On the record

New Zealand First is intent on saving the uniquely kiwi way of life and making a difference to the lives of ordinary New Zealanders. We are proud of having achieved a number of initiatives and policy gains that will help make a positive difference to the way we kiwis live:

• No strategic asset sales
• Introduced free healthcare for under sixes and have campaigned for its maintenance and extension
• Introduced SuperGold Card
• Conducting inquiry into effects of casualisation of the workforce
• Supported 'Buy New Zealand Made' campaign
• Achieved reduction in the corporate tax rate
• Large tax credits for research and development
• New funding for market development
• Export Year 2007
• Toll free harbour bridge for Tauranga
• Promotion of improved savings regime and incentivised savings schemes
• $70 (weekly) increase in minimum wage since last election
• Tax incentives for racing's breeding industry
• Introduced legislation to eliminate all references to the so-called 'principles' of the Treaty of Waitangi from New Zealand legislation
• Introduced legislation to remove potential conflict of interest in roles of Maori Land Court and the Waitangi Tribunal
• Funded additional growth, support and training initiatives for the Maori Women's Welfare League, and the Maori Wardens
• Developed other health initiatives such as nationwide screening for hepatitis B, introduced free influenza vaccines for the elderly, and funded important research (such as the stomach cancer gene in Maori families) $530 million in successive budgets for eldercare sector
• Inquiry into review of ACC funding of physiotherapists
• Introduced legislation and debate on age of criminal responsibility
• 1000 more frontline police (and 250 support staff) by 2008
• Inquiries into Corrections (head office), into parole and sentencing, and into the 'Goon Squad'
• Pay parity for teachers
• Established cardio thoracic unit in Christchurch
• Implemented 'latch key' children's initiative
• Removed the iniquitous superannuation surtax
• Raised the minimum rate of superannuation to 66% of the Net Average Wage as of 1 April 2006
• Supported creation of New Zealand Superannuation Fund and enabled future conversion to individualised accounts
• Achieved an independent inquiry into local authority rating
• Developed legislation aimed at amending the New Zealand Superannuation Act 2001 to reduce the rebate paid by those receiving the non-qualified spouse rate of superannuation and bring it into line with other transfer payments
• Secured full war pensions for nuclear test veterans
• Working to remove anomalies relating to the receipt of overseas pensions
• Campaigned for (and achieved) immigration inquiry and major rewrite of immigration laws
• Enhanced New Zealand's reputation and supported our Pacific neighbours by a $70 million increase in foreign aid this year
• Amended the Overseas Investment Act to strengthen the 'national interest'
• Introduced legislation to establish 'University of Technology' category of institution