Fast Track To The Future

Elections should set the agenda for our country. Each party is supposed to be able to put forward its programme that will take the country forward over the next decade.

National has done a lot of thinking about the steps New Zealand needs to take that will lift our country and that will enable us to successfully compete with Australia. This is essential if we are to stem the flood of New Zealanders who are now opting for Australia as the place of opportunity.

A plan for the economy

Any such plan to get the economy moving will have some fundamental features. The steps include:

• Reducing taxes

• Developing a climate of innovation

• Building the nation’s infrastructure

A plan for broadband

That is why National has announced its Broadband Initiative.

John Key announced on Tuesday that a National Government would invest up to $1.5 billion towards creating an ultra fast broadband network. We intend that every business, educational institution and home should have access to ultra fast broadband. This is what will enable New Zealand businesses to compete on an international scale. National’s medium to long term vision is for fibre connection to almost every home in New Zealand.

I am continually told in the North Shore by businesses that if they could send complete CAD working drawings for production to factories or partners overseas they would be able to substantially increase business. However this requires ultra fast broadband which in turn requires fibre to the premises.

Our educational institutions, including our schools, would be able to partner with overseas institutions for lectures, teaching and research, since fibre technology allows for ultra fast uploading and downloading at speeds not seen in New Zealand before.

Twenty-first century solution

It is the 21st century way to bridge the time and distance gaps that New Zealand uniquely faces. We are the most remote country in the world which results in the need for this technology more than any other nation.

The current government has already allowed too many opportunities pass the country by. National’s “fibre to the home” plan will ensure another one does not slip away.

LEST WE FORGET

Ninety years ago World War I ended, and the last of the veterans from that great conflict passed away some years ago. One of these men was Lieutenant Colonel Blyth, who I knew as a former Honorary Colonel of the Auckland Regiment. Toward the end of WWI he and his comrades liberated Le Quesnoy, an event commemorated to this day in that city. The sacrifice of New Zealanders to liberate Europe will not be forgotten.

Although it is almost a century since WWI and almost 70 years since WWII began, these two great conflicts helped forge our nation and built the peace that we now enjoy.

Of course we have not seen the end of war and today hundreds of our fellow New Zealanders are serving in our Defence Forces overseas, bringing stability and security in the Pacific and the Middle East.

New Zealand, although a young country, is one of the oldest democracies in the world. Our heritage and values mean that we take an active role in the world. We may be among the smaller nations, but our contribution, with its particular kiwi ethos, is greatly appreciated by friends and allies.

Tomorrow we remember the sacrifices of those who served and we should also remember all those who continue to serve our nation.

24 April 2008

EVENTS

JONMER COCKTAIL FUNCTION

Thursday 1 May

6.30pm – 8.00pm

Guest Speaker –

Craig Foss MP (National’s Associate Finance and Agriculture Spokesman)

Jonmer Boardroom,

Level 4, 95 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

$35 – RSVP by 4.00pm Wednesday 30 April

SUPERBLUES LUNCHEON CLUB

Monday 5 May

12.30pm – 2.00pm

Guest Speaker –

Dr Jackie Blue (National’s Women’s Affairs Spokeswoman)

Taitamariki Guide Hall, Auburn Street, Takapuna

$5 – RSVP by 4.00pm Friday 2 May

Dr Wayne Mapp

For more information on National visit www.national.org.nz or have a say at www.johnkey.co.nz

Visit my website for more information at: www.waynemapp.co.nz

ends

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