Jan Tinetti Labour MP

Budget 2021 announced last week is all about securing our recovery from Covid. It lays the foundations for coming out of Covid stronger by addressing long term challenges like housing, inequality and climate change, while making sure we can continue to grow the economy. The Government's policies will see up to 33,000 children lifted out of poverty, and Treasury forecasts 221,000 more people will be in jobs over the next four years as our economy recovers.

Locally we are seeing the benefits from Government expenditure in the region.

Jobs for Nature has created more than 620 jobs through 16 projects across the BOP region including the Bay Conservation Cadets programme to upskill unemployed and underemployed people while delivering conservation benefits.

14 infrastructure projects will create up to 1321 jobs in the region. Eight projects creating more than 310 jobs are already underway including the transformation of Cameron Road.

The development of the Rangiuru business Park is expected to create more than 4000 jobs.

The School Investment Package will see the upgrade of essential infrastructure at 20 schools through 51 projects and $6.3 million in funding, six projects are already complete including classroom upgrades at Tauranga and Otumoetai Primary Schools, administrative space upgrades at Pillans Point School. There has also been $30 m for three new schools and expansions catering for more than 1000 additional students.

Budget 2021 is a recovery budget, building on the gains we've already made through our strong health response, the wage subsidy and our significant investments in infrastructure. The policies we are putting in place are making a real difference and aiding our recovery from Covid.