congratulate Adam Pearse on an outstanding 50 and some demon bowling in the media versus parliamentary cricket team meeting—contest yesterday? Bit too soon for Chris Bishop, probably, but given his well achieved—did you get three, mate?

Well, kia ora, good afternoon, everyone. Can I just thank all of those of you who accompanied me to Vietnam and say I trust the jet lag hasn’t been too bad and you’ve recovered upon your return. Of course, the reason for visits like Vietnam is that we want to expand our exports. In doing so we drive our economic growth and as a result we’re able to invest in better public services, like healthcare.

Righto. Well, look, kia ora, good afternoon, everyone. It is good today to be joined by, I think, our sartorially sharp Minister, Tama Potaka.

Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon, everyone. It’s great to be back in Parliament for what is the start of another really busy sitting block for the Government as we push on with our plans to drive economic growth, create jobs and obviously unlock opportunities for all Kiwis. We are relentlessly focused on strengthening our economy because it’s because of—higher incomes, better infrastructure and a better standard of living for all New Zealanders is what it’s all about.

I stand here closing out the year, incredibly proud of the work of my team that has delivered in 2024. It certainly has been a mammoth year for Government because we’ve got a mammoth amount of work needed to get New Zealand back on track. And I think New Zealanders should hopefully feel confident that our plan is starting to rebuild the economy, to reduce the cost of living, make all Kiwis safer by restoring law and order, improve the quality of education so that our kids are ready to do what they need to do into their futures, and deliver better healthcare for everyone.

Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Today I’m joined by Finance Minister Nicola Willis to outline the steps that the Government is taking in response to the Commerce Commission’s report on competition in the banking sector. You will recall that the Commission reported in August that the banking sector was uncompetitive and New Zealanders were not well served by a highly profitable, two-tier oligopoly.

Well, kia ora. Good afternoon, everyone. Good to see you all as we get into the home stretch of the year. We’ve got a very big legislative agenda ahead of us in the coming weeks, as we close out 2024.

I hope you all had very good weekends. I was very pleased to attend the Sika Show down in Hamilton on Saturday alongside Todd McClay, who was there in his capacity as Minister for Hunting and Fishing. What was very impressive was he had arrived that morning from the GCC having completed the trade deal, was there on Saturday and then on yesterday morning flew out to China, so he’s been working incredibly hard.

Before we get into it, I just want to acknowledge what was an absolutely phenomenal sporting weekend for New Zealand. It was an absolute privilege to see so many of our national teams and athletes succeeding at the highest level of sport, and I hope that they know that there were 5 million Kiwis, irrespective of what sport they were following, feeling incredibly proud of them. I thought what the White Ferns did, winning the first New Zealand T20 World Cup in Dubai, was really special, and of course to see a Black Caps win in India after 36 years is pretty special too. Team New Zealand romping home in Barcelona to make the three-peat for the America’s Cup—absolutely fantastic, Jenna—the Silver Ferns I think putting in a great performance to beat the Diamonds in the first Constellation Cup test, and lastly our women’s canoe polo team doing well, beating Italy in the finals of the Canoe Polo World Cup in China. So a great weekend to remember.

Well, kia ora, good afternoon, everyone, and it’s great to be back in Parliament for the next two weeks. As we get closer to the end of the year, we’ve got a lot on our plates. On Saturday, I returned home from a short but important trip to Laos for the East Asia Summit. A big focus for our Government is to lift the intensity and also the urgency of our foreign relationships, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and strengthening our international relationships is key to our economic prosperity. With job number one for our Government being to rebuild the economy, hustling for more trade and more investment overseas is a non-negotiable. But New Zealand’s economic prosperity is only possible with global and regional security, and that is why New Zealand needs to use our agency, our influence, and our role in the world to contribute to and shape global and regional security, and you’ve seen our Government demonstrate that from the outset.

Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. I trust you all had good weekends and are ready for another week here at Parliament. Before I begin, can I just thank the police for hosting me on my ride along on Saturday night to see different aspects of their work. I’ve always believed it’s important to get out of the office and see firsthand what’s happening and I came away, I have to say, with even more respect and more admiration for our police officers, who are doing some incredible, multifaceted work to protect and serve our communities. It was a real privilege to spend some time with them on Saturday evening and early Sunday morning.

Well, kia ora koutou and good afternoon, everyone. It’s great to be back in New Zealand after a very packed schedule in Malaysia and Korea last week, meeting political leaders, investors and trade partners. When you’re a small island country like New Zealand, I think you have to be out competing on the world stage, opening up new markets, hustling and looking for fresh opportunities to create prosperity at home.

Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you’ve all had a very good weekend. Today, I’m joined by our energy Minister, Simeon Brown, and RMA reform Minister, Chris Bishop.

Kia ora koutou and good afternoon, everyone. I hope you all had a great weekend. It’s great to be here again today with education Minister Erica Stanford. I actually do have a hard finish at 4.30, so we’ll keep it moving through.

Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon, everybody. Good to see you all. Hope you all had a nice weekend. It’s great to be here with the Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, today as well. I am proud to say, for the first time in 14 years, hard-working New Zealanders will be getting tax relief, starting from this Wednesday. It was a promise made by National in Opposition and it’s been a promise that’s been delivered and kept by National in Government. New Zealand should be a place that, if you work hard, you can actually get ahead and where Government is focused on the basics of rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and delivering better health and education. For too long, those three basic priorities were ignored, none more so than the economy. And Kiwis paid the price of that negligence through a prolonged cost of living crisis. Only now, with a change of Government, are we starting to see some encouraging signs of progress—falling food prices, a sustained drop in inflation, and early indications that interest rates could soon begin to fall.

Well, kia ora koutou; good afternoon, everyone. It’s great to see you all back at Parliament and ready for what will be another busy sitting period. We’ll get straight into today’s announcement.

Kia ora and good afternoon everyone. As you all know, the last few years have been economically challenging for New Zealand. Rampant inflation and rising interest rates have squeezed family budgets, and that squeeze has driven the country into recession and now unemployment is rising. There’s no doubt about it, it’s currently a very tough time for Kiwis dealing with the cost of living, which is why we know as a Government that rebuilding the economy to lower the cost of living is job number one. And that is why from today new measures kick in to support Kiwis struggling with the cost of living. From today, the Auckland regional fuel tax will be abolished, saving motorists 11.5c per litre every time they fill up. If that’s a hard-working tradie in a Toyota Hilux, it’s about $9 per fill; if it’s a senior in a Toyota Corolla hatchback, it’s about $6 every time they fill up. And, of course, from today FamilyBoost also kicks in, with families eligible for a 25 percent rebate, up to $150 per fortnight. And, of course, tax relief is coming at the end of the month too.

Well, kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Today, I have with me Minister of Health Shane Reti and Associate Minister of Health David Seymour. As you know, our Government has three key priorities: to rebuild the economy, to restore law and order, and to deliver better public services, especially in the areas of health and education. The quality of a person’s life is driven by the quality of their health, and nothing is more important. So today we are very proud to be making a health announcement that will truly transform and change the lives of more than 175,000 people for the better.

Kia ora koutou and good afternoon, everyone. Here we are in the final week, heading into our Government’s first Budget, and by now, I hope, you’ve got some sense of what to expect on Budget day. As we have said, it will be a Budget for the squeezed middle— the lower- and middle-income working New Zealanders who work hard but are struggling to get ahead. These are Kiwis who have been at the very forefront of our minds as we’ve put this Budget together over recent months. And they have suffered the consequences of Labour’s economic mismanagement, resulting in record levels of Government spending, driving up domestic inflation and interest rates, which in turn has put the economy into recession and created rising unemployment.

Kia ora koutou everybody, good afternoon. It’s great to be back in Wellington as we head into the Budget next week. Budget ’24, of course, will be the next stage in our plan to support families with the cost of living, and also to rebuild the economy from a period of high inflation, high interest rates, and negative economic growth.

Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be joined today by our corrections Minister, Mark Mitchell, to make a significant announcement as part of Budget 2024. Our Government, as you know, has a crystal clear vision of what it’s going to achieve for New Zealanders. We are laser focused on rebuilding the economy and reducing the cost of living so that more Kiwis can get ahead. We will deliver better public services like health and education, and we are going to restore law and order in New Zealand because all Kiwis have a right to feel safe in their homes, their workplaces, and their communities.

Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon, everyone. I have three priorities for our Government, and it is to rebuild the economy, to restore law and order, and to deliver better public services, and in particular my Government is focused on shifting resources out of the back office and into the front line. Kiwis, rightly, expect that the taxes they pay are translated into better results, particularly in health and education.

Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon, everyone, good to see you all. Today, I'm announcing the nine ambitious Public Service targets that our Government has set to get New Zealand back on track. Delivering better public services is one of our Government's three key priorities, along with rebuilding the economy and restoring law and order. We've made good progress already, but we are under no illusions about the scale of the challenges that we face as a country. Despite the hard work of our front-line staff on the ground, people like our brilliant police officers, doctors, nurses, teachers, and principals, New Zealand has been going backwards over the last few years.

Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon, everybody. Good to see you all. I am joined today by finance Minister Nicola Willis because we are announcing our Family Boost package that will provide up to an extra $75 a week to families with children in early childhood education. I’ll hand over to Nicola shortly to give you the details of the package, but before I do so, I’ll set out the coalition Government’s thinking about the reasons for increasing support to parents with young children.

Well, good afternoon, everyone, and I hope you all had a vey good weekend. It’s great to be back at Parliament after a very short recess, but our Government is absolutely determined to get things done and to push on with improving the lives of everyday New Zealanders. You’ve heard me talk a lot about the notion that people have both rights and responsibilities to each other and to our country, and I think everyone agrees that the State must always provide a safety net for New Zealanders who have fallen on hard times, and that’s not in dispute here.

Kia ora. Good afternoon, everyone. It is great to be standing here confirming that our coalition Government has now completed, as promised, the 49 actions we committed to in our 100-day plan. I’m proud to lead a Government that delivers on its commitments. People put their trust in National, ACT, and New Zealand First to steer them towards a better, more prosperous future, and we were elected to get things done for New Zealand. As you know, a key focus of our Government is to rebuild the economy, because it is only through a strong economy that we can lower the cost of living, that we can lift incomes, and give Kiwis a reason to stay in New Zealand. We need to get out in the world and, therefore, hustle. And because we won’t get rich selling goods and services to each other and ourselves, we must engage internationally to grow economically. That is why our Government has clearly signalled our intention to maximise our trade and our economic footprint across South-east Asia and the world. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has, in our first 100 days, already undertaken 86 engagements with representatives from 53 countries, territories, and international organisations because of the importance that New Zealand places on our international connections to grow our prosperity and our security.

Kia ora. Good afternoon, everybody. I’m pleased to announce that this week, as part of our 100-day plan, we are releasing the draft Government policy statement on land transport. The draft GPS outlines the coalition Government’s ambitious agenda to get transport back on track by investing more than $20 billion over the next three years. Our Government is prioritising economic growth and productivity, maintenance and resilience, safety, and delivering better value for money from our transport agencies and delivery partners. We are reintroducing the successful roads of national significance programme, with 15 projects across New Zealand to enable people and freight to move as quickly and as safely as possible. Investing in these corridors will make it easier for Kiwis to get to work, where they need to go, and create a more productive and resilient transport network, drive economic growth, and unlock land for thousands of new houses.

Well, kia ora. Good afternoon, everybody, and good to see you all back here again. I trust you all had good weekends. This Government is focused on making sure kids are in school and that we are teaching the basics brilliantly so that each and every child has the opportunity to succeed. And a successful future begins with good foundations at school, and I'm proud to say that in our first 100 days we’ve made sure that children are being taught an hour of maths, an hour of reading, an hour of writing at every primary school and intermediate across the country. We’ve also ensured that children’s learning is taking place and teachers can teach by removing cellphones in schools, and it’s been great already to hear the positive feedback from principals, parents, and also kids. And, finally, we’ve also appointed a ministerial advisory group to move with great haste to make sure we get the maths and the English curriculum right for primary schools so that we can start next year with actually teaching the basics really well.

Good afternoon, everybody. I have to say, with the deadline rapidly approaching for this coalition Government’s first 100 days, we are making good progress. Some 27 of the 49 action points on that list have now been completed, and this week in the House we continue that work. Those areas of work include bills around rebuilding the economy, easing the cost of living, restoring law and order, and delivering better public services. With me today is our social development and employment Minister, Louise Upston, to talk about one of our Government’s other priority areas.

Well, good afternoon, everybody. Hey, listen, I’m pleased to announce that this week we’re making significant progress in implementing Local Water Done Well. It’s our plan to address New Zealand’s longstanding water infrastructure challenges. Local Water Done Well recognises the importance of local decision-making and flexibility for communities and councils to determine how their water services will be delivered in the future. Ensuring water services are financially sustainable and rules for water quality and investment in infrastructure are met are core parts of our approach to ensure that New Zealanders receive high-quality water services at a fair price.

Well, good afternoon, everybody, and welcome back to those of you who were up in Waitangi. I just want to acknowledge it was a real privilege to be able to lead what was quite a large ministerial team to Waitangi this last week. It certainly was a great honour and a great opportunity for all of our team to hear about what is happening for Māori, in the North in particular and across the country. And certainly, as you noticed, the Government is going to be committed to delivering outcomes for Māori and non-Māori so that they can get ahead. We had quite a large contingent up there—big numbers at the Iwi Leaders Forum, obviously, on Friday—and then we went off and actually checked out some projects across the region, in particular a couple of housing projects and also critical infrastructure projects like the dams and the water storage projects, which are actually very fascinating. And then, over the course of the weekend, we had others that were up in the Far North meeting with local iwi community initiatives focused on economic and social development, and Matt Doocey was also up there particularly working with tourism organisations as well.

Well, good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to what is our first post-cab press conference of 2024. I trust you’ve all had a chance to have a bit of a break and refresh and recharge after what was a very busy end to the last year, and, frankly, the start of this year will be no different. With me today is Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters and also Defence Minister Judith Collins. Today, we are announcing that we are sending six NZDF personnel to support any future military action against Houthi targets in Yemen and the Red Sea. This is in response to Houthi actions which threaten commercial shipping. Freedom of navigation is an integral part of New Zealand’s national prosperity and our trade security. Our Defence Force has a longstanding role in supporting maritime security in our exclusive economic zone and throughout the world. Secure shipping lanes are integral to our national interests, and nearly 15 percent of global trade flows through the Red Sea. The Houthi attacks are disrupting supply chains, they’re driving costs higher for Kiwis, and causing delays to shipments that now have to round the Cape of Good Hope. More than 2,000 ships have been diverted from the Red Sea, and it is also hurting exporters trying to get their goods to Europe and to the Middle East. The Houthi attacks are illegal, they’re unacceptable, and they’re profoundly destabilising, and we and our partners have made repeated calls for them to stop. The Houthi choose to defy those warnings, and, indeed, their attacks have become even more indiscriminate, so it is a logical consequence that we join international partners in tackling this ongoing threat to security. More than 60 nations have been affected in at least 31 attacks by the Houthi on ships in recent months. And choosing to support action in the Middle East is not unusual for New Zealand. New Zealand has contributed to maritime security efforts in the Middle East and elsewhere continuously since 2013, to protect not only our vital national interests but also the international rules-based order.

Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou. Kia ora. Good afternoon everybody. Thanks for coming. As you can see, I’m here again with Chris Bishop, this time not in his capacity as Leader of the House but in his capacity as Minister of Housing. In Opposition and since being in Government, we have talked about the need to manage the economy well, and that of course means also properly managing the Government’s own books. Everywhere we look Labour has left a mess, with a declining performance for the people who rely on public services, wasteful spending that shows a cavalier attitude to taxpayers’ money, and poor management of the Government’s own books, flowing through to the wider economy, which, as we learnt last week, shrank in the September quarter.

Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou. Kia ora. Good afternoon, everybody. It is good to see you all here. Today it is also great to have the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety with us, Brooke van Velden, to talk about this coalition Government’s next steps to rebuild the economy and to get it working for all New Zealanders. But that’s only going to happen with a strong economy, and that builds opportunity, that lifts wages, and creates new jobs, and a strong economy is how we end the cost of living crisis. It is also how we get to afford to invest in the public services that matter so much to all of us, like worldclass healthcare, education, and policing that keeps our community safe. New Zealand’s future will be built on the hard work of Kiwis and businesses and communities up and down this country, and it is the Government’s role to support that with infrastructure, education, limited regulation, and disciplined spending.

Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou. Kia ora, good afternoon, everybody. It’s good to see you all. As you know, we campaigned on alleviating the hurt that is being felt by hardworking Kiwis as they struggle to make ends meet without out-of-control cost of living pressures—pressures that have been caused by the Labour Government’s inflationary and wasteful spending. The rent must be paid, the mortgage is due, feeding the kids is a bigger struggle than it once was, and we see families in foodbanks in record numbers. Luxuries are being cut and, in many cases, so are necessities. It is difficult out there and many Kiwis are all feeling it. That is why every move that this coalition Government makes will be about common-sense actions to make Kiwis’ daily lives better.

All righty, good afternoon, everybody. I’ve had formal notification from King Charles that he has approved the cancellation of James Wallace’s knighthood. I’ve written to James Wallace to advise him accordingly. The Government formally requested that the King cancel Mr Wallace’s appointment as a Knight Companion of the Order of Merit back in June. James Wallace was found guilty and imprisoned for serious crimes, and it is totally inappropriate for him to hold any honour. He can no longer use the title of Sir or KNZM and has been asked to return his warrant of appointment and his honours insignia.

Tēnā koutou. Good afternoon, everybody. Today I’m announcing the removal of all remaining COVID-19 health requirements. The seven-day isolation period and requirement for visitors to wear masks in healthcare facilities will end at midnight tonight. COVID-19 case rates, waste-water levels, and hospitalisations have all been trending down since the beginning of June and reported cases are now at the lowest level in 18 months.

Good afternoon, everybody. Today, I’m going to set out some additional steps that the Government is taking to turbo-charge New Zealand’s renewable energy generation, but before I do that, I want to acknowledge our country’s nurses, who have today accepted the Government’s latest collective pay offer. It’s further proof that the Government is in it for the nurses, and over six years has delivered pay equity as well as regular increases to this historically underpaid group of, predominantly, women workers. When we took office in 2017, the top of the registered nurse pay scale was $66,755. As a result of the most recent agreement, that will be $106,738. That’s a near $40,000 a year increase, or 59.9 percent, in just six years.

All right, good afternoon, everyone. I’ll start with the latest update on the recovery from the North Island weather events earlier this year. In this year’s Budget, we established a $6 billion *National Resilience Plan to support building infrastructure that’s more resilient to the impacts of climate change. We need to ensure that transport infrastructure is rebuilt quickly following the recent weather events, but also that they’re built in resilient ways, as increasingly severe weather events are likely to continue to hit New Zealand in the future. Connecting our communities is critical to getting our regions back on their feet again, so the latest instalment of Government funding that we’ve announced today will be focused on roads. We’re releasing a further $567 million that will go to Waka Kotahi for immediate works on State highways in Tairāwhiti, Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, Coromandel, and Northland. The funding includes $257 million for works on the East Coast and Wairoa, $150 million for Hawke’s Bay, $76 million for Coromandel, $44 million for Northland, and up to $40 million for minor resilience works nationwide. These investments are on top of the $525 million that was already provided to Waka Kotahi in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.

Good afternoon, everybody. This afternoon, I have worked to reallocate Kiri Allan’s ministerial portfolios across existing Ministers.

Good afternoon, everybody. It’s good to be back. Over the past few weeks, my focus has been on growing our economy and supporting our economic recovery. Last week, I was in Europe to sign our new free-trade agreement with the European Union, which potentially adds $1.8 billion per annum to our international trade with Europe. Yesterday, I attended the signing ceremony in Auckland for the UK to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership—the CPTPP. These expansions of trade opportunities sit alongside the gold-standard UK free-trade agreement, which we were able to bring into force when I visited the UK earlier in the year, and my trade mission to China. I’ve been taking a lead on trade because it’s such a core part of the Government’s economic growth and recovery plan.

Good afternoon, everybody. It’s good to be back. Last week, I was in China supporting Kiwi exports, tourism, education, and other commercial opportunities between our two countries. My message was that New Zealand is open for business, and it was heard loud and clear. There are positive signs that China’s recovery will also assist our economic recovery, a good example being the four extra flights that China Southern will add to New Zealand each week, boosting capacity by 7,000 seats a month, which is great news for our tourism recovery. The 29-strong business delegation rated the mission highly, and it’s the exact thing that we need to be doing to help nurture business and political ties.

Kia ora; good afternoon, everybody. Today, I can announce that I’ll be leading a major trade delegation to China at the end of this month, with stops in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai. It will be the first prime ministerial - level visit to China since the COVID-19 global pandemic began, and New Zealand’s first Prime Minister - led trade delegation there since 2016.

Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to the shorter parliamentary week. I hope everybody had the opportunity to celebrate the first public holiday marking King Charles. I have Dr Verrall with me today because we’re going to talk about vaping.

Kia ora, everybody. Can I begin by acknowledging that today is Everest Day. Today marks the 70th anniversary of the first complete ascent of Mount Everest, in 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. I know that New Zealanders continue to reflect on that feat with enormous pride.

Good afternoon, everybody. Welcome to Budget week. This morning I made the last of this year’s pre-Budget announcements, and it will see 300 further classrooms built across New Zealand. It brings the total number of new classrooms that have been funded by this Government to 3,000. Over half of those have already been delivered, and around a thousand more are currently either being built or in the planning stages. I’m really proud of the work I’ve done as Minister of Education and now as Prime Minister in terms of what we’ve delivered in the education infrastructure space. It’s fair to say that back in 2017 we did inherit a run-down school property portfolio, aging run-down classrooms that were not fit for learning in, and in many cases were overcrowded. Since 2017 we’ve upgraded just about every State school in the country, investing over $2 billion into improving school property. This morning at Ridgway School here in Wellington, we saw just how fantastic some of the new classrooms we’ve invested in are, and the difference that they’re making to teaching and learning. Over the weekend we also announced a billion-dollar cyclone recovery package, more than doubling the support the Government has already provided to those regions affected by extreme weather this year. It’s the latest in our rolling maul of initiatives and it won’t be the last in terms of the support that we provide. The package is about doing the basics well and ensuring that the public assets that the Government is responsible for, like roads, rail, and schools, are rebuilt. It also eases pressure on the rates with direct central government support for things like local road rebuilding. $100 million has been allocated for new flood protection measures so that the scale of devastation isn’t repeated in the future. The cyclone recovery is a big cost, and that has meant that other initiatives did have to be reprioritised as part of the Budget process.

Good afternoon, everybody. I’m joined today by the defence Minister, Andrew Little, as we make a pre-Budget announcement about significant investments that we’re making in our Defence Force personnel. Budget 2023 will be a no-frills Budget with spending going to where it is needed the most. One group of New Zealanders whose wages have lagged behind are the dedicated women and men of our defence forces. It’s unfair and it’s leading to significant rates of attrition. It’s also putting at risk our ability to make necessary deployments whilst also responding to events, such as Cyclone Gabrielle. In the UK last week I saw firsthand the esteem in which our NZDF personnel are held. It was humbling to meet with our trainers putting in 100-hour weeks to ensure the Ukrainian armed forces have the skills necessary to defend their homeland against Russian aggression.

All right, kia ora everybody. I hope to keep this reasonably brief today because this evening, I’m flying to the UK for the coronation of King Charles III. As I’ve previously said, trade and securing improved trade access for New Zealand exporters has been a foreign policy priority for me this year, and it will be a focus of my visit, ahead of the coronation itself. The UK is one of our closest trading partners and our free-trade agreement with them is a gold-standard agreement. The UK is our eighth largest trading partner. It’s also a key source of investment and migrants and tourists. Virtually all of our current trade will be duty free from the entry into force of the FTA, including duty-free quotas for key products like meat, butter, and cheese. It’s estimated that the FTA will see New Zealand goods exports to the UK increase by over 50 percent, potentially boosting New Zealand’s annual GDP by up to $1 billion a year, and the agreement could save around $37 million per year on tariff elimination from day one. Therefore, gaining entry into force as soon as possible will be of the focuses of the trip.

Good afternoon, everybody. I hope you all had a good Easter break.

Good afternoon, everybody. Two weeks ago, when the issue of lobbying was raised with me, I said that I would have a look at the rules and identify whether there were any further steps that we could take to strengthen them, and I’ve done that. Today, I’m announcing several steps that we’re going to take to introduce greater transparency around the lobbying that happens here at Parliament. It is important that we have a sensible and transparent system that doesn’t give the impression that lobbyists enjoy unfair advantage over other New Zealanders. That’s why I’m setting out four changes that I believe will help to build greater transparency and balance around lobbying. First, I’ve commissioned a significant piece of work that will look at policy options for regulating lobbying activities. To do it well, that will require consultation and a good amount of time. I anticipate that that advice will come back to Government next year.

Kia ora, everybody. Good afternoon. From the end of this week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders will have a little bit more money in their pockets to help them deal with the cost of living. This includes 880,000 pensioners and 52,000 students. Over 8,000 hard-working community nurses in aged-care facilities, hospices, and Māori and Pacific healthcare organisations will also be paid more from 1 April. The Government committed to pay parity for community nurses last year, and this change will give many nurses outside of our hospitals a pay bump of up to 15 percent from next month. From July, those at Plunket, Family Planning, school nursing services, mental health and addiction, rural hospitals, and telehealth will also see increases to their pay. This comes on the back of tens of thousands of nurses in hospitals getting an increase in base pay of around $12,000, or 14 percent, a few weeks ago.

Good afternoon everybody. Today I’ll give a quick update on the recovery progress being made on our State highway network following Cyclone Gabrielle, and announce work under way on 10 more Bailey bridges to restore access to some of the most badly hit areas. The weather brought by Cyclone Gabrielle closed 14 State highways at various locations amounting to road closures totalling 1,346 kilometres. Crews have been working around the clock in difficult and sometimes hazardous conditions to restore access, and excellent progress has been made over the last few weeks. As of Friday, 1,229 kilometres, or 91 percent of the affected State highways have now reopened for at least life-line access.

Kia ora, everybody. I have rather a lot to get through today, so I will allow a bit of extra time at the end for questions.

Kia ora. Good afternoon, everybody. Two weeks ago, Cabinet agreed an initial package of support for farmers and growers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. This initial funding is available to help with the immediate clean-up and for urgent repairs to plant and equipment. The Ministry for Primary Industries now estimates that about 5,500 individual farms and growers, covering 14,000 hectares of horticultural land, have been affected by the cyclone. Around 258 applications for the fund are arriving each day. They are being processed as quickly as possible. More than $17.4 million has been paid out so far, to around 1,500 applicants, or about $1.5 million a day. It is clear, though, that more funding is going to be required.

Good afternoon, everybody. Before I get into the post-Cabinet update, I do just want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of the Hon Chester Borrows. Chester and I served on a number of select committees together. He served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives at a time when I held a variety of different roles connected to the House and Opposition. I always found him to be a really honest straight-shooter, someone who I really enjoyed working with, someone who was passionate about his local community, and an all-round thoroughly decent bloke. So I want to send my sympathies and my condolences to his family and just acknowledge his passing.

Kia ora, everybody. Good afternoon. Today I’m joined by the finance Minister, Grant Robertson - more on that in a moment. Cabinet met this afternoon to discuss the ongoing response to Cyclone Gabrielle, but first, a quick recap of the latest information that we have to hand. Tragically, 11 individuals have lost their lives, and our thoughts remain with their families, friends, and communities, who are grieving loved ones in such a difficult time. There are 6,500 people still unaccounted for, but we know that 4,260 are OK, and police are continuing to work to urgently reconcile the others.

Kia ora, good afternoon, everybody. I’ll start with the latest on Cyclone Gabrielle. The MetService continues to advise that things are likely to get worse before they get better, with more rain and severe winds forecast. Our advice remains unchanged: be prepared, stay inside if you can, and have a plan in the event that you need to move. We’re seeing the impact of the cyclone across the top of the North Island.

Kia ora, everybody. Good afternoon. The new Cabinet met for the first time today, with a very full agenda, so bear with me.

Good afternoon, everybody. The number one topic of discussion at Cabinet today was the Auckland floods. The Government’s committed to playing its part to get our biggest city back on its feet as quickly as possible. As at 1 o’clock today, Northland also declared a state of emergency, with significant rainfall expected. *Kaitāia is expected to be significantly affected, and *NEMA is going to be monitoring that situation closely.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, and welcome to our first post-Cabinet press conference of the year and, of course, my first post-Cabinet press conference as Prime Minister. This morning, I was sworn in at Government House, taking the baton of responsibility from my good friend Jacinda Ardern and officially becoming the 41 st Prime Minister of New Zealand. My deputy, Carmel Sepuloni, was also sworn in. It was an immensely proud moment for both of us and for our families, and I did take a few moments to enjoy that occasion and reflect on the incredible privilege and the responsibilities that come with this job. Now it’s time to get on with it.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. This week, I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, I have the privilege of presenting the 2022 Ryman Prize here in Wellington, a healthcare award for the world’s best development, advance, or achievement that enhances quality of life for older people. On Friday, I will attend the New Zealand China Council AGM to mark our 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

My apologies for keeping you waiting, every one. I was just waiting on Minister Hipkins to arrive. Good afternoon. Cabinet met today and discussed the horrific homicide that occurred last week in Sandringham. [Missing audio] Given the matter is before the courts, I can’t say much more at this time, other than to acknowledge how important it is that justice is done. But we also need to continue to do all we can to prevent crimes being committed against workers and shop owners.

Kia ora koutou katoa and good afternoon. First up this afternoon, I am pleased to announce that a public event will be held on Parliament’s lawn on Tuesday, December 13 to celebrate our Rugby World Cup - winning Black Ferns. The Government will partner with the Wellington City Council and New Zealand Rugby to host the event. This will be an opportunity for New Zealanders to meet, mingle, and celebrate with our World Cup - winning Black Ferns, similar to events previously hosted for the All Blacks and Silver Ferns. We encourage people to come along and make it a special day on the 13th.

Kia ora koutou, and good afternoon. It’s a busy recess week ahead. Tomorrow, I’m in Auckland for New Zealand’s hui on countering terrorism and violent extremism. This hui is the second of its kind and delivers on one of the recommendations of the royal commission of inquiry into March 15. While we have delivered on many of the recommendations in this report, there are some which will need to be ongoing, including the suggestion that as a Government and as a nation we speak more openly about the threats we face to ensure we are better prepared and more able to respond. This week will be an opportunity to do that. National security agencies will release tomorrow a draft national security long-term insights briefing, the first of its kind for these agencies. As you’ll know, insight briefings are independent of Government and provide an opportunity for agencies to cast forward not just years but decades into the future. The release of this briefing is an opportunity to talk openly about the most significant threats New Zealanders are concerned about for the next decade, as well as the work we are doing to combat or prepare for those risks.

Kia ora, and good afternoon. Today, I’m joined by Associate Minister of Health Dr *Ayesha Verrall to announce significant outcomes from the Government’s *Healthy Homes Initiative. But, first, the week ahead: I’m in Auckland tomorrow, focused on our economic recovery, including meeting with the chairman of Lloyd’s and a visit to the *Auckland Film Studios, which are seeing a healthy stream of productions.

Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. I’m joined today by our immigration Minister, Michael Wood, as we announce a further step in our plan to help relieve workforce shortages: something New Zealand is experiencing along with the rest of the world, and a result of our strong economic recovery from COVID, and delivery of near-record low unemployment.

[Authorised te reo Māori text to be inserted by the Hansard Office.] [Authorised translation to be inserted by the Hansard Office.] This week is Te Wiki o te reo Māori, Māori Language Week, and this year is extra special as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Māori Language petition. While we have more to do, I want to acknowledge all those who have championed te reo Māori over many years.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. I’m joined by justice Minister Kiri Allan today to outline the details of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Amendment Bill that the Government is introducing this week to provide the Government new powers to strip gangs of the benefits of their criminal activity. Police Minister Chris Hipkins is also here to take questions; a special birthday treat for him.

Kia ora koutou katoa, and good afternoon, everyone. First to the week ahead: I’m in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday. Also on Tuesday I will speak at the launch of a new framework for how the Government will work with survivors of large-scale catastrophic events, learning the lessons of the past, and with thanks to the Stand With Pike Family Reference Group and the Public Service Commission. On Thursday, I’ll be in the South Island to mark the extension of Mana Ake, our mental health and wellbeing programme for primary schools, along with a civil defence visit to check in with communities following recent weather events. On Friday, I am in Auckland, where I will join Minister Hipkins at an event to fully welcome back international students to New Zealand.

Kia ora koutou katoa, and good afternoon. Today, I am joined by the finance Minister, Grant Robertson, to talk more about this morning’s news of the Government’s action to ensure Kiwibank will remain 100 percent New Zealand-owned. But before I do, I wanted to share an update on weather events around the country and my visit to Nelson-Tasman last evening and this morning.

Kia ora and good afternoon. Today, I’m joined by the Minister of Defence, Peeni Henare, and the Chief of Defence, Air Marshal Kevin Short, to announce a significant expansion of our Defence Force deployment to support Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing brutal invasion.

Ki a koutou katoa. Good afternoon. I’m joined by the Minister for sport, Grant Robertson, to celebrate New Zealand’s incredible success at the Commonwealth Games.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today, I am joined by biosecurity and agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor to talk about the action the Government is taking to protect New Zealand’s economy from foot-and-mouth disease and what we need New Zealanders to do to keep our agricultural sector safe.

Good afternoon, everyone. We have a busy week ahead. Tomorrow I’ll be welcoming new Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata‛afa to Wellington, where we will hold official talks. There is much to discuss. Top of the agenda will be climate change, regional security, and the recovery from COVID-19. On Wednesday I will be in Christchurch opening Te Aratai College, which replaces the former Linwood College and is the largest project in the Christchurch schools rebuild programme. I will also be visiting Lincoln University and then, that night, will attend the world premiere of James Napier Robertson and Paula Whetu Jones’ new film, Whina, the story of Dame Whina Cooper.

Kia ora koutou katoa. As you know, I’m standing in for the Prime Minister who has COVID and is currently isolating at home. Like many New Zealanders who have had the virus, she’s experiencing moderate symptoms and will be taking each day as it comes over the next few days, and, hopefully, will be able to join us remotely later in the week. Through my own communication with her, I can assure you that she’s doing OK and has managed to provide some feedback to me throughout the day.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. I’ll begin with a comment on the reports of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia. The reports of Ukrainian civilians who have been killed, raped, and severely wounded by Russian troops is beyond reprehensible. Russia must answer to the world for what they’ve done. It goes without saying that these atrocities are against international law. New Zealand, alongside other Rome Statute States Parties, has already referred the situation to the International Criminal Court, and we continue to support prosecutors in their investigations into all international crimes committed in Ukraine. Russia will be held to account. New Zealand stands with our Ukrainian community, who are in the process of bringing their loved ones here through the special Ukraine visa, for which 252 have now been granted. Cabinet considered further measures we can take to support Ukraine and which will send a strong message to Russia. We’ll provide updates across the course of this week.

Kia ora koutou katoa; good afternoon everyone. Firstly, today, I want to acknowledge the sad passing of Dame Temuranga “June” Batley-Jackson. June has been described as formidable, fearless, and no-nonsense; an advocate for urban Māori; and mum of Cabinet Minister Willie Jackson, who will take this week to be with whānau. Our thoughts are with you and all of your family at this very sad time.

Kia ora koutou katoa; good afternoon. Today, I am joined by finance Minister Grant Robertson and energy Minister Megan Woods. As I stand before you, we are in the midst of a global energy crisis. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has unleashed a global energy shock and a spike in prices at the pump felt by the whole world. Last week, prices for all three fuel types rose by the highest amount on record: 91 increased by 6 percent in a week and prices have increased by 13 percent over the past month. The impact of the war sits on top of the pain already caused by the pandemic, with global supply chain disruption and increases in consumer demand causing high levels of inflation in many countries, including right here in New Zealand.

Kia ora koutou katoa, and good afternoon. Today, I’m joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta to outline our next steps in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was 11 days ago that Russia invaded Ukraine in an unjustified and flagrant breach of international law. New Zealand, in line with countries around the world, condemned to the highest degree that illegal act, and we applied our full set of available sanctions to convey our condemnation. These included targeted travel bans, the list for which has been published today; prohibition of the export of all goods to Russian military and security forces; and the suspension of bilateral foreign ministry consultations until further notice. We also made one of the world’s first humanitarian contributions and have prioritised 170 Ukrainian visa applications that were under way, along with the release of some of our emergency oil stocks to help stabilise the shaken oil markets.

Kia ora koutou katoa, and good afternoon. Today I am joined by Professor David Skegg, the chair of our COVID-19 public health advisory group, to update on decisions made by Cabinet on isolation requirements for people entering New Zealand.

Kia ora koutou katoa, and good afternoon. I have two important messages to share today. I’m joined by the Deputy Prime Minister, who in a moment will share details of additional financial support to help business through the accelerating Omicron outbreak. But first, I wish to speak as frankly as I can about where we are at, currently, in our fight against COVID-19, and also where we are going.

Good afternoon, kia ora koutou katoa. Look, just for those who are tuning in at home, I apologise for the slight delay in the press conference today. I’ve been advised that we’ve had a positive rapid antigen test in the gallery. Just to acknowledge that it is a rapid antigen test, so it of course will need to go through the confirmation process of a PCR, because we know that they are not always 100 percent accurate. I do want to acknowledge that the gallery have put in place their own procedures to manage the news, so I just want to acknowledge that obviously not everyone that we usually would have in a gallery press conference is here, and I also acknowledge that everyone sitting in front of me is spaced out and we’ve left the first two rows clear as well, given that we haven’t got masks in use at the front of the room. So just want to thank the flexibility of the gallery, and acknowledge the procedures that you’ve put in place for your own safety.

Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon. First, to the week ahead. With the House having resumed this week, I’ll be based in Wellington, except for Thursday when I’ll travel to Auckland for visits related to the beginning of the school year, booster vaccinations, and medical research.

Apologies, everyone. I see we’re a bit tardy this afternoon. Well, kia ora koutou katoa and good afternoon. Today Cabinet undertook its first review of the new COVID-19 Protection Framework, which came into effect roughly 10 days ago. Cabinet considered several factors when deciding whether or not to move regions into different levels in the traffic light system including vaccination rates, health system capacity, and the status of the current outbreak.

Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon, everyone. First up today, I want to speak to the latest progress we’ve made in securing COVID medicines. As we settle into the new traffic light framework you’ll see that our COVID response remains one where we push forward cautiously with fewer restrictions, more careful travel around the country, and families and friends reuniting. COVID treatments are an important part of this momentum and provide an extra layer of protection to keep people safe as those restrictions are eased.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. As you can see, I’m joined by Deputy Prime Minister, Grant Robertson, who will shortly outline the economic support in place as we transition into the new COVID protection system, one where, at every state, all businesses are able to remain open and to operate. But first I’ll give a short update on the Omicron situation before moving to decisions by Cabinet on the different parts of the traffic light system that the country will move into on Friday.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. First, the week ahead. I’ll be in Wellington tomorrow and Wednesday for Parliament before returning to Auckland on Thursday to meet with business leaders, and health and social support service providers. We’re back in the capital on Friday and then through the weekend.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Before I begin today, a quick overview of decisions that will be announced over the coming week. Today, I’ll set out two decisions Cabinet has made around COVID-19 alert levels settings and booster vaccines. On Wednesday we’ll announce the date for greater movement at the Auckland boundary. That same day schools in Auckland reopen. And this week we will also release details on how to obtain your vaccine certificate in preparation for the move to the COVID-19 protection framework. Next Monday we’ll review restriction settings for Auckland.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. First, the week ahead: tomorrow, I am in Wellington and will attend question time. On Wednesday, I will be in Auckland supporting the vaccination efforts there, meeting with business representatives and local government. The later part of this week, I will chair APEC, which includes a busy agenda, despite being held virtually this year. On Wednesday night, I will participate in the APEC youth dialogue—Voices of the Future. On Thursday, I’ll speak at and attend the APEC CEO Summit and participate in a panel discussion with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Microsoft president Brad Smith. And then on Friday evening and into early Saturday morning, I will chair the annual APEC leaders’ retreat.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. First, to the week ahead: tomorrow I will travel north to support the region’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts. On Wednesday, I head to Whanganui to support our vaccination teams there. And on Friday and Saturday I’m attending the Labour Party conference, which is being held virtually this year.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. First, the week ahead: tomorrow, I am in Wellington, where I will have a farewell call with outgoing Children’s Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft; overnight on Wednesday, I’ll be attending the East Asia Summit leaders’ meeting, which is happening virtually this year; and, on Thursday, I will be in the Wellington region attending events to support our ongoing vaccination drive. Today, I am joined by workplace relations and safety Minister Michael Wood to set out work we are doing as a Government to help support employers as they consider the role of vaccines in their workplace.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today I’ll set out Cabinet’s decisions on alert levels in Auckland, Northland, and the Waikato, as well as signal announcements for the rest of the week. Firstly, though, I want to say something briefly about Super Saturday. We all know what it meant for vaccine numbers—130,000 people vaccinated in one day is enormous. It was a tribute to the health staff, to the people who have been working tirelessly alongside them for months, community organisations who work so hard to support people to be there, the business community who promoted the day and provided every reason and incentive possible to be vaccinated. The biggest success of Super Saturday, alongside the lives saved, is that it reminded us all we are still a team, and that through this really hard few months, if we have a job to do, we will rally to do it.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today, I will update you on Cabinet’s review of alert level settings in Auckland, Waikato, Northland, after which Minister Hipkins will share decisions made by Cabinet to strengthen our COVID response through the use of mandatory vaccination for large parts of the education and health workforce, in order to protect vulnerable New Zealanders. At the conclusion of the brief, we’ll then bring up Dr Ashley Bloomfield, who is once again available to everyone to answer questions based on alert level decisions made by Cabinet today.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Cabinet met today to discuss the current alert level restrictions in Auckland, and to confirm our plan for transitioning the city out of the current restrictions safely and carefully over the coming weeks. I’ll come to the details of that road map shortly, but first let’s go to Dr Bloomfield for a quick update.

[Speaks te reo Māori] Firstly, I want to apologise, everyone, for the slight delay in us joining you for this afternoon briefing. I’ll be frank: my computer froze, something that happens to all of us at the best of times.

[Speaks te reo Māori. Translation to be inserted.] Good afternoon, everyone. I want to begin by acknowledging Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori / Māori Language Week, a chance for us to celebrate te reo Māori. As you will have seen earlier, today there are 33 new community cases to report, all of which are in the Auckland region. While this is a high number, it’s important to note that only one case is currently not yet linked to our known clusters. So virtually all of them are, in a way, expected cases, including, for example, seven in just one household. Likewise, of the cases reported yesterday, just one remains unlinked to the wider outbreak at this point. And that is one of the hard things about

Kia ora koutou katoa. Today I’ll go over Cabinet’s decision on alert levels for the parts of New Zealand outside of Auckland, but first, I’m going to hand over to the Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, to update us on the latest numbers in case those watching at home have not had a chance to look at the press statement earlier today. Dr Bloomfield?

Kia ora koutou and good afternoon, everyone. Cabinet met this afternoon to discuss our alert level settings, but before I move on to those decisions, I thought it would be helpful for Dr Bloomfield to give a quick update on today’s cases and a bit more detail and reflection on yesterday’s, in case anyone missed the press statement earlier today. Thanks, Dr Bloomfield.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. As you will have seen from today’s case numbers, reported earlier today, we may be seeing the beginning of a plateau in cases. Our job is to keep up the hard work in order to bend and then flatten that curve. We are doing really well, and we have evidence that what we are doing is working, but caution is still required. As we have seen in this outbreak, Delta is definitely more infectious, and it also moves more quickly. From the very beginning, we have changed the way we do things to meet that challenge, but by far the most effective tool that we have right now is level 4. You can see that in the data from yesterday. Of the cases reported yesterday, roughly half were household contacts. Unfortunately, we know from Australia that household members are almost universally becoming infected with COVID-19. That means you can expect our numbers to continue for some time, as significant numbers of household contacts continue to test positive.

Tēnā koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Cabinet met this afternoon to confirm our plan to stamp out the Delta outbreak we’re currently experiencing. As you might have already heard, there are 35 new cases reported today—33 in Auckland and two in Wellington—bringing the outbreak to 107 cases in total.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today, I have Minister Henare and the Chief of Defence Force with me to provide an update on the situation in Afghanistan, but I do have a few other matters that I’ll run through quite quickly and then I’ll bring them up onto the podium.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today I have Minister Hipkins with me to talk about the next phase of our vaccine roll-out. But first I wish to acknowledge that the Queen has approved the appointment of Dame Cindy Kiro as an additional Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and as an additional Companion of the Queen’s Service Order. These appointments are an important formal step in the process of Dame Cindy becoming our next Governor-General.

Good afternoon, and welcome back to a two-week sitting block for Parliament, following the mid-year recess. Today, I have both Minister Faafoi and Minister Hipkins with me to give an update on decisions made relating to RSE workers and efforts the Government is undertaking to assist industries hard hit by worker shortages because of COVID-19.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Forgive us for being slightly tardy this afternoon. I’m joined by Minister Hipkins to set out the latest on quarantine-free travel to Australia. But, first, a look at the week ahead. Tomorrow and Wednesday, I’ll be in Wellington for Cabinet committees and the House. On Wednesday, I also have a meeting with Henry Puna, the Secretary General of the Pacific Island Forum. On Thursday, I have an electorate day in Auckland.

Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon, everyone. A quick look to the week ahead: tomorrow I’m in Wellington for the House, Cabinet committees, and meetings; the same applies for Wednesday. On Thursday, I’ll be undertaking visits in Northland. On Friday, I’ll be speaking at the Antarctic Heritage Trust Inspiring Explorer conference, and attending and speaking at the official opening of the new Auckland ferry building redevelopment.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. I’m joined today by the Director-General of Health to make an announcement relevant to the eligibility for our COVID-19 vaccination campaign, but I’ll invite him to join me on the stage at the conclusion of a few opening remarks.

Kia ora koutou katoa. A quick update on the week ahead. Tomorrow, I am in Christchurch, speaking at the inaugural annual hui on countering terrorism and violent extremism. This event responds directly to a recommendation from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch and is complementary to the work we are doing on the Christchurch Call. I’ll also meet in the afternoon with Ngāi Tahu as part of my regular engagement with iwi throughout the motu.

Kia ora koutou katoa. We’ll start with a look to the week ahead. Tomorrow I am in Wellington, here, for the House and Cabinet committees, and speaking at the release of the climate commission report here at Parliament. As you’ll be aware, at midday we’ll be publicly releasing the commission’s final advice. The report includes recommendations on New Zealand’s emission budgets and policy options to meet those budgets. It provides a road map to meet our climate obligations and to build an economy and country fit and ready for the future. It is up there as one of the most significant documents that I’m likely to receive as Prime Minister and marks a critical milestone in our response to the climate emergency. Whilst, of course, there is a significant process that we, by law, are obliged to undertake upon receiving the report, we have been anticipating it for some time and have not been waiting for it in order to act on the issue of climate change. Since coming into office, we’ve put climate change at the centre of our policy work and commitments, but there is no question that there is more work to do. More on that tomorrow.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. This afternoon it is my great pleasure to confirm that the incoming Governor-General is Dame Cindy Kiro. Dame Cindy will be known to many of you. She’s had a highly distinguished and lengthy career in academic and leadership positions, and has made significant contributions across a number of fields and organisations. From 2003-2009, she was the Children’s Commissioner. She has extensive health sector experience and has held a number of roles in community and voluntary organisations. She has held statutory positions and been appointed to ministerial advisory groups under a number of different Governments. Dame Cindy holds a PhD in social policy and an MBA in business administration. From 2009-2012, she was associate professor and head of Massey University’s school of public health. From 2012-2014 she was professor of education, head of school Te Kura Māori at the Victoria University of Wellington. Between 2014 and 2018, she was deputy dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Work, and then director, Tai Tokerau campus at the University of Auckland. And, between 2018 and 2021, she was the pro vice-chancellor Māori at the University of Auckland, before taking up her current role at the Royal Society.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon everyone, and kia orana. Welcome to Budget week, in a week in which we’ll continue to outline our plan to secure our COVID recovery while tackling New Zealand’s long-term challenges.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Apologies, everyone, for the brief delay in coming down this afternoon. I wanted to make sure that I had the latest information to hand on the situation as it’s evolved in Dunedin. This afternoon you will have seen that there has been a serious knife attack at a Dunedin supermarket. Police were quickly at the scene, and a suspect has been apprehended and is in police custody. At this stage we understand there are five victims, two of whom have been confirmed as supermarket employees. I’m advised that all five have been taken to Dunedin Hospital with stab wounds or other related injuries. At this time we have limited further information to provide, including the formal motivation for the attack. I am advised—and I do caveat that this is early stages. I am advised that at this stage there is nothing to suggest, from the police’s perspective, that this is what they would define as a domestic terror event. Police will, however, release new information as it comes to hand. So just again to repeat that: nothing at this stage that suggests that it is a domestic terror event. Needless to say, such an attack is hugely concerning, and I do want to acknowledge the really early reports of courageous acts by bystanders who have taken action in order to protect those around them. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this attack. As I say, though, we will make sure that you are kept updated. I’m advised that at 5 p.m. Dunedin police will hold a press conference in order to provide further information, and that will be led by Paul Basham.

[Audio missing] I look to the week ahead. Tomorrow and Wednesday, I’m in Wellington for meetings and the House. Thursday, I’m in Whanganui visiting Te Oranganui, an iwi organisation delivering a range of health and social services, including COVID vaccines, to around 55,000 people. I’ll also be visiting E Tū Tāngata, a PDU-funded pilot programme delivering integrated employment and trades training. On Friday, I have meetings in the electorate before speaking at the Trans-Tasman Business Circle and SportsConnect and Women in Sport Captains Lunch.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. I’ll start with a look to the week ahead. At 5 p.m. today, I’ll be attending Wellington Airport’s trans-Tasman bubble celebrations. Tomorrow, I’ll be in Wellington, visiting Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae which has partnered with LegaSea on the Kai Ika project, which seeks to reduce wastage in the fishing industry. On Wednesday, I’ll be attending Prince Philip’s memorial service here in Wellington. On Thursday, I’m in the Hawke’s Bay on a regenerative agricultural visit. On Friday, I’m speaking at the official opening of MIT’s TechPark campus, and on Sunday I’ll be speaking at the Anzac dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, before attending the Mount Albert Anzac services.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. I want to start by acknowledging the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts continue to be with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this time. Prince Philip’s links with New Zealand were many and varied. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award has helped thousands of young Kiwis with self-development over the last five decades, in some cases helping to transform lives, including in prisons, refugee centres, and teen-parent units. He was patron of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and a life member of the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand. He was an honorary Fellow of the New Zealand institute of professional engineers, the royal navy volunteer reserve veterans association of New Zealand, and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. He held ranks of Field Marshall of the New Zealand Army, Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and Marshall of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. I’m joined this afternoon by COVID-19 response Minister, Chris Hipkins, to make announcements on the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble. But, first, the week ahead. Tomorrow, I’m in Wellington for the House and Cabinet committees. On Thursday, I’m visiting Dunedin and will go to the Otago Polytechnic trade training centre, and I’ll also be speaking to the annual South Island Whānau Ora symposium. On Friday, I’m in Auckland highlighting the Government’s investment in health services, with the opening of a national telehealth centre and a $60 million unit at the Mason Clinic for those with acute mental health needs. On Saturday, I’m looking forward to attending the Pasifika Festival in Auckland, which, of course, had been cancelled previously because of COVID.

Kia ora koutou katoa. This week is a recess, so Parliament is not sitting, but a busy week none the less. Tomorrow I will be in Auckland undertaking electorate work, but I will also be visiting Papatoetoe High School and also the Auckland City Mission. On Wednesday, Minister Woods and I will be in Taupō for the sod-turning at Contact Energy’s Tauhara new $580 million geothermal power station. This is an exciting project which aligns with our priority to reduce carbon emissions and move New Zealand to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. On Wednesday night, I will present the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award.

Kia ora koutou katoa. I’ll start with a look to the week ahead. Tomorrow and Wednesday I’m in the House and attending Cabinet committees in Wellington. Tomorrow I’ll also be meeting with Local Government New Zealand and presenting the Prime Minister’s Awards for Literary Achievement. On Wednesday I’ll be chairing the public session of the annual review of security and intelligence agencies. On Wednesday evening I’ll be presenting the Sportswoman of the Decade award at the Halberg Awards in Auckland. On Thursday I’ll be doing visits in Hamilton, including Montana catering, which supplies 9,000 school lunches to 25 schools in the Waikato as part of the Government’s free school lunches programme. Myself and transport Minister Wood will then attend the official launch of the Te Huia commuter rail service, which connects Hamilton to Auckland and is expected to replace 72,000 annual return car trips. On Friday I’ll be in Auckland with visits in the electorate in the morning, in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Brown of the Cook Islands, and a speech at a Xero small business event. On Saturday I’ll be speaking at the unveiling of the Pacific Islands memorial at Pukeahu National Memorial Park.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today, I am accompanied by Chief of Defence, Air Marshal Kevin Short as we have further announcements to make shortly on *New Zealand’s response to the invasion of *Ukraine.

Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon, and al salam alaikum. I’m pleased to announce that Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will visit New Zealand next week from 25 March to 3 April. He’ll be the first international leader to visit New Zealand since the COVID-19 border closure. While we have personally met before in the Cook Islands, I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Brown on his first visit to New Zealand as Prime Minister. Two years ago today, 51 New Zealanders’ lives were taken in the March 15 mosque attack. Our thoughts continue to be with the victims, injured survivors, families, and all those affected by the events of that day. I know we’re all committed to ensuring such an attack never happens on our soil again. And, for our part, that’s why we’ve put in place an extensive programme of work to implement the recommendations of the royal commission of inquiry into the attack, for which Minister Little is playing the role as lead coordinating Minister and is available for questions should you have them.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. A brief look to the week ahead. Tomorrow and Wednesday, I’m in Wellington for the House and Cabinet committees. Also on Wednesday, I’ll take part in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Prime Ministers of Sweden and Spain with the UN Secretary-General. The focus will be on how to build back better together from COVID and how we can more effectively work together on issues such as climate change, human rights, and global health. On Thursday, I’m in Napier with several other Ministers meeting with the Food and Fibre Leaders’ Forum and visiting some local farms, including one belonging to the 2020 Horticulturalist of the Year. Friday, I have meetings and appointments in the electorate.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Thank you for joining us this afternoon. This morning, as I walked into the Beehive bunker, where we undertake our civil defence emergency coordination, two things struck me: first, that it’s hard not to feel like our country is having a run of bad luck, when you have an earthquake, tsunami alert, and pandemic to contend with all in one day. But, secondly, as I walked down the stairs into the bunker, there are images on the panels of our past natural disasters in New Zealand. We have had our share of tough moments in this country, but within that we have always been blessed with incredible people who work in our emergency system, and I include in that our civil defence response teams nationally and locally, and to them I say thank you for your work. I include in that our current Minister for Emergency Management, Kiritapu Allan, who’ll I now ask to give an update. At the conclusion of that update, I’ll ask Dr Bloomfield to take the podium, we’ll run through the COVID announcements, we’ll then take COVID questions, and then we’ll bring Minister Allan back up for any remaining questions on events today. Minister Allan.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon everyone. Before we begin with COVID-related updates and information, I’ll look briefly to the week ahead. Tomorrow, myself and Minister Little will have an announcement to make about the review of Pharmac we committed to during the election campaign. On Wednesday, I’ll be part of the Local Government New Zealand housing meeting via Zoom. On Friday, I have Cabinet and Cabinet committee meetings in Wellington, with a press conference in the afternoon, where we will update everyone on decisions relating to COVID alert levels.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everybody. We’re now at day three of our COVID response plan, following the emergence of new community cases in Auckland on Sunday. Cabinet met after question time this afternoon to review our current alert settings, and I’ll share that review with you shortly, but first I will hand over to Dr Bloomfield to provide the very latest numbers that we have.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everybody. We’ve received the 1 p.m. Ministry of Health update today, and I’ll hand over to the director-general to speak to that in a moment, but first I’d like to give a brief update on the last 24 hours, along with an update on the arrival of the first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine into New Zealand.

Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon. Welcome back to the first week of Parliament sitting for the year. I’ll begin with a look to the week ahead: tomorrow, I’ll be in Wellington for Cabinet committee and question time in the House, and Minister Parker will lay out details of the repeal and replacement of the RMA; on Thursday, I’ll be in Auckland welcoming improvements to the Residential Tenancies Act with Minister Williams in the morning, then announcing the details around our extension to the Flexi-wage scheme in the afternoon with Minister Sepuloni; on Friday, I have various meetings in Auckland; and on Sunday, I’ll be attending the Big Gay Out in Auckland.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’ll start with a COVID update specifically focusing on latest developments and information coming from Northland. We’ll then move to an update on vaccine approval and rollout, following which we’ll be very happy to take questions. The current Northland COVID case is a situation that is very obviously unwelcome but also that we have prepared for. The global pandemic continues to rage around the world, and as we have experienced before, from time to time we will be reminded of that pandemic and just what a tricky virus COVID-19 is, even with our very best efforts. What is important is our response to incidents like this and, of course, what we learn from each incident so we can do our best to try and prevent it from ever happening again. On that note, I’ll hand over to Minister Hipkins to give you some of the latest.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, and welcome to the last post-Cabinet press conference for what has been an incredibly long 2020. It’s been a year nobody would have imagined just 12 months ago, and I’ll share some reflections in a moment, but first I’ll touch on Cabinet today and outline my week ahead.

Kia ora koutou katoa and good afternoon. Starting with the week ahead, tonight I will attend the Diwali celebrations here at Parliament and will be in Wellington on Tuesday for the House. On Wednesday, one year on from the 2019 Whakaari / White Island eruption, I will be in Whakātane to be with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa as we remember the lives lost and acknowledge the efforts of many during the tragedy.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Today, I am joined by Minister Wood, who will shortly set out the Government’s policy parameters around the extension of paid sick leave. First, I’ll run through the week ahead, which sees the Government getting down to business on keeping New Zealanders safe from COVID while accelerating our economic recovery with Parliament resuming.

Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon. Today I’m joined by the environment Minister, David Parker, as we announce further action by the Government to accelerate our economic recovery from COVID-19. But first I’ll run through the week ahead, a week that will see the opening of the 53rd New Zealand Parliament. Tomorrow I’ll speak at the primary industry summit. Our food and fibre sectors continue to be the backbone of our economy and our response in terms of ensuring that we’re holding up well, with exports up 3.6 percent to the year ending June—and that is despite the impact of COVID, so they will play a critical role in our recovery. I will also attend caucus, a little late, where we’ll have the official team photo. Wednesday is the Commission Opening of Parliament, where we elect a Speaker and MPs are sworn in. Thursday is the State Opening of Parliament, including the Speech from the Throne and the Address in Reply debate that I will take part in. On Friday I’ll be in Gisborne for the charter parade and civic reception to mark the inaugural visit of HMNZS Manawanui to her home port of Gisborne. I was honoured to become the Manawanui’s sponsor in June 2019; I’m very much looking forward to catching up with captain Andy Mahoney, and also with the crew, while they are there.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. I’m joined by the COVID response Minister, Chris Hipkins, today to make announcements on the next steps in our ongoing response to keeping New Zealanders safe from COVID-19.

Kia ora koutou katoa. My first task today, though, is to apologise for the lack of sign language interpreters. Due to circumstances unfortunately beyond our control, they are not able to be here today. So for the community, I apologise that we will be without that interpretation.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. The new Cabinet was sworn in by the Governor-General this morning and met for the first time this afternoon. I can now confirm, then, that the formal Commission Opening of Parliament will occur on Wednesday, 25 November, where MPs will be sworn in and a Speaker elected. The official State Opening will be the next day, Thursday, 26 November, where the Speech from the Throne is delivered and the Address in Reply debate will begin. House sitting for normal business will start the following week, Tuesday, 1 December and will rise for the year on Wednesday, 9 December. Business will include the Address in Reply debate, maiden speeches, and legislation we need to progress prior to Christmas.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon to you all from Christchurch. Cabinet met via Zoom today to review Auckland’s COVID-19 alert level. The Auckland cluster became New Zealand’s biggest ever, with 179 cases attached to it; however, it is one that all signs point to now being under control. There have been no new cases within that cluster for 10 days, only one case in the past two weeks, and only five people from the cluster are yet to recover. According to research undertaken by Te Pūnaha Matatini, there is now a 95 percent probability of the cluster being eliminated. A recent group of six cases linked to the border from a person who completed managed isolation and had a negative day-three and day-12 test has highlighted how cases can be rapidly identified, traced, tested, and contained without any change to alert levels or the restrictions that go with that. It has now been 12 days since a confirmed case associated with this cluster, with only one person who still has the virus, and we are confident it too has been contained.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Cabinet met today to determine the next steps in managing the re-emergence of COVID-19 in New Zealand. Tomorrow marks 14 days since the re-emergence of COVID-19 beyond our quarantine facilities. In those almost two weeks, enormous effort has gone into rolling out our resurgence plan. You can see that in the sheer scale of the response, and I want to briefly to recap on that response, because, in sharing those details, it gives a sense of why we are well equipped to deal with the cases that will continue from this current cluster for some time to come.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. This week is the final sitting week of this Parliament, although, from turnout, I suggest I probably don’t need to tell everyone here. I will be in the House on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, where a number of important pieces of legislation will move through their final stages, including the Fuel Industry Bill, that legislates to improve competition in the retail fuel market, and the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, which will bring a fairer, more secure rental market for renters and landlords, as well as family-funded care legislation.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. This week the Government continues to focus on our COVID response and recovery. I’m in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday, and, also on Wednesday, I will join a morning tea held by Rural Women New Zealand to help thank the essential workers and volunteers that supported New Zealanders during the level 4 lockdown. On Thursday morning, I am speaking at a Wellington Chamber of Commerce event, also with a COVID-19 focus, before heading to Lower Hutt to meet with key COVID-19 community responders and to make an infrastructure announcement. On Friday, I am in Auckland at several events, including a Sir Edmund Hillary virtual reality project and a sod turning at a papakāinga housing development. Throughout the week I also have calls with international leaders to share updates on our COVID response and position for economic recovery. I will also hold meetings with our tourism leaders, farming leaders, and the Council of Trade Unions.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. This week I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday for our final sitting block of this term, which will see several important pieces of legislation, including pay equity, passed into law.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. This week, Parliament is, obviously, sitting, so I will be in Wellington until Thursday. On Wednesday, 1 July, a number of Government initiatives come into force, including extending paid parental leave to 26 weeks. As of this Wednesday, the coalition will have increased by two months the amount of paid time new parents get to spend with their babies, demonstrating our commitment to families by removing economic barriers to parents spending those all-important early months with their children.

Kia ora koutou katoa. This week I am in Wellington, or the Greater Wellington region, for the majority of the week, and I’ll outline a few different initiatives over the course of these introductory comments.

Kia ora koutou katoa, ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Good afternoon. Today is day 26 of alert level 2, and day 17 without any new cases of COVID-19 in the country. Today is also day 75 of being in a COVID alert level of any kind. Our team of 5 million has both sacrificed and achieved a huge amount, in just under 11 weeks, as the world reckoned with—continues to reckon with—a virus that went from obscurity at the start of the year to a global pandemic that will linger, with second waves a constant reality. As it spread rapidly around the world, we all saw people losing their loved ones and their livelihoods at a rate that was never acceptable to us.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Welcome to day 20 of alert level 2, and day 11 without any new cases of COVID in the country.

Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Look, I’ll do a brief introduction, just headline a few announcements for the week, and then I’ll open up for questions, but what we’ll do this time is just make sure that we’re fronting the COVID questions, if we can, for Dr Bloomfield, and then we’ll just move into more general if we can.

Kia ora koutou katoa and good afternoon. Today, I’m joined by the education Minister, Chris Hipkins, as schoolchildren and early learners around the country return to their classrooms after weeks of a brand new experience of learning at home. But, first, I’ll run through the week ahead.

Good afternoon, everyone, and kia ora koutou katoa. I want to start today by acknowledging the sacrifices New Zealanders have made over the 6½ weeks we have been in alert levels 4 and 3 in order to beat COVID-19. Be it those who lost loved ones and were unable to say goodbye and mourn properly. Be it the children who wrote to me about missing birthdays, and there were many of them, or the many who cancelled weddings or didn’t mark anniversaries. Be it the jobs that have been lost in the businesses that owners spent years building up only to watch it and their workforce suffer terribly. But for all of that, Kiwis from all walks of life were resolute and determined—determined that this was a war that we could eventually win, but only if we acted together. So we formed a team, and as a team we created a wall of protection for one another.

Kia ora koutou katoa. We’re in day seven of alert level 3. While we can take heart in recording no new cases today, the result reflects the situation that ultimately reflects the end of lockdown in alert level 4; not the effect of greater activity at level 3. So, despite this result, my message remains the same, as I note does the message of Dr Ashley

Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon. Welcome everyone to day one of alert level 3. I want to begin by stressing that at alert level 3 we are not out of the woods. As I have said before, it is a recovery room, of sorts, to assess if the incredible work that New Zealanders have done at level 4 to break the virus’s chain of transmission and prevent further community outbreak has worked. As Siouxsie Wiles said today, “There may still be some smouldering ashes out there. And they have the potential to become a wildfire again if we give them the chance. It can take from two to 10 days for people who are exposed to the COVID-19 coronavirus to come down with symptoms. That means we wouldn’t smell the smoke for a few weeks. And that could put us back where we started before the lockdown.” So with more people going back to work today, we need to be even more vigilant at level 3 to prevent any inadvertent spreading of the virus. We must continue to stay home where possible, including for work and education. Please stay regional and limit non-essential travel, and even though you can expand your bubble, keep it as small as possible, and exclusive. And finally, if you’re sick, stay home and contact your GP or Healthline and get tested. It may feel like a minor symptom to you, but it could be a significant issue for all of us.

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Over the past few weeks, I’ve often used my time at this podium to acknowledge the people on the front line. Today I want to remember the people in New Zealand who have lost someone to COVID-19, or the many more who had the terror of almost losing someone. Throughout this pandemic there have been individuals who I have tracked the progress of. I didn’t know their names, but I knew their status, and I still get a phone call for every individual person that we lose to COVID-19 in New Zealand.

Good afternoon, everyone. As you will have heard from the Director-General earlier this afternoon, we now have a total of 589 cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. It’s an increase of 76 new cases today, 12 of which are in hospital, with two currently in ICU. As I have said, we’ve expected the numbers to rise and to keep rising for the next week or so. The growing number of cases, and in particular the number of clusters of cases, highlight why we need to take the lockdown we’re currently in very seriously. The virus, once present, has proven it can spread easily at a school, at a wedding, at a conference, or even at a local bar. These are all commonplace gatherings we normally take for granted but have proven to be a place where this virus can spread successfully.

Good afternoon. Cabinet met, this morning, to discuss our next actions in the fight against COVID-19. Like the rest of the world, we are facing the potential for devastating impacts from this virus, but, through decisive action and by working together, we do have a small window to get ahead of it.

Kia ora, everyone. All right, good afternoon. As you can imagine, the Government’s sole focus this week, as in previous weeks, is protecting New Zealanders’ health and economic wellbeing amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson, will announce phase one of the Government’s economic response, including our business continuity package. This package will be significant and focused at keeping New Zealanders in work and to support businesses from the impact of the virus. On Wednesday, we will launch a mass public awareness campaign that calls on New Zealanders to unite against COVID-19. On Thursday, I travel to Rotorua with Minister Robertson to speak directly with businesses who are or will be impacted by COVID-19 and the measures we are undertaking to do as much as we can to support New Zealanders through this unprecedented period.

Good afternoon. This week, as you’ll understand, my priorities are leading the Government response to COVID-19, and, of course, the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque terrorist attack. I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, I will chair the COVID-19 Cabinet committee. On Thursday, I will visit a GP clinic in Island Bay, where I’ll be shown some of the strict procedures used when a patient phones in about a potential COVID-19 case, and to discuss their access and wider access in the use of personal protective equipment at GP practices. Also on Thursday, I will travel to Northland, following discussions of further drought support in Cabinet today and in Cabinet committee this week. On Friday, I head to Christchurch for a number of events relating to the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks. On Saturday, I will speak at the opening on the Pasifika Festival, and on Sunday, I will attend and speak at the public memorial service in Hagley Park commemorating the 51 people who lost their lives a year ago on March 15.

Good afternoon, everyone. Look, I’ll start with the week ahead. Tomorrow I will be speaking at the Air New Zealand annual parliamentary function. On Wednesday morning, I will have the honour of reopening select committee room 5, the room that has traditionally showcased the contribution of women to Parliament, and that’s ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8 March. Later that day, I’ll be heading along to Clubs Day at Victoria University. On Friday, I am visiting Christchurch, where I have a number of appointments, including visiting a school that is benefiting from Mana Ake, a programme which has been running for just under two years, that puts counsellors and a range of other mental health professionals in schools in Canterbury and Kaikōura so that all primary and intermediate students have access to mental health and wellbeing support.

Good afternoon. Shortly after today’s press conference, I depart for Fiji, visiting Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka, and I will be meeting—as everyone knows—with the Prime Minister, students, and staff at the University of the South Pacific, women leaders, and Government, business, and civil society; and pay New Zealand’s respects to three Fijian nationals killed in the terror attacks of March 15, at the Lautoka Mosque in Fiji. On Thursday and Friday, I’ll travel to Australia, where I’ll meet with Prime Minister Morrison in Sydney, at the Australia - New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

Good afternoon, everyone. Let’s start off with the week ahead. Tomorrow, I will be in Wellington. On Wednesday, I will speak at the Chinese New Year celebrations here at Parliament. On Thursday, I will travel to the Hawke’s Bay for a launch event for our lunches in schools programme, as well as visit the new Hawke’s Bay Opera House Arts and Events Precinct. In the evening, I will be presenting at the New Zealander of the Year Awards in Auckland. On Friday, in my local electorate, I will open Western Springs’ new campus. Later that day, I will host the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea at Government House.

Good afternoon. Let’s start with the week ahead. Tomorrow there will be tributes in the House for Mike Moore, and, as per convention, the House will then rise for the day. On Wednesday, Parliament will formally start for the year, and I will deliver the Prime Minister’s statement, which is followed by other party leaders’ speeches. On Thursday, I will be making a housing-related announcement in Auckland at the city mission. On Friday, I will be spending the morning in Hamilton, speaking at the Waikato wellbeing summit, as well as opening the new gym at St John’s College. In the afternoon, I will return to Auckland to attend Mike Moore’s public funeral, where I will be speaking at his family’s request.

Tēnā koe tēnei ahiahi. Good afternoon. Welcome, everyone. Today I will outline the rest of my week ahead and make an announcement, before handing over to the Minister of Health, Dr David Clark, and Ministry of Health’s director-general, Ashley Bloomfield, also a public health specialist, to give an update on New Zealand’s response to the coronavirus. First of all, though, tomorrow in Auckland I will join the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Robertson, Minister Shaw, Minister Twyford, Minister Jones, and Minister Woods, to outline the Government’s $12 billion infrastructure upgrade of New Zealand’s roads, rail, schools, and hospitals, to futureproof our country and our economy.

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the last post-Cab of 2019. Today our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of those who died and were injured in the Whakaari / White Island eruption. I do want to give an overview of the status of the tragedy one week on. Police with the navy will continue their recovery operation for the two remaining victims, reassessing the risk each day. Police have begun to release the names of some victims.

Good afternoon. Look, my apologies—apologies for the delay. I was wanting to ensure that I had the most up-to-date information available to share with you regarding the evolving situation at White Island. Police search and rescue are supporting the National Emergency Management Agency following an eruption at White Island off the coast of Whakatāne. Police were alerted at 2.17 p.m. At this stage—and please do keep in mind this is an evolving situation, but at this stage we believe around 100 people were on or around the island at the time, and some of those at this stage are unaccounted for. A number of people are reportedly injured and are being transported to shore. Police are urging members of the public to avoid the Whakatāne Heads and Muriwai Road areas. Muriwai Road is closed from Harvey Street.

Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon. This week, I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday morning in Wellington, I’ll attend and give opening remarks at the Google Crisis Response workshop, followed by a visit to the Cancer Control Agency ahead of the board’s first meeting. On Wednesday, I will speak at DairyNZ’s environment leaders forum. On Thursday, I’ll be seeing many of you for a few end-of-year interviews before heading to Auckland. On Friday, I’ll be speaking at the opening of Grey Lynn School—their new build—with Minister Hipkins. On Sunday in Auckland, I’ll join Minister Sage and my Chief Science Adviser, Juliet Gerrard, at the launch of an excellent environmental report called Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Good afternoon, everyone. This week, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are visiting New Zealand from Tuesday to Saturday. It’s been four years since we last welcomed them both. I will meet with Prince Charles on Tuesday in Auckland and will join both the Duchess and Prince on a series of visits in Christchurch on Friday.

Right, good afternoon, everyone. For the week ahead, this week I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, I head to Palmerston North for two health announcements with Minister Clark, followed by a visit to AgResearch. That evening, I’ll present an award at the Vodafone music awards in Auckland. On Friday, I’ll speak at a KickStart Breakfast event to celebrate 10 years of these breakfasts in schools, alongside Minister Sepuloni.

Good afternoon, everyone. First, to the week ahead. Directly after this press conference, I will head to the Ministry for Arts, Culture and Heritage to officially open the Public Trust building’s new hall. I’m in the House Tuesday and Wednesday, and at noon on Wednesday I will speak at the Duffy books event in the Grand Hall. On Thursday, I will be making a climate change - based announcement alongside Ministers Shaw and O’Connor.

Right, kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. A quick rundown of the week ahead: later this evening I will join a literary awards ceremony at Premiere House that, I understand, will be livestreamed by Creative New Zealand from 6 o’clock tonight. Tomorrow I am in the House and speaking at the CTU conference in Wellington. I’m in the House again this Wednesday before heading to Hamilton on Thursday, where I’ll be visiting my old university, attending a ground-breaking ceremony for a new facility before making a health announcement at Waikato Hospital later on that day. On Friday and Saturday I’m lucky enough to be visiting Nelson, including the Cawthron Aquaculture Park, the Arts Festival, and on Saturday the official opening of the Nelson airport.

Good afternoon. This week, I am in Auckland on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will speak at the Silver Scrolls Wednesday evening. Thursday morning, I will speak at the women in film summit in Auckland, then at the Net hui at Te Papa in Wellington. I’m back to Auckland for the Ryman Prize awards on Friday, before I head to Gisborne for a few days for Tuia 250.

Tākiri mai te ata, ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea. Tihei mauri ora. Tātou katoa ngā iwi o Aotearoa, tēnā koutou. Tēnā tātou e whakanui ana i te wiki nei, te wiki o Te Reo Māori. As you’ll see by the iconic symbol behind me, kindly lent to us by the Māori Language Commission, this week is Māori Language Week, and the theme, again, is Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori, or Let the Language Live. Kei te ako tonu au i Te Teo Māori.

All right. Good afternoon, every one. I come to you after a busy week for the Government—and just highlighting again, since Thursday, the announcement in particular alongside Minister Martin and myself of the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy, and alongside that the introduction of Food in Schools, which will begin in the beginning of 2020. Then, of course, the announcement around our cancer action plan, which was made in Auckland yesterday. Both of these issues signal the ongoing focus of the Government on long-term issues that often will require sustained action and long-term commitment from us, be it issues of child poverty or ongoing under-investment in our health system. But I think both the cancer action plan and our Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy demonstrate that we are looking beyond three-year cycles, out to even as far as 30 years in terms of addressing some of those significant issues. And, again, whilst it will take time, in both cases I think we’ve made very, very good starts.

Good afternoon, everyone. Look, before I start, I do want to make acknowledgment of the passing of Pita Paraone overnight, which I know will have come as a great shock to many who have worked with Pita, but especially to his whānau and his family. I did want to acknowledge his passing, and in particular acknowledge his colleagues in New Zealand First, who will be mourning his loss.

Good afternoon, everyone. Heading back into a sitting block with lots of news ahead, but before I move on to the week ahead, I’d just like to recap over some of the things that happened over the course of the recess in terms of Government policy and announcements. Obviously, you will have seen moves to protect our most fertile and versatile land while also making sure we recognise the balance needed to develop land, particularly alongside our housing crisis; unveiling of two new air ambulances for the southern region to boost this critical life-saving service; and there are additional measures to prevent and reduced homelessness, focused on ensuring at-risk individuals and whānau have access to stable housing and continue to stay housed.

All right. Kia ora, everyone. Good afternoon. Starting with an overview of the coming week, this evening I’ll be speaking at the closed Future of Work Tripartite Forum session here in Wellington. Tomorrow, I’ll be in Rotorua, making an announcement with Minister Jones, followed by an announcement in Edgecumbe with Minister Jackson. Then, on Wednesday, I will travel to Tuvalu for the Pacific Island Forum, returning on Friday. Looking ahead to the weekend, I’m speaking at the centenary celebrations for Colin McCahon on Saturday evening and will then head along to the All Blacks’ match against the Wallabies at Eden Park.

Good, everyone—good to see you all. This evening I will speak at the New Zealand Red Cross event here at Parliament for the 70th anniversary of the four Geneva conventions. On Tuesday I will meet with the NATO General-Secretary here in Wellington while the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence will be meeting the US Secretary of Defense in Auckland.

All right, good afternoon, everyone. I’ll just run through the week ahead, and then, as you can see from the presence of the Minister for Children, we’ll run through particular changes for Oranga Tamariki marked by 1 July.

Good afternoon, everyone. Shortly after this press conference, I am speaking and presenting at the New Zealand Youth Awards alongside the Minister for Youth, Peeni Henare. Tomorrow, I am in the House. On Wednesday, I am speaking at the Entertainment Technology New Zealand conference at the National Dance and Drama centre here in Wellington, and I am in the House in the afternoon. On Thursday morning, I will speak at the 100th anniversary of New Zealand’s signing of the Treaty of Versailles event here at Parliament, before joining the Minister for Courts and the Minister of Justice, Andrew Little, in Porirua for a Community Law Centre announcement.

Kia ora, everyone. Firstly, can I acknowledge that this is national volunteers week, where we celebrate the collective contribution of the 1.2 million New Zealanders who get out and about in their communities to offer a helping hand for free. Alongside with many others this week, I’ll be finding a way to acknowledge the work that they do, but it is an occasion that I wanted to publicly acknowledge as well.

All right. Good afternoon, everyone. This week, I head to Mystery Creek on Wednesday to speak at an agricultural leaders’ breakfast, attend an iwi accord hui, and officially open the Fieldays at midday alongside Ministers O’Connor and Mahuta and Robertson. I will then join Minister O’Connor and Minister Parker later in the afternoon for a well-being Budget sustainable land package event. On Thursday, I have regional visits around the Waikato, including to the Matamata Medical Practice, which recently won Rural General Practice Team of the Year. The nominator for that prize was the caregiver of a young man with signs of depression, who said the practice heard him, took him seriously, spent 45 minutes with him, and followed up with a home visit on the weekend. And these are exactly the kinds of services we need across our rural communities, where isolation can be a barrier to services, and this is what Budget 2019’s billion-dollar investment in tackling mental health and taking mental health seriously was ultimately all about.

Good afternoon, everyone. I’ll start with a run-through of the week ahead. This week, I am in west Auckland on Wednesday to speak at a well-being Budget debrief with Minister Twyford, Minister Sepuloni, Minister Henare, and MP Deborah Russell. On Thursday, I’m in Blenheim for further post-Budget engagements. On Friday, I’ll be making a post-Budget announcement in Auckland before heading to the Devonport naval base to undertake official duties as the sponsor of the HMNZS Manawanui before attending the opening of the refurbished Balmoral police station.

All right, talofa lava. Happy Samoan Language Week. This week, I am here at Parliament all week, including Thursday when Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson, who’s helpfully joined us for this pre-Budget post-cab, when we will be delivering our first ever well-being Budget on Thursday. On Wednesday, I will be joining Minister Clark to announce the Government’s response to the mental health inquiry. On Friday, I’m in Auckland for post-Budget engagements.

All right, good afternoon everyone. I’ll quickly cover off the week ahead. On Tuesday, the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill will be read in the House for the first time. This is a really important piece of legislation for our time, and I’m proud of the practical consensus we built to get this bill to the House. But I am keen to keep working on building that consensus out further still. On Tuesday, I will also speak to the Grey Power AGM in Kilbirnie, following the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Seniors’ pre-Budget announcement there today.

Good afternoon. I’ll start today by going through the week ahead. On Wednesday, here at Parliament, I will be speaking and presenting at the NZQA Top Scholar Awards. On Thursday, after attending the Future of Work tripartite forum, I will travel to Nelson for a speaking event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. And on Friday, I will join with the families and other Ministers for the Pike River re-entry.

Oh, look, apologies for the delay. Good afternoon. I want to give you a brief overview of what I will be doing over the two-week recess. Tomorrow evening, I will be in Auckland presenting an award to the Taite music awards. On Thursday, I’ll be travelling to Hastings to meet with Ngāti Kahungunu. Next Thursday, I will be speaking at the Anzac dawn service in Auckland, and on Saturday 27 April, I will be speaking at the commemoration of the Rwandan genocide. Other media advisories on relevant activities over the recess will follow.

Good afternoon. Let me first give you an overview of the week ahead. Tomorrow, I am here in Wellington as the gun reform legislation will be reported back to the House for its remaining stages. On Wednesday, I’ll be making an announcement regarding assistance for young people in driver licensing in Porirua. On Thursday, I’ll be speaking at Plunket Line’s 25th birthday, and then be based in the Hutt Valley for the remainder of the day. Also, on Sunday, I’ll be making an announcement in Auckland relating to construction. Given, of course, it’s embargoed against delivery, I’m sure no one has yet seen publicly available the announcement I’m about to make.

Good afternoon everyone. I want to acknowledge that I have the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs with me in case there are any wider questions from a foreign policy perspective or any questions around contact that we’ve had from other world leaders over the course of the last 72 hours.

Good afternoon. Let me first give you an overview of the coming week. Today, obviously, Cabinet here in Wellington. Tomorrow, I will be presenting at the Prime Minister’s science awards here at Parliament. Wednesday, there’ll be a meeting of my Business Advisory Council here in Wellington. I’ll also be hosting a town hall - style chat with students regarding action on climate change, and that will be held at Wellington College. On Thursday, I will be heading to Ashburton for an education announcement, then I’ll be back up to Auckland to see some of the ASB Polyfest performances and speak at a Super Diverse Women event later that evening. On Friday, I will be travelling to New Plymouth where I will be making an announcement relating to our Just Transitions work programme and opening WOMAD 2019. And on Saturday, I am opening Wellington International Pride Parade.

All right, good afternoon. Let me begin by running through the week ahead. Then we’ll have some details of an announcement, and then I want to make some proactive statements around the emerging issue of a foreign terrorist fighter who has identified themselves.

Good afternoon, everyone. A quick preview of the week ahead: on Tuesday, I will be in Auckland speaking to the New Zealand Co-op Business Leaders’ Forum. On Wednesday, I will be in Hamilton to meet with rural women and to attend one of several CTU-organised forums that I will be taking part in. On Thursday, I will be in Christchurch for an announcement. On Friday, I will be in Auckland, attending meetings, including speaking at the North Harbour Club & Charitable Trust function.

All right, good afternoon. Let me first give you an overview of the coming week. Today, I want to begin, after my introductory comments, by giving a statement on China, followed by an announcement about fairness and balance in the tax system.

All right. Good afternoon and welcome to the first sitting week of Parliament for 2019. I’m starting this year really positive about what the coalition Government is already delivering for New Zealanders, excited about our bold and extensive work programme for the year, and very much focused on delivery.

There is certainly no heatwave in this room! All right. Good afternoon, everyone. It’s good to be back in Wellington with you all for our first post-Cabinet press conference of the year.

All right, good afternoon, everyone. All right, let me start by letting you know what I will be up to this week. Today, I am making an announcement with Minister Faafoi, and you will hear more on that in a moment. On Tuesday, I will be meeting the President of the Republic of Korea, President Moon. I’m looking forward to meeting him again after having the opportunity in the side lines of the East Asia Summit and APEC just a few weeks ago to speak with him. I’ll also be speaking at the Prime Minister’s Oranga Tamariki Awards to celebrate achievements of young people in care or who have recently come out of care, along with my New Zealand First colleague the Hon Tracey Martin, Minister for Children. On Wednesday, I have an announcement with Minister Shaw in Wellington, and later that day I will be hosting a children’s Christmas party at Premier House—something that we started last year with Barnardos. On Thursday, I will be visiting Invercargill and making a number of announcements in support of the region. On Saturday, I will be attending and speaking at the Royal New Zealand Ballet. They’re putting on The Nutcracker in conjunction with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kia ora. Good afternoon, everyone. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to the final parliamentary session for the year. I want to give a quick rundown of the week ahead, and you’ll find that the remaining weeks that we have in front of us remain as busy as ever. Today I’m joined by Minister David Clark to talk a little bit further on the health issues that you’ve just been briefed on.

Good afternoon, everyone. Before I make a formal announcement this afternoon, I’ll give you a quick rundown of what I’ll be doing for the rest of the week. Tomorrow, I head to Singapore for the East Asia Summit, where we’ll be discussing key strategic and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, including North Korea, maritime security, and climate change. I’ll be holding a series of bilateral meetings in Singapore, including my first face-to-face meeting with the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. Trade will be a focus of the trip. I’ll be taking the opportunity to push our progressive trade alliance—trade agenda, and we’ll be seeking to advance the RCEP agreement and the Pacific Alliance. It’ll also be a chance for me to catch up with young New Zealanders in Singapore, as well as the business community. On Friday, I’ll travel to Port Moresby to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and will also meet with regional counterparts and attend a meeting with Pacific Island leaders. The focus of the trip is, of course, on strengthening and extending our relationships with the region, and I’ll be emphasising, as I’ve done previously, that now more than ever we should be working collectively to address the global and regional challenges our part of the world faces.

OK, good afternoon. Nice to see everyone, and thanks for those who joined us in Dunedin. Let me first give you an overview of the busy week ahead for the Government.

Good afternoon, everyone. Look, I’ll quickly run through the week ahead. On Tuesday, I will be accompanying the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to visit Pillars. We will meet the public on a walkabout down around the Viaduct, and later in the evening I will host a reception at Auckland Museum. On Thursday, the second reading of the child poverty legislation, which I have responsibility for as Minister for Child Poverty Reduction, will progress through the House, and I will be visiting Porirua for a housing development announcement. On Friday, the Labour Party conference starts and runs through Saturday and Sunday, and will be accompanied by the usual party conference activity, and I look forward to seeing some of you down there.

Good afternoon, everyone. Let me first give you an overview of the busy week ahead for the Government. Tonight, I will be presenting the Prime Minister’s Awards for Literary Achievement at Premier House. On Tuesday, we will be starting the second reading on the Commerce Amendment Bill, and I’ll say more on that in a moment, and Minister Parker will be delivering a speech tomorrow setting phase two of our review of the Overseas Investment Act. On Wednesday, Minister Sage will be setting out our next steps in the fight against kauri dieback. On Thursday, I will be speaking to the Lower Hutt Chamber of Commerce on the Government’s economic plan, and will be visiting a local business. On Friday, I will be visiting North Shore Hospital to make an announcement with Minister Clark, and on Saturday, I will be opening the Auckland Diwali Festival.

Good afternoon, everyone. All right, let me first give you a quick overview of the coming week. Tomorrow, I will be in the Wairarapa with Minister O’Connor, providing an update on the Government’s response to M. bovis and how we are tracking on eradication and the support we are offering to our rural community to bounce back from the disease and the impacts it has had. On Wednesday, I will be in Auckland with Minister Faafoi, where I’ll be making an announcement alongside him around predatory lending. On Thursday, I’ll be launching the Government’s women and girls sport strategy, and on Friday I have various events in Auckland.

Good afternoon. [speaks in Te Reo Māori] Greetings to you all. This week is the Māori Language Week, and the theme is “Kia Kaha te Reo Māori”, or “Let the Māori Language Live”. And I, of course, am encouraging everyone to celebrate and use our country’s indigenous language at all times of year, but, of course, this week especially. It goes without saying that Te Reo Māori is part of who we are as a country. It has survived ngā piki me ngā heke—all sorts of ups and downs—but it’s now a living language because of the love that New Zealanders have for Te Reo Māori and the activism that has ensured that the language is now beginning to thrive and continuing to thrive.

Good afternoon, everyone. Let me first give you an overview of the coming week. The week is framed, really, by the attendance of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, and myself at the Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru. Mr Peters, along with officials, Pacific leaders, and the New Zealand media contingent arrived today after heading off this morning. I’ll be attending for one full day on Wednesday for the leaders’ retreat, and making a series of announcements. As I’ve said previously, I will be raising issues to do with the detention of asylum seekers and refugees on Nauru during the forum, and have made it clear that I still hope to meet people living on the island while I am there. Mr Peters and officials arrived today and will be looking at what is feasible in this regard.

All right. My apologies, everyone, for the delay. Welcome. The coming week, obviously, is a recess, but the Government has another busy two weeks ahead. We have our justice summit kicking off this evening, and running the next two days and later in the week, and there will also be key announcements on capital spends in health and education.

Welcome everyone.

All right. Good afternoon, everyone. Apologies for my slight tardiness. Welcome, and it is very good to be back, and I know that none of you will have missed me too much, though, over the past six weeks.

Kia ora. Good afternoon. This week the House will return from a two-week recess. Of note, the Reserve Bank monetary policy bill was tabled today and will have its first reading on Thursday. This bill makes two very important changes to the Reserve Bank Act, that will significantly improve monetary policy as it relates to its impact on New Zealanders and the real economy. The first change is to the objectives of monetary policy, that will now require consideration of maximum sustainable employment alongside price stability when making monetary policy decisions and setting the official cash rate.

Good afternoon. Today’s Cabinet discussed a range of matters, including the purchase of replacements for the Air Force’s P-3s, which Minister Mark will speak to you about shortly, and the terms of reference for the inquiry into the appointment of the Deputy Commissioner of Police. This week is a recess, so the House, as you know, will not be sitting. On Wednesday, I’ll be undertaking a regional visit to Napier. On Thursday, we’ll be in New Plymouth with Fletcher Tabuteau, where we will be making Provincial Growth Fund announcements.

Good afternoon. Yesterday, the coalition Government’s Families Package began and more than a million families and households are immediately better off as a consequence—385,000 families with children will be better off by an average of $75 a week when the package is fully rolled out in two years’ time.

Good afternoon, and thank you for your patience. Because of circumstances, you’ll realise that Cabinet started late today. It was to allow Ministers to attend the tangi for Koro Wētere in Tūrangawaewae this morning, and it was fitting that we had such a representation in terms of numbers at that marae. Koro Wētere was a member of Parliament from ‘69 until 1996—that’s a term of 27 years. In that time, he served as Crown Minister for Lands and for Māori Affairs. He was a man of integrity who could represent the interests of his people and at the same time span all sides of the House with his sincerity and his humour.

Ladies and gentlemen, this afternoon we had the normal Cabinet meeting. This was chaired by me as Deputy Prime Minister. As you know, the Prime Minister’s in Auckland and remains as the Prime Minister until the birth of her child. In the meantime, I’m assisting by carrying out her Wellington-based duties.

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome. Thank you for joining us this afternoon for this announcement. Before I begin, I am aware that we have name plates in front of us, but the description of who everyone is here and who they represent is rather small. So, skipping over the Minister, I will ask those who are at the table today, perhaps if we start with quick introductions so everyone has an idea of who’s represented. I’ll start with our host, Katie.

Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Look, this morning I had an opportunity to visit with a group of farmers in the Waikato, particularly to cover off Mycoplasma bovis. I’ll come to the details on that a little later on.

Good afternoon, everyone. Well, look, it’s a big week ahead for the Government, the main focus, of course, being on the Budget on Thursday, which I know, certainly, we are looking forward to. On Friday, post-Budget, I’ll be visiting Waitematā hospital in the morning, then we’ll deliver my post-Budget speech at a lunch event hosted by the Trans-Tasman Business Circle.

Good afternoon, everyone and welcome also to the beginning of Sign Language Week. My name is Jacinda, and now you officially know my Sign name. Did I get that correct? I can only assume, of course, that is a reference to a facial feature of some description of mine. But I wear with honour and pride that I’ve been given that name. And you can see from the presence both of the Minister for Disability Issues but also Alan Wendt, who is here with me today, that we’re not just acknowledging the beginning of Sign Language Week; we are actually supporting it from here into the future, particularly as an official language in New Zealand. We will have Sign interpreters as a permanent fixture at our post-Cabinet press conferences from here on.

Sorry if I’ve caused some of you to run. I am a minute or two early. My apologies. Right. Good afternoon, everyone. Let me give you a quick overview of the coming week. On Tuesday, the House resumes for another delightful 4-week session, which includes the Budget on 17 May. On Wednesday, I’ll be attending NZQA’s Top Scholar Awards and presenting the top award for academic excellence. This award recognises the top achieving student in annual New Zealand Scholarship examinations and is the highest accolade a student can aim for at secondary school.

All right, everyone, welcome. It’s a delight to be back. I’ll do a quick preview of the week ahead and then just a couple of bits and pieces that will be of interest and relevance, given it’s Anzac Day this week. It’s good to be home, and we had Cabinet today and Cabinet Business Committee to rattle through a few things for the week ahead.

All right, welcome, everyone. Sorry for the 15-minute delay. Pretty sure that might be a first, and it was based on a significant Cabinet agenda this afternoon. I’ll start as per usual and run through, quickly, the week ahead and then touch on a couple of topical issues.

Good afternoon, everyone. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Easter.

Good afternoon, everyone. Before we talk about a few of today’s announcements and I’ll give you a general response to the issue of nurses’ latest pay round—I’ll first, though, walk you through the week ahead leading into Easter. Shortly today I will be opening the Topp Twins exhibition at the National Library, which celebrates their contribution to the arts, and it will be touring the country over the next two years.

All right. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Today, Cabinet met in the morning to allow for the State luncheon for President Joko Widodo. Following this media conference, the President and I will be holding bilateral talks later this afternoon.

All right. Thank you, everyone, for joining us this afternoon. Obviously, nice to be back after the Pacific mission. I was going to thank those who joined us, but they’re obviously taking a well-deserved—bar one—a well-deserved break.

Afternoon, everyone. All right, before discussing an item of Cabinet’s agenda, I’ll just walk you through a few events for the busy week ahead. Tonight, I’ll be opening Te Auaha, the New Zealand Institute of Creativity, which combines the creative courses of Weltec and Whitireia and a new training institution dedicated to digital media, performing and visual arts, writing, Māori carving and weaving. On Tuesday, I’ll be giving a foreign policy speech at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs breakfast, my first foreign policy speech, and attending a Chinese New Year function at Parliament that evening.

Right, good afternoon, everyone. My apologies up-front that this’ll be slightly shorter than usual. I’m due in Dunedin for their convocation this afternoon. I’m hoping that I will be able to return to Wellington given our impending weather event. On that note, Cyclone Gita—we are watching closely how it is progressing and any potential impact on New Zealand or the degree of that impact. Later this afternoon, civil defence Minister Kris Faafoi, our climate change Minister, James Shaw, and Associate transport Minister Julie Anne Genter will be visiting the Met Service headquarters in Wellington to get a briefing on how the cyclone is tracking and its possible force. I know a lot of work is going on in preparation, particularly on the West Coast of New Zealand. We’ll be looking to make sure that we are ready in support of efforts on the ground.

All right. Good afternoon, everyone. So *Cabinet met today—the first Cabinet meeting we've had in a few weeks, on account of *Waitangi weekend. I'll be sharing with you some of the previous Cabinet outcomes via an announcement I’ll be making alongside Minister Hipkins. But first, a quick overview of the week ahead. Tomorrow we’ll have the first reading of the Child Poverty Reduction Bill, which, obviously, we've canvassed broadly here in the past. On Thursday I'll be travelling to Christchurch. I made a commitment some time ago to meet with the CTV families, and so that will be the primary purpose of my visit. But while I'm there, I'll also be opening the Rutherford Building at the University of Canterbury. And on Friday I'll be making a speech at the Westpac business breakfast, amongst many other meetings and general tasks.

Right, welcome everyone. Apologies for the slightly tighter time frame for all of you today by starting slightly later. My hope is that we'll primarily stick to the announcement around the child poverty bill, just because of the constraints I know you'll be facing and the fact that we've had a couple of stand-ups already today. I am happy to run through the agenda for the rest of the week though. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will be travelling to Greymouth with Minister Little and Minister O'Connor for an announcement relating to Pike River. On that evening, I will, however, be travelling back, in time for the speech, which I’ve flagged I’ll be giving to just simply wrap the 100 days and lay out some very broad priorities for the Government, going forward. On Thursday, we will be announcing more details around the inquiry into State abuse. And then, Thursday night, obviously I’ll be travelling— Thursday afternoon, excuse me, I'll be travelling to Waitangi.

OK. Welcome back, everyone. Thank you to those of you who made the effort to come and join us at Martinborough. We had a very successful and enjoyable away-caucus.

All right, as this is our last one for the year, can I wish you all a Merry Christmas and reiterate: why are we all still here? I am very aware, of course, many people will be moving into Christmas mode. That doesn’t stop Cabinet from continuing to plough on with our busy agenda. This week we are announcing, together alongside Minister Shaw, the first steps towards a zero-carbon Act. Cabinet has agreed a process of consultation through the 2018 year to help draft the legislation that will eventually come before Parliament. We will also use that process to talk about the role of an independent climate commission. We acknowledge, though, that there is a lot of work to be done, which is why an interim commission will be established in order to start preparing advice for the Government. Our aim is to have the bill introduced by October 2018. I’ll hand over to the Minister to give a few other introductory comments.

Full complement here today, good afternoon everyone. I’m going to run through a couple of key decisions made by Cabinet this afternoon, then run through a quick outline of activities for the rest of the week before I open up for questions. I’ll start, though, with the Reserve Bank Governor. Cabinet today approved finance Minister Mr Grant Robertson’s appointment of the Reserve Bank Governor. I’m delighted to announce that Adrian Orr has been appointed as Reserve Bank Governor, effective from 27 March 2018. I’ll hand over to our finance Minister to make a few other comments.

All right, thank you for joining us this afternoon. I thought I would, up front, address some of the speculation that I know has been in the gallery this afternoon over my Facebook live and the issue of where my ring was placed during that Facebook live. And I am happy to confirm that I have eczema on my left hand, which causes me to rotate where I wear my beautiful onyx ring. And so, no, I’m not engaged. I do, however, suffer from a small skin condition, which is not very romantic. Glad to have cleared that up.

All right. Well, good afternoon, everyone. Sorry to hold you up. We had a visit between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs with the Secretary for Trade, Liam Fox, which we didn’t want to cut short.

Good afternoon, everyone—30 seconds early. Today Cabinet agreed to establish a new, stand-alone Government department, the Pike River Recovery Agency - Te Kahui Whakamana Rua Tekau ma Iwa, otherwise translated into “The Empowering Voice for the Pike 29”. The agency, as you may have heard, will work in close partnership with the Pike River families to plan for decisions on the manned re-entry of the drift of the Pike River mine, and you’ll also know that this was part of our 100-day plan. The agency will be established by Order in Council on 31 January 2018.

Good afternoon everyone. We’ve had a busy Cabinet meeting this afternoon, continuing with the agenda that’s set out in our 100-day plan. And in keeping with those commitments, I will make another announcement in keeping with our 100-day plan this afternoon. Today, Cabinet approved an increase to paid parental leave. It is our intention that from 1 July 2018, paid parental leave will increase to 22 weeks. From 1 July 2020, paid parental leave will extend to 26 weeks.

Good afternoon, everyone. We have held our second Cabinet meeting this afternoon, and this press conference gives me an opportunity to reflect one of the first substantial decisions that has been made by Cabinet. This Government places a high priority on homeownership and housing affordability. We stand strongly in favour of the view that housing is a right. That is why we have been committed, and remain committed, to banning foreign speculators from purchasing existing homes in New Zealand. It’s an ambition that is shared by New Zealand First and also the Green Party as our coalition and as our confidence and supply partners. Today I can confirm that Cabinet and Ministers have found and agreed a solution to make housing and homeownership more accessible for New Zealanders. The Government will introduce an amendment to the Overseas Investment Act to classify residential housing as sensitive and introduce a test for residency. The effect of this will mean that non-residents or non-citizens cannot purchase existing residential dwellings in New Zealand, with the exception of Australian citizens, because New Zealand citizens hold the same right to purchase in Australia and it is a right we will extend to them in New Zealand.

Well, good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Quite a lot has happened since the last time we met. Good government is about getting results, so while the Opposition have been rearranging themselves and replacing their billboards, we've been getting on with the decisions that make a difference for New Zealanders’ lives. Now, that’s reflected in the latest advice from international credit rating agency Moody's. It expects New Zealand to be one of the fastest growing triple A economies in the coming years. The Government shares their confidence and optimism about the New Zealand economy. The report confirms that we're getting a lot of stuff right. We're providing opportunities for our young, more options for first home buyers as housing supply grows and rising incomes for workers and superannuitants.

Good afternoon. As many New Zealanders know firsthand, a good education is a path to a better future, which is why this Government has been so single-minded in focusing on lifting achievement for all our students. We've increased the number of students who start school ready to learn by increasing the proportion of children getting preschool education to almost 97 percent. We introduced national standards so that parents have a better understanding of how their children are doing. We've established communities of learning to enable schools and teachers to share expertise and established the Education Council to lift standards and the status of the teaching profession. We've updated the Education Act to put students’ learning at the centre of the education system, rather than administrative structures.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. As you know, I was in Drury yesterday with the finance Minister, Steven Joyce; Minister Anne Tolley; also the mayors of our faster-growing cities—Phil Goff of Auckland, Andrew King from Hamilton, and Greg Brownless from Tauranga—to announce a new funding vehicle designed to speed up further major housing projects. Our Crown Infrastructure Partners will give local bodies access to new sources of funding for roading and water infrastructure necessary for housing developments. The company is being formed out of Crown Fibre Holdings, the company which has overseen the very successful roll-out and commercial arrangements around ultra-fast broadband. It's been chosen because of its experience designing commercial partnerships between the Crown and non-Government players in arrangements that involve the Crown taking some early-stage risk in order to speed up infrastructure development.

Good afternoon. I'd like to start by again acknowledging Mark Dunajtschik’s $50 million donation to a new children’s hospital in Wellington. This is an incredibly generous and unprecedented act. The development will benefit 4,000 children with their families who are admitted to child health services at Wellington Regional Hospital each year, as well as 5,000 children who attend for outpatient appointments only. Mr Dunajtschik and his team will also build the hospital themselves and have already started working with the DHB on the design of the 50-bed facility. Construction is expected to begin early next year and will take around 18 months to complete. This is a generous and big-hearted gesture. It will make a genuine contribution to the lives of thousands of unwell young New Zealanders and their families, and we had the opportunity this morning at Wellington hospital to thank Mr Dunajtschik for his generosity.

Good afternoon. As you're aware, a short time ago I launched the new Social Investment Agency, Oranga Tangata. The establishment of the agency is the next step in the Government's longer-term plan to improve the way we deliver social services. This is a very significant part of our economy. This year we'll spend $41 billion on health, education, welfare, and other social services, so the capacity to improve the lives of many New Zealanders is very significant. We don’t always know whether the money we're spending is making a difference, and we do know that we can do a lot better in dealing with people with highly complex problems who are in the greatest need of help and are dealt with by a wide range of Government agencies.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We had a very good National Party conference over the weekend, motivating our volunteers and shaping up the framework for the election. It really drove home to me what a good state the party was in: united and keen to fight a vigorous election campaign. As I said in my speech to the delegates yesterday, due to the hard work of so many New Zealanders over the past 8 years, backed by National's economic management, New Zealand's in pretty good shape. The books are in surplus, debt’s falling, exports are growing, we're delivering at the moment 10,000 new jobs per month, have a very significant infrastructure programme, less crime, less unemployment, and, one statistic I'm particularly proud of, 60,000 fewer children in benefit-dependent households.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I've just returned on Saturday from leading a delegation of MPs, community iwi, and business leaders on the Pacific Mission to the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tonga. New Zealand has unique responsibilities in the Pacific. We are home to the world’s largest Pacific community. The region is a popular tourist destination for New Zealanders, with hundreds of thousands travelling to the region each year. Our two-way trade is worth $1.5 billion a year, and a large number of Pacific workers are here both permanently and under the RSE scheme, supporting their communities at home.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. As you know, I'm leaving for 3 full days in the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tonga tomorrow. Foreign affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee will be coming with me, as will Pacific peoples Minister Alfred Ngaro, as well as representatives from the parties across the House, Pasifika community leaders, iwi and business representatives, and, I understand, some media. Our Pacific mission follows my visit to Samoa just over a week ago for that country’s independence celebrations, and demonstrates the importance we attach to our relationship with our Pacific neighbours, but also to New Zealand’s contribution to global security with our role in the Pacific. It's important that New Zealand remains a trusted partner to these countries, and I'm keen to work to also deepen our commercial ties with the region.

Well, good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Just a brief review of last week's Budget. It was focused on improving public services, investing in infrastructure needed for a growing economy, reducing debt, and sharing the benefits of growth through lifting family incomes. We're very pleased with the positive feedback from the Budget from a wide range of community, family, and business groups. The Budget outlined solid economic growth, expected to average around 3.1 percent over the next 5 years. That translates into consistent creation of jobs, and consistent but moderate increases in incomes, and provides an opportunity to raise living standards for all New Zealanders. The Budget sets out the next steps in our plan to deal with the opportunity that a growing economy presents for permanently shifting the country on to a more prosperous path.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. As you know, I got back yesterday from a trip to Japan and Hong Kong, where I met a cross-section of political and business leaders in both places. It was a very successful trip, and I found strong interest and knowledge of New Zealand from pretty much everyone that I met. Particularly pleasing was to hear first-hand from Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, that Japan is committed to driving forward the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trade is the lifeblood of this economy. To maintain and certainly to improve our standard of living, we need to continually open up new markets to our exporters, who have a good track record of pushing open any doors that Governments open into new markets.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. As announced last week, tomorrow I'll depart for Japan, along with a delegation of New Zealand business leaders and organisations. Japan is one of our longest-standing and most important friends in the Asia-Pacific region. Links between our two countries go back over a hundred years, and we have enjoyed 65 years of diplomatic relations. Given Japan is the world’s third-largest economy and an important trading partner, this is a priority trip for this Government, and I am looking forward to discussing a range of global and regional issues with Prime Minister Abe.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It's just over 2 weeks until the Budget, and, as you know, Ministers have been making a series of pre-Budget announcements based on a pretty intensive decision-making process over the last couple of months.

Good afternoon. Cabinet today was putting the final touches on the Budget. The Budget will be presented, as you know, on 25 May, against the backdrop of a strong economy and a positive outlook for New Zealand. We're growing faster than we have for some time, creating more opportunities, adding more jobs. Significantly fewer numbers of New Zealanders are leaving. Skilled migrants, tourists, and students from around the world want to come here to experience what we have to offer, and we know that to keep growing we need to invest in infrastructure that supports this growth.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. As you know, Hekia Parata and Murray McCully will be attending their final Cabinet meeting next week, so today I'm announcing their replacements as Ministers of Education and Foreign Affairs, as well as some other changes. Ms Parata will be succeeded as education Minister by Nikki Kaye, who is well placed to assume responsibility for education, having done an extended apprenticeship as the Associate Minister of Education and having particular interest, energy, and motivation.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'm pleased to announce, along with my colleague the Hon Jonathan Coleman, that the Government has today agreed in principle to settle the care and support workers’ pay equity settlement, a case more commonly known as Terranova. Minister Coleman and I will outline the details to you and then take questions, and then I'll move on to other issues that you may be interested in.

Good afternoon. Cabinet Ministers today received an update on the flooding in Edgecumbe and discussed what additional steps the Government can take to help the town get back on its feet. We won't know the full extent of the damage until the water has gone down and people can return to their homes and businesses. We're advised that significant progress is being made with pumping out the floodwater, so people will be able to get back shortly. In the meantime, a state of local emergency remains in place and local authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Now, just under 2 weeks ago a book was published about a raid carried out by New Zealand's SAS troops in Afghanistan in 2010.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. As you know, Chinese Premier Li Kegiang is arriving in the country on Sunday for an official visit. This is an important visit for New Zealand because China is our second-largest trading partner, our largest market for export goods, and a fast-growing service market. It's also a small but increasingly important source of foreign investment.

Good afternoon. I'd just like to start by thanking the emergency services around Auckland and the Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty, who spent a very challenging and wet weekend dealing with the severe floods, and I'm advised that, by and large, they kept up with the many emergency calls that were made by households in their community.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is a Government that believes it has a responsibility to face the bigger, longer-term issues for New Zealand. Already this year we have made significant announcements—for instance, investing in better policing, improving freshwater quality, rolling out ultra-fast broadband to another 150 towns, and tightening up on the tax obligations of multinational corporations. Today I want to talk about another one of those substantive issues: New Zealand superannuation.

Good afternoon. As you will have seen, the Government has extended its support package for the businesses affected by the Kaikoura earthquake. Kaikoura and Hurunui are still getting back on their feet, so it makes sense to extend the package for them until 30 April. In addition, we have approved a new $1 million business grant programme covering Kaikoura, Hurunui, and Marlborough. This will be similar to the fund which supported Christchurch businesses after the Canterbury earthquakes and will ensure support is targeted to the businesses that most need it after 30 April, when the current support package will finish.

Well, good afternoon. I'd like to start today by thanking our emergency services for all their work in Christchurch over the last week, and still much work to do. As you know, I visited the Port Hills late last week and was impressed by the dedication and the expertise of the emergency crews, who were working very hard to contain the fire, which had only the day before been out of control. I also saw the real danger of that fire to the surrounding community, and understood the dislocation for so many families, who had been evacuated and who, of course, would prefer to return to their homes, and will be able to do so when that is safe.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. With the parliamentary year now in full swing, it's a good time to take stock of the Government's work programme. It's been a busy start to the year. We've launched the $300 million second phase of the Government's ultra-fast broadband programme, which will extend the UFB to 150 towns, providing 85 percent of New Zealanders with access to fibre by the end of 2024.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. As you know it's been the practice of this National-led Government to be upfront with New Zealanders about the election date. I believe it's important to provide the country with some certainty, not to use the election day as a political tool, and that it's in everyone’s best interests to have plenty of notice. So today I’m announcing that this year's general election will be on Saturday, 23 September. I've spoken to the Governor-General and advised the National Party caucus of this this morning.

Good afternoon and happy New Year, and welcome to our first—my first—post Cabinet press conference. It's been a busy start to the year. I saw some of you yesterday at Ratana, where I was very encouraged by the positive tenor of the discussions. Earlier I was in Europe for meetings with British and European leaders and also caught up with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee on the way home.