26 May 2016

Budget investment in science, arts and housing welcomed

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says:

· “The Budget’s announcement of a National Policy Statement (NPS) on Urban Development could support urban renewal in areas like Wellington’s Adelaide Road. However, Wellington has greenfield land available for decades of housing development already and the city’s building consents have increased.

· “Announcement of the $761 million Innovative New Zealand fund over four years to encourage new skills and diversify the economy is welcome. We want to attract a fair share of the fund to the Capital.

· “I am pleased with the decision to continue the insulation programme with an allocation of $36 million which will ensure more families live in warmer, drier homes.

· “Arts’ additional $12 million over four years is also positive. The Royal New Zealand Ballet and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, both quartered in Wellington, deserve this very necessary funding support.

· “The increased tobacco tax will help us become the world’s first smokefree capital.”

ENDS

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