The coalition deal between Labour and NZ First was signed today by incoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and incoming deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
From Stuff Live:
Key points from the NZ First deal:
- $1b per annum Regional Development Fund
- Re-establish the New Zealand Forestry Service
- Review and reform of the Reserve Bank Act
- Progressively increase the Minimum Wage to $20 per hour by 2020
- A comprehensive register of foreign-owned land and housing
- Free doctors’ visits for all under 14s
- Free driver training for all secondary students
- A new generation SuperGold smartcard containing entitlements and concessions
- A royalty on exports of bottled water
- Commit to re-enter Pike River
- A full-scale review into retail power pricing
- MPs allowed to vote on a potential referendum on euthanasia
Most of that looks fine generally.
Regions have been neglected and allowed to run down for the last three decades so could do with more help. However it will be a challenge to help regions help themselves rather that heap them with subsidies.
While increasing the minimum wage will help many low income earners it’s a risk, as it could backfire and result in a significant number of job losses, meaning some get more but some get less.
NZ First portfolios:
- Foreign Affairs
- Infrastructure
- Regional Economic Development
- Internal Affairs
- Seniors
- Defence
- Veterans’ Affairs
- Children
- Forestry
- State Owned Enterprises
- Racing
- Associate Finance
- Associate Education
- Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Regional Economic Development
That’s a good haul of portfolios for a 7% party, with some big wins.
MPs who will take the portfolios will be announced tomorrow.