Tamati Coffey Labour List MP

Since the election we've been focused on keeping New Zealanders safe from Covid, accelerating our economic recovery, and tackling long-term challenges like housing affordability.

Already this term we've bolstered testing requirements for border workers and made face coverings on public transport mandatory. Plus we secured enough safe and effective Covid vaccines for all New Zealanders, and launched our vaccine roll-out plan for the year.

To accelerate our economic recovery, we've extended the Small Business Loan Scheme, funneled more major infrastructure projects into the fast-track consenting process, and extended an initiative that helps employers retain apprentices.

Our strong Covid recovery gives us the opportunity to build back better. That means fronting up to long-term challenges like housing affordability.

Making houses more affordable is about increasing supply and shifting demand. Earlier this year we launched our plan for the more than 18,000 extra public and transitional housing places we're on track to deliver by 2024.

To back first home buyers, we increased income and house price caps on First Home Loans and Grants, and we're extending the bright line test and removing interest deductibility for property investors.

I'm proud to be part of a government determined to tackle New Zealand's long-term challenges. I can't wait to see the progress we make in the next six months.