Key Notes: Building Ties With The US

Having trouble reading this newsletter? Click here to view it online.

15 July 2011
Click here to watch my latest video journal on YouTube

BUILDING TIES WITH THE UNITED STATES
On Monday I'm going to the United States. This will be the last of my international travel for the year, as we head into the Rugby World Cup and, after that, the general election on 26 November.
The US is one of our most important partners, so I hope the visit will help strengthen ties further. I'm looking forward to meeting President Obama in the Oval Office. I'll also speak to the United States Chamber of Commerce and meet a number of senior government leaders.
Earlier in the week I'll be on the West Coast, visiting Google and Facebook and catching up with people from the film industry.
GROWING THE ECONOMY
Yesterday Finance Minister Bill English welcomed the news that our economy grew 0.8 per cent in the March quarter.
Our gross domestic product has grown in the seven of the past eight quarters. This shows how resilient our economy is, particularly after the recession and the Canterbury earthquakes.
As our economy picks up, National will continue to build the foundations for long-term economic growth, based on savings and exports.
REBUILDING CANTERBURY
I spent yesterday in Christchurch and launched Westpac's Red and Black Bonds. The bonds will help raise money for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.
Since the Appeal was set up in February, people from all over New Zealand and the world have dug deep to help Christchurch recover. That generosity means the Appeal can fund worthy projects that will make a difference for the people of Christchurch.
The Appeal's latest projects include accommodation for community organisations, small businesses and CBD retailers; assistance for Women's Refuge; an arts programme for school pupils; and a community facility for children in the eastern suburbs.
To donate, visit www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz.
KEEPING THE COST OF LIVING DOWN
On Monday ACC Minister Nick Smith and I announced new ACC levies for consultation for next year. These proposed levy reductions will put half a billion dollars a year back into the economy and help keep the cost of living down.
Someone on the average wage would save about $170 a year. A typical Kiwi small business with seven employees would save $1120 a year.
WORKING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
I opened the Local Government New Zealand Conference on Monday. I spoke about progress in Auckland since the governance reforms and about local government's role in the Canterbury earthquake recovery. It was also a chance to thank the local government sector for the hard work communities all over New Zealand are putting in ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Click here to read my speech.
FIXING LEAKY HOMES
The Government's financial assistance package for owners of leaky homes was passed by Parliament this week. It's a fair and effective package, which will help qualifying homeowners get their homes fixed faster and get on with their lives. Under the package, the Government and local authorities each contribute 25 per cent of agreed repair costs, and affected homeowners fund the remaining 50 per cent.
Visit www.dbh.govt.nz for further information.
FROM MY DIARY
I'm in Auckland today. I launched The Telecom Foundation, and caught up with the All Blacks, amongst other events.
Best wishes,

John Key