Tamati Coffey Labour List MP

For me, this time of year is always filled with optimism – the clock moves forward as we turn towards summer, and the days start to feel warmer and longer. The latest figures show that this optimism has extended to our economy too, and I wanted to share what this means for Rotorua families and businesses.
Together, we've ensured that our economy came through the pandemic better than the Global Financial Crisis. Debt is low, GDP is up, the budget deficit is lower than expected, unemployment is at a near record low and incomes are growing at the highest rate since records began.

To get ahead, we've also focused on building economic advantages that are unique to New Zealand. This includes our work to secure the country's clean, green brand, and the latest figures show that New Zealand is in demand. That focus on sustainability has also helped to get free trade agreements with the UK and EU over the line, and that's what is underpinning our $53 billion dollar record in agricultural exports.
We're attracting the skills and people that Rotorua needs from overseas with practical changes to our immigration settings. We've already supported more than 200,000 Kiwis to upskill with free trades training and apprenticeships. In fact, apprenticeships are more than 50 per cent higher than when we took office.

And tourism is coming back! The recent long weekend was very busy for Rotorua and business owners say that bookings for summer are looking very good.

All of this is really positive news and it will help to boost Rotorua's economy, create better jobs, and lead to a better future.