NZ PM puts jobs, investment and Christchurch reconstruction first – state of the nation speech

Prime Minister John Key, in his annual “state of the nation” speech delivered to a business audience in Auckland last week, launched a new programme to boost apprenticeships for the Christchurch reconstruction effort.

Economic recovery and increased investment to promote growth and economic development will be top priorities for New Zealand.  Further changes will be made to the Resource Management Act to attract increased investment. His apprenticeship plan aims to put 14,000 more apprentices through training over five years with government funding help to trainees and employers.  In the tourism sector he said the focus will remain on attracting high-value tourists and the development of a national convention centre in Auckland. See his speech here: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/speech-north-harbour-club