Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard
ORAL QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS
Question No. 1—Finance
1. HELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?
Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The jobs market is working for young people. Stats New Zealand’s employment indicators for June show that by age group, the largest increase in the number of filled jobs was in the 15- to 19-year age group, up 16.9 percent in the year ended June 2022. As measured by the Household Labour Force Survey in the June quarter, the unadjusted number of young people aged 15 to 19 who were in employment increased by 13,500, or 11.1 percent over the year. The investment that this Government is making in skills and training through programmes like Mana in Mahi, Flexi-wage, and He Poutama Rangatahi, as well as the initiatives to reduce barriers to help New Zealanders, for example, obtain their drivers licences, is supporting young people into work and improving their employment outcomes.
Helen White: What other reports has he seen on the economy?
Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well, Stats New Zealand reported today that the number of overseas visitors to New Zealand shores rose in June to the highest level since March 2020 when COVID-19 travel and border restrictions were put in place. The number of travellers more than doubled to 94,600 in the June month, compared to the same month a year ago. Those from Australia led the way, making up 74 percent of all overseas arrivals. Those arriving here to visit friends and relatives made up 52 percent, those on holiday 30 percent, and those on businesses trips 12 percent. On an annual basis, overseas visitor arrivals were up significantly on the June 2021 year. We know that sectors such as tourism and hospitality have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, and the opening of the border and the prospect of a strong tourism season this summer will provide opportunities to rebuild and support the recovery of the economy.
Helen White: What reports has he seen on initiatives to build a more sustainable and resilient economy?
Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government is developing eight industry-transformation plans that have the purpose of building a high-wage, low-emissions economy. Yesterday, the Government set out a vision for one of those in tourism, with the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan, which will support the sector to rebuild better, with a stronger focus on a more resilient and regenerative future. The plan was developed in partnership with the industry, with unions, with Māori, and is now open for public consultation. It does identify challenges, but also sets out actions to overcome perceptions of the tourism industry as being one with low wages, long hours, and uncertainty. Our response to this includes improving education and training, providing more resources for business owners and operators, and enabling better work through innovation and technology. We have supported the tourism sector throughout the pandemic, including the $49 million Tourism Kick-start Fund, to help operators gear up for the return of international visitors, and we will continue to work closely with the industry to ensure its long-term sustainability.
