THREE DAYS ON THE ROAD

One of the best things about my job is the huge variety of things I get to do, and the huge variety of people (and animals) I get to spend time with.

Last Thursday, I met a couple of guide dog puppies in Auckland. On Friday I went to New Plymouth to egg on the schoolchildren competing in the Weetbix Tryathalon. And on Saturday, I was in Te Kuiti for the NZ Shearing Champs, where I tried my hand at mustering sheep.

It’s fair to say that – when it comes to mustering – I probably should have taken some advice from the guide dog puppies.

IMPROVING AUCKLAND’S GOVERNANCE

We all need Auckland to work better.

The Auckland region is an important engine for New Zealand’s economic growth, and it must have a simple and effective system for making regional decisions and implementing them smoothly.

That’s why on Tuesday I announced a number of high-level decisions on Auckland’s future in response to the report of the Royal Commission into Auckland. These decisions will see the creation of a unitary Auckland Council that protects and enhances community representation across the region.

The National-led Government has decided on a framework for governing that balances the need for elected representatives to be able to think strategically on behalf of the whole region, and for local communities to have a strong voice on issues closer to home.

We have created a new strengthened entity called Local Boards which will advocate for their local communities. The new Auckland Council and the Local Boards will lead to better connections across the region, better value from rates and central government funding, and better community control of what matters in Auckland’s neighbourhoods.

Click here http://www.auckland.govt.nz/ for more information on the Government’s decisions.

BUILDING BETTER BROADBAND

National is working hard to prepare our economy for future growth.

One of the important ways we are doing that is by providing a step-change in infrastructure investment. During last year’s election campaign, we promised to invest up to $1.5 billion to drive the roll-out of a ‘fibre-to-the-home’ ultra-fast broadband network to 75 percent of New Zealanders, and last week we outlined how we want to make that happen.

The Government proposes to establish a Crown-owned investment company (Crown Fibre Investment Co or CFIC) to drive this investment. Under the proposal, CFIC will invest alongside private sector co-investors in regional fibre companies.

These companies will deploy and provide access to fibre optic network infrastructure in the 25 towns and cities covered by the initiative. The model will ensure all telecommunications companies have the option of using the fibre. It aims to provide ultra-fast broadband to 75 percent of New Zealanders where they live, work, and study over the next ten years.

You can read more about the Government’s proposal and make a submission on it here .

STRENGTHENING TIES WITH ASIA

Next week I’ll be in Thailand for the East Asia Summit. I’ll be joining leaders from the 10 ASEAN countries, as well as China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, India, and Australia to discuss the global economic crisis. 

The summit is an opportunity to build on the ASEAN, Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed last month, and support work towards a region-wide free trade deal.

After the Summit, I’ll be heading to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

China is New Zealand’s third largest trading partner, and the visit is a big opportunity to reinforce our shared economic interests. It’s also a chance to build on the New Zealand-China FTA, particularly in the areas of tourism, aviation, agriculture, and education.

STAYING IN TOUCH

As always, I’m keen to read your feedback. You can comment on this newsletter here or on my Facebook site.

Have a great Easter.

John Key
Prime Minister