Prime Minister John Key is encouraging community organisations to apply to the second round of grants from the Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund, a $4 million joint project developed by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and the Vodafone Foundation.

“The Fund gives community groups a great opportunity to revive their activities in the suburbs they serve, as Cantabrians work to return their lives to normal,” says Mr Key.

Mr Key is visiting The Muse Community Music Trust at Wainoni School today - an after-school music programme which received $10,000 for new musical instruments in the Fund’s first round of grants.

“Grassroots organisations like The Muse are local hubs and bring communities together – and they’re particularly valuable for the children in Christchurch’s east, many of whom have had their homes and schools damaged and extra-curricular activities disrupted.

“Those community groups in Christchurch which work with young people, and want to keep making a difference, are encouraged to apply to the Fund during its second round of grants, which opens on May 28.”

The Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund will award grants ranging from $5000 to $50,000 to grassroots organisations, with an emphasis on youth-focused projects and capital or infrastructure projects.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal was launched by Mr Key, and is the Government’s official, global fundraiser for the recovery effort for Christchurch and the Canterbury region.

The Trust has committed funds of around $43 million to a variety of projects, including the Re:Start container mall in Cashel Street, the new Christchurch Stadium and the Court Theatre. Over $50 million remains to be allocated, with the Trust intending to disburse the majority during 2012.

For more information or to donate, go to http://christchurchappealtrust.org.nz/

09 May. In this edition of his regular video journal, John talks about the tourism industry, Budget 2012, our campaign to eradicate rheumatic fever, welfare reforms and more.

07 May. Prime Minister John Key and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announce $287.5 million in extra funding over the next four years for the first phase of the Government's welfare reforms to help more New Zealanders into work, The announcement is followed by extensive Q&A with media. For more, including a PDF containing Q@A from the Ministry, see http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=38443 For more on the Government's welfare reform programme, see http://www.national.org.nz/welfare-reforms.aspx

Prime Minister John Key says this month’s Budget will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan.

In a pre-Budget speech in Wellington, Mr Key reiterated that the National-led Government’s responsible management of the books means an operating surplus is set to be posted in 2014/15.

“This year will see another zero Budget as we chart a course back to surplus,” Mr Key said.

“The Government will continue to spend in priority areas. This Budget will protect and grow areas of public spending that are important in delivering real results to New Zealanders.”

“We’ll announce a range of initiatives as part of Budget 2012 that will show that we are getting things done while still staying on course to return to surplus.”

Mr Key said the Government is taking the same moderate and balanced approach it has to its three previous Budgets.

“We have constantly reprioritised spending towards things that work and we also have a firm focus on results rather than just inputs.

“Budget 2012 will continue that approach – and for the first time since the global financial crisis and the worldwide recession, the Government’s books are set to be in the black in 2014/15.”

“Returning to surplus means we can start reducing debt. That is no small achievement. It has taken a combination of disciplined fiscal policy and a willingness to make trade-offs. We have had a plan to rebuild and strengthen the country, we have stuck to it and it is working.”

Mr Key said there will be an overall increase for health and education in the Budget, although savings will also be made within these areas. The savings will be reinvested back into frontline services.

“There will be an upfront investment in welfare reform – we are going to spend money on supporting beneficiaries into work but we expect that this will be more than recouped over the forecast period through a lower welfare roll.

“We will also spend some more on science and innovation, as we promised at the election, to help build the research and innovation base of the economy.”

Mr Key said the Government’s overall spend on tertiary education will be rebalanced in Budget 2012.

“The Government remains committed to keeping student loans interest free but we are also determined to reduce the cost of the overall loan scheme to taxpayers.

“Savings will be reinvested in improving teaching and research within our universities and other tertiary institutions.

“Budget 2012 will reflect the Government’s four priorities of responsibly managing the Government’s finances, building a more productive and competitive economy, delivering better public services, and supporting the rebuilding of Christchurch.”