Today, Finance Minister Grant Robertson released the Government’s annual spending plans for the coming year.
Going into Budget Day, we’d already been fed a few breadcrumbs; the Apprenticeship Boost scheme was extended to the end of 2023, further support for our struggling mental health sector was announced, as was support for the tech sector, youth development services, domestic and sexual violence prevention, additional Police presence, enhanced biosecurity, a review of the driver licencing system, new fiscal rules and funding to keep kids in school. In many ways, it’s felt as though we’ve had more pre-announcements than ever.
So, what did the Budget deliver?
Get the full Budget Lockup Lowdown courtesy of Katherine Wilson here.
In other advocacy news, we are coming to the end of Annual Plan season with an almighty 11 submissions made by our team of three in as many weeks. This is a critical piece of work for our members, with the outcome of these regionalised plans having a major impact around the country.
Alongside this, the deadline for councils to implement intensification policies outlined in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development is approaching in August. Our regional committees and advocacy team have been working closely with councils to provide a practical perspective on proposed implementation, with Auckland and Christchurch plan changes already consulted on and responses from Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga councils expected soon.
View the timeframes here.
On a different note, it has been good to see life coming back into the cities, with our members leading the charge to encourage workplaces and employees to ‘take this offline’ and reengage in person (check out Precinct Properties’ ‘Back to Business’ campaign for inspiration).
The CBD is the beating heart of our cities. I encourage everyone to grab a coffee, do some shopping and support your local retailers and hospitality outlets who are recovering from a tumultuous couple of years.
He waka eke noa
We are all in this together
Ngā mihi nui.
