Rt Hon Jenny Shipley
Prime Minister

BOLD PROGRAMME FOR THE FUTURE

"The National-led Government will this year meet the concerns of New Zealanders with a bold programme that will help deliver security and prosperity as we turn the corner into the new century," Prime Minister Jenny Shipley said today.

"New Zealanders can be proud of our hard work which has secured greater prosperity through a growing economy and the creation of new jobs. We must keep working to lift New Zealand to new heights of achievement and better prospects for all of us."

The Prime Minister's Statement to Parliament, which Mrs Shipley delivered this afternoon, sets out the Government's programme for the year.

"We are introducing a number of important new measures as well as continuing the sound management that has been the hallmark of the National Party in Government."

The Prime Minister says New Zealanders have a right to feel safe, and announced seven new steps that will contribute to increasing security:

• tougher sentences for crimes associated with home invasion
• tighter bail laws
• monitoring of prisoners' telephone calls
• new, specially trained police targeting serious problems
• new prison units for young offenders
• extension of the Mahi Tahi rehabilitation programmes
• extra support for Maori wardens

"These measures will send a clear warning to criminals in New Zealand."

Mrs Shipley renewed the Government's commitment to delivering the best possible start for our children by strengthening families, providing high quality education and ensuring child health remains a priority.

She also emphasised the Government's determination to provide fairly for elderly New Zealanders by planning for the future of retirement provision through the Super 2000 Taskforce. The Prime Minister announced details of plans to allow elderly Pacific Islanders to take their superannuation entitlement back to their home islands.

In the area of Maori development, the Prime Minister unveiled an initiative to help more local Maori become equipped to deliver Government funded programmes to their people.

"The Government will be working for a smarter future - with world-beating education and research to build a knowledge-based economy for us all."

The Prime Minister announced a series of regional forums to build the partnership between business, Government and research and tertiary institutions.

Mrs Shipley also confirmed that the Government will continue moving forward with programmes that will assist in further improving the performance, profitability and market opportunities of New Zealand business, including:

• Resource Management Act amendments
• Working with the producer boards on planning for the future
• Implementing the electricity reforms
• Introducing competition in delivery of ACC
• Considering further asset sales
• Improving the management of the country's roads
• Passing the Animal Health Act
• Enacting improvements to the immigration system
• Ensuring Government computer systems are Y2K compliant.

"This year, 1999, is going to be remarkable for New Zealand, both at home and in the international arena, where we will take every opportunity to work actively for freer world trade rules, because of the benefits that brings all New Zealanders.

"The Government's programmes for this year will genuinely improve New Zealanders' prospects, and give us reason to feel hopeful and optimistic for our future," the Prime Minister concluded.