NZ Herald Business Editor-at-large, Liam Dann breaks down all you need to know about the upcoming budget. Video / NZ Herald
Some of Tairāwhiti’s leaders have shared their thoughts on where the Budget has helped or failed the region.
Chamber of Commerce president Ashley Fisher said a 20% depreciation incentive could create jobs, while Mayor Rehette Stoltz welcomed $219 million for post-cyclone road recovery.
Labour MP Jo Luxton criticised the Budget for lacking growth and cutting support for youth and women.
Some in Gisborne have welcomed Budget funding for cyclone-damaged roads and a 20% tax/depreciation incentive on business assets, which could create jobs.
Others criticised a lack of investment in critical areas, such as housing and Gisborne Hospital, while subsidising the fossil fuel industry.
The Gisborne Herald approached some leaders inthe community for their thoughts on the Budget.
Fisher was not concerned about minimum employer (and employee) KiwiSaver contributions increasing to 4% over two years.
He believed employers in Tairāwhiti considered employees to be their greatest asset.
He said the increased KiwiSaver contributions policy was not a hindrance and, while it might be tougher for sole traders, they were generally self-motivated to invest for their futures.
Road funding ‘reflects recognition of the scale and complexity of recovery in Tairāwhiti’
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz does not yet know the details of the road funding for Gisborne from Thursday’s Budget, but is pleased to receive more money.
“We’re grateful to the Government, ministers and New Zealand Transport Agency for this additional investment in our region’s cyclone recovery,” Stoltz said.
“This funding extension will help us continue essential repairs to our local road network and maintain momentum on reconnecting our communities.
“It reflects recognition of the scale and complexity of recovery in Tairāwhiti and supports us to keep delivering where it’s needed most.”
She highlighted the $219m over three years allocated for cyclone-affected roads, as well as investments in health and hospitals and “a massive support package” for education.
Luxton says no hope in Budget for people of Tairāwhiti
She said the Budget would be remembered for taking money from women, referring to the Pay Equity Amendment Bill, and cutting support where it was needed most.
“It isn’t a Budget for growth, but a piecemeal plan that fails to meet the needs of the community in Tairāwhiti.”
Labour list MP Jo Luxton, who is based in Gisborne.
