Judith Collins MP
National Party Pacific Affairs Spokeswoman

15 October 2008

Pacific Affairs policy reflects Pacific needs

National's Pacific Affairs policy will ensure Pacific New Zealanders will continue to receive world-class education and health services, says National's Pacific Island Affairs spokeswoman, Judith Collins.

Ms Collins announced the policy ahead of a speech tonight to the New Zealand Pacific Business Council in Manukau.

She says National will strengthen the relationship the government has with Pacific Island nations and Pacific communities.

National will:

* Have ongoing personal tax cuts. * Keep all Working for Families and Paid Parental leave entitlements. * Increase flexibility and choice in 20 hours early childhood education.

"We will set National Standards in literacy and numeracy for all primary school pupils, require schools to test pupils against these standards, require teachers to tell parents the results, and assist children who are consistently failing to meet the standards.

"National will maintain universal subsidises for GP visits, and establish Integrated Family Health Clinics, one-stop-shops combining services like minor surgery, pharmacists and doctors.

"We will work with Pacific Island churches and NGOs to promote the growth, ingenuity, and vitality of voluntary groups in the Pacific community.

"National will maintain the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs as part of its plan to promote Pacific culture. We understand the importance of boosting political diplomacy in the South Pacific and ensuring the Pacific has a sound aid package.

"We will focus our development assistance on our immediate neighbours in the Pacific, and will retain the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme for Pacific nations.

"Our Pacific Affairs policy reflects what the people of the Pacific want and need."

To view National's Pacific Affairs policy go to: http://national.org.nz/files/2008/pacific_affairs.pdf

ENDS

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