PM's Press Conference 15/05/22: TPP, meth, housing

Prime Minister Bill English began today’s press conference with a summary of his trip to Japan, noting Japan’s commitment to the TPP.

On the “War on Meth” Mr English believes the damages are “far too nasty” and it is “a curse.” He was asked whether it should be treated as a public health issue rather than criminal; he will not be decriminalising the drug.

Questions around the TPP included the potential of the US coming back, NZ’s relationship with Japan and the US re-negotiation of NAFTA.

On housing, the Prime Minister said there is a lot going on and “detail is everything.” He is adamant that the number of houses to be built is realistic and that skilled migrant workers are necessary, as seen in the Christchurch rebuild. He stated, there are thousands of Kiwis applying for apprenticeship programs as well. The Prime Minister said it has not been necessary to relax immigration rules to allow for more migrant workers.

Other questions were about the “Fat Leonard” scandal, Paris Agreement and buying carbon credits, the Alfred Ngaro investigation, President Trump’s comments about Iran, and the upcoming Rocket Lab test rocket.

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