Agenda: National Non-Commital About Health

The National Party is refusing to commit to keeping the level of health spending up.

Health spokesman Tony Ryall said today on TVOne's Agenda that they couldn't guarantee they would keep the level of health spending up under a National government.

"Well we can't say that yet, but what I can tell you is there'll be no reduction in what's being spent."

Under Labour health spending has risen approximately 9% per year.

Mr Ryall said that under National there would be changes.

"You'll see a significant reduction in DHB managers and administrators, because we've got a plan to re-involve and re-engage doctors, nurses, midwives, in the running of the health service."

He said that as the country becomes more prosperous under National, it would them give them the ability to increase health spending.

"New Zealand will be a wealthier country under a National led government and that will give us more opportunity to invest in health."

Eminent Historian Wants Republic Debate

An eminent historian from the University of Auckland believes a public debate needs to begin immediately on whether New Zealand should become a republic.

Historian James Belich said today on TVOne's Agenda that the country needs to start debating the issue.

"It's not something that can be forced down New Zealanders throats, but I think we should begin a finite public debate on whether or not NZ should become a republic."

Mr Belich said while British heritage is an important part of our history, it should not be allowed to dominate.

"We've got to face the fact that British New Zealanders remain important but no longer have a monopoly on 'New Zealandness'."

He said that after a period of debate, a referendum should be held.

"I think we should begin it now, and in 3-5 years I think we should have a binding referendum on it."

ENDS