Hon Nikki Kaye
MP for Auckland Central

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is our largest ever trade deal and is expected to be worth at least $2.7 billion a year to New Zealand by 2030.

This agreement includes both the United States and Japan, countries that New Zealand has been trying to get free trade agreements with for 25 years. The US is the largest economy in the world, and is responsible for over a quarter of all household consumption, while Japan is the world’s third-largest economy.

In total, the 12 nations involved with the TPP account for 36% of the world economy and 800 million customers – last year alone New Zealand sold $28 billion worth of goods and services to the other 11 countries in the TPP.

The TPP will save New Zealand exporters around $259 million a year in tariffs they currently have to pay just to get their products into these markets.

Tariff savings are just the start of the benefits this trade agreement offers to New Zealand. Barriers to access are often even more important to exporters. Eliminating these barriers will unlock enormous opportunities.

Now TPP negotiations have concluded people will see many of the concerns raised previously have not been reflected in the agreement – we have not given up our right to govern our own country, and New Zealanders will not pay more for subsidised medicines.

The signing of TPP is very positive for New Zealand, and it’s going to be a real boost for our economy.

Government to boost funding for emergency housing in Auckland

We know there are too many people sleeping rough in our city, and that emergency housing providers are struggling to help all of those in need.

Homelessness is a complex issue and there are a number of reasons why people end up without somewhere to call home – from domestic violence through to substance abuse, and even in some cases by choice.

Social Housing Minister Hon Paula Bennett recently announced that the Government will be spending $2 million for a short-term emergency housing response in Auckland.

This announcement of new funding for emergency housing will be implemented in partnership with Auckland Council which is to contribute $250,000 a year for the next two years, for use by emergency housing providers.

This funding means more vulnerable people will be able to access emergency housing when they need it. By its very nature, emergency housing is designed for those who urgently need somewhere to stay, and the sooner we get those people housed, the sooner we can help them work back to housing independence and address other needs they may have like employment or education.

This short-term emergency housing response will make a real difference for those organisations getting people off the streets and back on their feet. We are also working to increase the supply of both social and affordable housing in Auckland to prevent people ending up needing emergency support in the first place.

New Zealand has a long history of providing shelter and housing to our most vulnerable, and we are committed to helping those most in need.

Reducing fare evasion on public transport

It’s estimated that fare evasion on Auckland’s rail network could be as high as $2 million a year.

I spent a morning with Transport Minister Hon Simon Bridges at Britomart, where he announced public transport users who deliberately avoid paying fares will face penalties.

The Minister has been working with Auckland Transport on fare evasion after they raised the issue with him.

Left unchecked, fare evasion increases the cost of public transport for paying passengers, and those who subsidise the services, including ratepayers.

Previously it has been difficult to enforce penalties on fare evasion offences, and changes to the Land Transport Act next year will mean councils may appoint warranted officers to do this.

These officers will be able to ask people if they have paid fare, ask passengers to provide their name and other details if they cannot produce a valid ticket, and advise these passengers to leave the public transport service.

As before, fare evaders will face an infringement fee of $150, or a maximum fine of $500, on conviction if evidence of a fare cannot be provided. There will now also be a new offence of failing to comply with an enforcement officer’s directions to provide details or leave the service, which will carry a maximum fine of $1,000 on conviction.

Gulf Islands tourism venture receiving funding boost

A tourism venture on Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands is receiving $124,000 in funding from the Government’s Tourism Growth Partnership.

Te Haerenga – A Journey Through Sacred Islands has been created by the Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki Tribal Trust. It offers guided journeys for visitors on both islands.

Ngai Tai Iwi offer a unique experience for visitors through Te Haerenga, enabling Maori traditions to be experienced in a modern context.

Iwi can share the traditional and contemporary stories linked with the islands while visitors take part in a range of traditional activities such as harvesting and weaving, and learn about the medicinal properties of island plants.

Not only is Ngai Tai developing a unique cultural experience for visitors close to downtown Auckland, they are also working to train young Māori, and staff, involved with the venture, giving them invaluable skills they can take out into the wider workplace.

Both Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands are close to the city, which means visitors have a variety of different ways to experience the islands, and Ngai Tai has the opportunity to offer a number of different of tourism options.

The Hauraki Gulf Islands are known for their unique beauty, and attract both local and international visitors to the Auckland region. It’s fantastic that Te Haerenga is receiving funding and support to grow their innovative venture.

Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands to receive more funding to fight pests

Three local conservation groups will receive more than $195,000 in funding from the Community Conservation Partnerships Fund to fight pests on Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands.

Waiheke and Great Barrier are home to native birds like kaka and kereru that are practically defenceless against pests like rats and stoats.

The Windy Hill Rosalie Bay Catchment Trust, the Kotuku Peninsula Sanctuary team on Great Barrier, and the Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust on Waiheke are key to the future of conservation in the Gulf, and it’s wonderful that this funding will help them fight back against pests.

The Aotea Conservation Park was opened earlier this year on Great Barrier Island, and will be a significant tourism asset for the island. It’s crucial we work to keep native birds and the natural environment safe.
Nationwide, pests cost our economy more than $3 billion a year – this funding will have a positive impact on both of these Gulf islands.

Kind regards,
Nikki Kaye
MP for Auckland Central

Minister for ACC | Minister of Civil Defence
Minister for Youth | Associate Minister of Education

ENDS

© Scoop Media