Luxon In Hawke’s Bay - Five Priorities, One Goal: Unlocking New Zealand’s Potential.

Speaking at a business lunch hosted by the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce, Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon delivered a clear message: It’s time to go for it. It’s time to lift our collective wealth and unlock New Zealand’s economic potential.

Held on 15 May at The Old Church in Napier and supported by Orton’s Catering & Events, the sold-out event brought together over 150 attendees, including the region’s four local Mayors, Hawke’s Bay’s two MPs, business leaders, and key regional stakeholders. The special lunch focused on Business Innovation and Economic Growth - and the Prime Minister didn’t shy away from the challenges facing New Zealand.

Luxon acknowledged the current economic pressures, drawing comparisons to the 1991 recession. He said with confidence, “We’ve turned the corner” as evidenced by slightly lower interest rates and inflation remaining anchored below 3 percent. In a welcome shift for many households, around $60 billion worth of mortgages in New Zealand are set to roll over onto lower interest rates in the next three months, offering some financial relief and renewed confidence in the economy.

Luxon outlined five key priorities the Government is focusing on to reverse 30 years of poor economic productivity and rebuild a stronger economy:

1. A World-Class Education System - to ensure future generations are equipped for high-paying jobs by developing the talent and skills needed in our communities. This includes a strong focus on lifting student attendance and improving core literacy and numeracy outcomes.
2. Embracing Science, Technology, and Innovation - Create higher value product and services to drive commercial outcomes and global competitiveness.
3. Make New Zealand an easy place to do business - by removing unnecessary red tape and saying ‘yes’ more often. With the aim to help to attract investment to New Zealand.
4. Building World Class Infrastructure - including major projects underway here in Hawke’s Bay.
5. Growing Global Trade and Investment - to create more jobs and open doors for New Zealand businesses.

The Prime Minister placed strong emphasis on removing regulatory barriers that have made it difficult to get things done in New Zealand. “Somewhere along the way, we forgot how to say yes,” he said. Luxon explained the goal of streamlining processes to create a business environment that is attractive to both local and international investors.

Luxon noted the shortcomings of the Resource Management Act (RMA); stating resource consents have doubled in time and cost due to layers of regulation. He confirmed the Government’s aim to retool the RMA. The Government’s new fast-track provision is already being put to work with projects underway right here in Hawke’s Bay, such as the Hawke’s Bay Expressway four-lane project.

Karla Lee, CEO of the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce, said the event was a rare and valuable opportunity for local businesses. “It’s not every day that small business owners get the chance to be in the same room as the Prime Minister. The Q&A session was a valuable opportunity for our community to ask real questions, share concerns, and be heard face-to-face. That kind of access and dialogue is incredibly important.”

As Budget Day approaches, Hawke’s Bay businesses will be watching with interest to see how these priorities translate into policy, funding, and support for regional economic growth.

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