Prosperity Party New Zealand

A political party that will do what's right for New Zealand and New Zealanders

Any funds that are generated come from memberships and/or donations. We won't beg for donations nor will we promise any favours should we be in a position of governance or some input into our Country's direction. We are vehemently opposed to money for favours. We welcome those who want to contribute to our party because they affiliate with our policies and philosophies.

Bank account details:

Prosperity Party New Zealand Incorporated

Kiwibank

38 9022 0071345 00

PROSPERITY NZ


‘Prosperity NZ’ was born out of a frustration generated by a number of New Zealanders who were tired of watching numerous governments and political parties exploit and dictate policies that have had a detrimental effect on New Zealanders, and particularly on the natural resources generated in what we know as, the most beautiful country in the world. We live in a country that has a severe imbalance of prosperity. New Zealand has a history of being sold to the highest bidder on the pretence of being good for the country, however the reality for a majority of Kiwis is the opposite. We also believe that citizenship should be valued and honoured with all those who choose to make New Zealand their home, to be supported to take up permanent citizenship.


‘Prosperity NZ’ believes we can rebuild, protect and generate resources that supports and enables citizens to live healthy, productive and prosperous lives.


FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES


1. To preserve and protect our assets and resources

2. To nurture and support an innovative and diverse economic portfolio that is not detrimental to the environment

3. To ensure all New Zealanders enjoy equality and respect their obligations as citizens regardless of their country of origin.

4. That our infrastructure is fit for purpose and supports our population and economic growth.

5. For all New Zealanders to be safe from harm, and a justice system that appropriately addresses breaches of law and order

6. That we have a flexible welfare system that supports individuals to be productive and contributing citizens.

7. That our borders are adequately protected and monitored to ensure our national safety and well-being

8. All publicly funded organisations are open and accountable in their actions and responsibilities

9. That all New Zealanders have adequate shelter and are free from abuse and violence

10. That all New Zealanders have their health and disability needs adequately and fairly met, whilst also recognising personal responsibility.


Note: The following policies are our base policies only.


POLICIES


ACC

‘Prosperity NZ’ believes the current system of ACC is unfair and is not working effectively for all those who experience ill health through disability and/or injury. All New Zealanders must be sufficiently supported through injury and ill health, but where that ill health or injury has some culpability, that the recipient bears some responsibility. We would:

  1. Where a person receives an injury whilst undertaking an illegal activity, that they may not receive any financial support and are responsible for up to 100% of the cost. And that the cost can be repaid in community work or through financial reparation
  2. Ensure that where a person who suffers from illness, disease or injury that is caused through no fault of their own, they receive 100% cover
  3. Implement policy that where an employee has suffered injury, and they were aware of policies and procedures, but failed to follow them, and this contributed to their injury, they will be responsible for an appropriate level of cost

ANIMAL WELFARE

‘Prosperity NZ’ believes we must ensure that we are a country that treats its animals respectfully, recognising many species provide sustenance, companionship and/or revenue, enriching the lives of New Zealanders. Animal abuse often leads to, or is associated with the abuse of people and therefore we must send a strong message of total unacceptability of abuse in all shapes and forms. We would:


Put legal protections in place to stop the breeding of any animals by persons other than registered breeders and create legislation that requires breeders to be registered and suitably qualified. And for the legislation to be implemented and overseen by MPI, SPCA and the council. The purpose being, to minimise the abuse of animals, as well as, the surplus of animals that often results in animals being euthanized.

Ensure the cost and registration process, along with de-sexing is straight forward, easy to access and cost effective

Ensure harsher penalties and accountability where neglect or abuse occurs, whilst working closely with, and adequately resourcing SPCA, MPI and councils


ASSET SALES

New Zealand has lost a substantial bulk of its resources and commodities to overseas interests and this has been detrimental to the economic growth and wealth of New Zealand and New Zealanders. ‘Prosperity NZ’ believes that we must hold on to any resources or commodities that have the potential to create wealth and prosperity for its citizens. We would:

1. Investigate, and where possible buy back assets previously sold off by past governments

2. Stop all outright asset sales to overseas interests

3. Only allow overseas investment in our assets if it is clearly shown to be beneficial to New Zealand and New Zealanders both in the short and long term


BIO SECURITY

We must protect our borders, our environment and our industries from unwanted pests and potentially harmful biohazards. We would:


1. Ensure our airports, ports of entry and borders have the capability to fully screen all incoming goods and persons entering the country

2. Increase the use of dogs at airports, ports and other entry points

3. Reinforce and resource customs to be able to carry out strict and enforceable penalties


BORDER SECURITY

We understand the importance of protecting our resources and our people. We have a great deal to protect and a vast coastline to monitor. We would:

1. Ensure our Armed Forces are sufficiently resourced to patrol our coastlines with smaller, faster vessels along with enabling the Armed forces to support efforts to protect our borders, and provide support at times of emergency and/or disaster

2. Have a zero tolerance and a high level of monitoring of any potential for illegal drugs to enter our boarders

3. Review the viability of returning any stored defence resources to operational status and/or other possible ways to utilise them for the benefit of New Zealand

CHILD WELFARE

The welfare of our children/Tamariki is an extremely high priority for ‘Prosperity NZ’. We must have a zero tolerance approach to child abuse and poverty. No child should be hungry or feel unsafe in a country that boasts such beauty and bounty. And every single child is precious and should therefore have access to supports, services and programmes that ensure they are kept safe from harm. We should ensure all children regardless of their ethnic and/or cultural makeup have access to the same services. Our current abuse rates are obscene and an extremely bad reflection on us as New Zealanders. We would:


1. Support initiatives that have proven success that are open to all children regardless of their ethnicity

2. Provide safe houses within communities at which children can go when in situations of abuse or fear

3. Zero tolerance for situations where families withhold information, impede the legal process and investigations, deceive authorities that is detrimental to children, and/or other citizens


CONSERVATION

We have a strong belief that we must conserve our unique wildlife and resources. And that much of what we do as a country relies on these things in everyday life. We would:


1. Utilise community workers, the unemployed and those providing reparations, to do the conservation work

2. Whilst eradicating pests, we would also see them as a potential revenue stream and support all initiatives that would emphasise that

3. Increase the amount of Department of Conservation staff in all regions to monitor, advise and support various conservation parks and forests across the country


CONSUMER AFFAIRS

New Zealand experiences a flood of products from all parts of the world, and some of these products are of an inferior standard and/or, are detrimental to our environment. We would:


1. Make all 100% New Zealand made products GST free (Registered and monitored by the department of Business and Innovation)

2. Ensure all products are clearly labelled with their contents, country of origin and nutritional advice, and for this to be in English

3. Review products that contain ingredients which has been seen by other countries as harmful with a view of aligning with international thinking and guidelines


COVID RESPONSE

The global epidemic that is Covid 19 has affected New Zealand and the world substantially. We are fortunate to be surrounded by water, therefore securing our borders is far easier than for most other countries. We would:


1. Secure an airport that is outside Auckland to take receipt of incoming passengers.

2. Require all passengers to be vaccinated before boarding planes heading for NZ, or have had at least one jab with a second administered before leaving isolation

3. Ensure we have up to date research in progress to prepare for any other issues that may affect the health and welfare of New Zealanders


DEFENCE

Due to our relative remoteness New Zealand is in a unique position in the world, we need to ensure our defence force is adequately resourced to defend our borders, act as peace makers, and support communities in times of disaster. We would:


1. Re-configure our defence force, so they have the capacity to defend, provide support in times of emergency and be available for peace keeping

2. Provide sufficient funding to enable them to be better equipped to support their roles

3. The armed forces are a great gateway for training and providing careers for New Zealanders and we would look at ways to support greater buy in


DEMOCRACY

We need to ensure New Zealand is a country that lives and breathes democracy and holds its government and public officials accountable, and in high esteem. Our government should contain individuals to whom we can say have integrity and honesty. All New Zealanders of voting age should be able to have their say and contribute to the future direction of the country. We would:


1. Strengthen the democratic process by utilising technology that allows everyone to have their say

2. Hold government officials accountable when they abuse ‘Parliamentary privilege’ or express information that is blatantly inaccurate

3. Ensure the public service and government (where they work on behalf of people) are never required to work in a way that is profit driven. Whilst also ensuring they are not frivolous or wasteful


DISABILITY

Around 25% of New Zealanders experience disability, mental health issues and/or other health issues. We have an obligation to ensure everyone experiences life to the full and we adhere to protocols we have signed up to as a nation. We would:


1. Establish Disability and health centres in communities, to ensure individuals and families can access services, information and supports in a timely and affective manner

2. Establish an Adult Protection Office to support those individuals who suffer from mental health issues, intellectual disability, domestic violence, physical disabilities, illness and disease that makes an individual vulnerable (and their families). Services to include advocacy, decision making, supports, complaints and legal issues with a Tribunal to deal with applications under the ‘Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988’.

3. Ensure we become fully compliant with the ‘United Nations Conventions that relate to the rights of our citizens.

4. Ensure those with disabilities and their families can access flexible, fair, accessible and easy to access funding that allows for more individualised outcomes and choice.


DRUGS

Drug addiction and the effects drugs have on our community, costs our country millions of dollars, not to mention the human cost. We would:


1. Create more specialist addiction services, and support those agencies that have demonstrated success

2. Put in place short, sharp penalties for drug use and sale, with the addition of compulsory participation in addiction programmes where appropriate

3. Greater and stronger drug education in schools, particularly around the harmful effects, and stories by former addicts


ECONOMIC

‘Prosperity NZ’ recognises that New Zealand is a nation reliant on our dairy, produce, meat and tourism industry. We must be innovative, futuristic and diverse in the industries we support and develop. We would:


1. Look for, and evaluate possible revenue streams that support a diverse and futuristic portfolio

2. Protect our current revenue streams such as dairy, tourism, fruit and vegetable, wine, horse racing and meat etc

3. Initiate a strong ‘Buy NZ Made’ campaign which emphasises the importance and value of buying New Zealand made, both locally and internationally

4. Support and nurture new business by having a state run Dragon’s den type department


EDUCATION

We know that the current education system doesn’t cater to the diverse nature in which kiwi children learn and retain information. Not every individual learns at the same pace, or in the same way. Our schools have also become places where our children are exposed to learning that is often impractical and fails to provide added learning that is beneficial to young people in the modern world. We would:


1. Progress children through the academic system based on ability. So, children move through levels of learning whilst still in a classroom of their peer group

2. Have through-out school life, from primary through to University, ongoing career education which exposes children to a variety of career paths and the educational requirements

3. Include the following subjects: NZ history, Cultural and religious diversity, Citizenship, Communication (sign language, Maori, body language, verbal and written), Life skills and political studies

University

1. Where a person fails to complete the full course on their own volition and has received government or other funding, they are to pay it back in full along with interest

2. Free fees for those in the final year of study when completing a Diploma or higher

3. Student loans to be interest free, unless the individual goes overseas for longer than one year


ELECTRICITY, POWER AND ENERGY

New Zealand has the capability to be self-sufficient and generate power through environmentally friendly means. We need to ensure that all power, electricity and energy sources are generated in NZ and owned and managed by New Zealanders. We would:


1. Promote and support ways that New Zealanders can be as self-sufficient as possible domestically and commercially

2. Explore opportunities for energy generation that are environmentally friendly.

3. Support the uptake of electric vehicles


EMERGENCY SERVICES

We believe previous governments have been extremely negligent in their approach to our emergency services. These entities should not have to spend valuable time and energy soliciting for funding when they provide lifesaving services for the benefit of all New Zealanders. These services should only have to focus on providing core life services without the fear of budget blow outs or lack of resources. We would:


1. Fully fund and resource our emergency services

2. Ensure they (where applicable) are fully manned for 24 hours

3. Have legal protections that include serious penalties for those who hinder, attack or injure emergency service workers.


EMISSION TRADING SCHEME

‘Prosperity NZ’ fully recognises the need for a global approach to reducing emissions and that we have a responsibility to actively do our part. However, we don’t believe we need to be part of a scheme that has a financial cost that could be better spent rectifying our own issues and environmental concerns. We would:


1. Remove NZ from the Paris Accord Emission Trading Scheme

2. Use the money saved to investigate and support alternative environmental schemes

3. Work with relevant groups to find long term solutions to reducing emissions


EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR

‘Prosperity NZ’ believes every New Zealander should be engaged in something productive that demonstrates a contribution to the prosperity of the country. Regardless of ability, disability or impairment each citizen will be supported to contribute and/or participate on some level to their country and/or community. With productivity and participation comes connectivity and a sense of belonging, and we will endeavour to support every New Zealander to be productive at whatever level they have capacity for. We would:


1. Support every individual of working age (with the exception of those with severe impairment or illness) to be engaged in either: work, study, community service, child rearing or work programme

2. Support programmes provided in the community that do not exclude individuals due to ethnicity, disability or age, unless there is an issue around personal safety

3. Create mentor relationships for long term unemployed, matching them up with someone who has broken free of poverty and/or hardship and demonstrates professional success


ENVIRONMENT

Our environment is not only our bread and butter, but every New Zealanders and visitors play land. We MUST ensure we protect and clean up our environment. We would:


1. Make a priority of cleaning up our waterways, rivers and streams

2. Create clean-up crews made up of people who are unemployed, volunteers and/or those people carrying out community service

3. Actively reduce imports which are of low value, of low quality that have alternatives produced in NZ.


EXPORTS

Our exports are vital to a strong economy, and we must have a good international reputation for producing quality products grown or produced in an environmentally clean country. Our portfolio of exports must be diverse and constantly changing with international demands. We need to understand who, where and what people all over the globe need and want. We also must move at a pace that ensures we keep up with international demands. Our clean green image will be the key to the quality and reputation of our exports. We would:


1. Establish an Export Opportunity Office that will work with existing diplomatic offices around the world to recognise potential market openings and opportunities.

2. Listen to and consult with exporters to ensure they are supported to produce quality export items and have access to appropriate markets.

3. Ensure New Zealanders never pay more than international markets on locally produced goods


FINANCE

We believe the debt incurred by all previous governments is unacceptable and puts us at huge financial risk. This needs to be rectified immediately to prevent financial collapse. We would:


1. Look at a range of options to reduce the current debt and prevent any future debt

2. Look at ensuring all government departments take up ‘Lean thinking’ and that public official spending is capped with the potential of reducing spending. Not at the expense of existing services

3. Only fund those activities and/or projects that provide benefits to New Zealanders health and/or wellbeing.


FOREIGN AFFAIRS

We know we have to establish good global relationships to ensure our exports have greater uptake and we are seen as a friendly nation of people with good will. We would:


1. Ensure we have strong and open communication with other countries, always emphasising our capacity to produce top quality goods as a nation

2. Ensure we are seen as a nation of Peacekeepers and Innovators, with strongly established international partnerships

3. Ensure we have a strong relationship with our pacific neighbours and support them to establish their own export market which helps grow their own independent economies


FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Whilst there are times where there is a necessity for foreign investment, we must always first and foremost ensure New Zealanders are given the opportunity to invest in their own country. We would:


1. Minimise foreign investment whilst maximising domestic investment opportunities

2. Overhaul the Overseas Investment Office to ensure it’s fit for purpose, that it has New Zealand’s best interest at heart and reduce and to prevent foreign ownership of large blocks of land and assets

3. No foreign ownership of housing or businesses, unless they are new builds and/or new business, not currently established


FORESHORE AND SEABED

We believe that no one owns our rivers, oceans, rivers or lakes and that government are merely caretakers of our resources, ensuring we protect and enable all New Zealanders and visitors to experience the beauty and resources the country has to offer. We would:


1. Ensure all New Zealanders and visitors can access our beaches, rivers and lakes, whilst ensuring these resources are protected from abuse or harm

2. Work with councils, local iwi and communities to protect all elements of our foreshore and seabed to ensure it longevity and purity

3. Not support any drilling, or commercial activity that has the potential to harm our environment


HEALTH

Adequately addressing the health of New Zealanders is crucial to a strong economy and levels of overall happiness. We believe communication between medical providers is imperative, as is choice around remedies and holistic care which should be appropriate for individuals. We would:


1. Ensure all New Zealand citizens have access to, and have their needs adequately addressed by the health system regardless of ethnic background or income

2. That every Citizens has one annual health check paid for a year to do a full assessment, including blood tests and recommendations on ongoing care.

3. That where applicable individuals have a responsibility for their own health and therefore should bear some of the burden around cost in cases where life choices have contributed to negative health outcomes

4. That there are separate mental health services that run for 24 hours, with separation of child, youth, adult and geriatric

5. That there is a central register that contains a full record of every individual’s health history that is accessible to relevant health professionals to enable people’s health needs to be fully understood and appropriately treated

6. That there are fully resourced and funded centres that focus on health issues such as addiction and mental health and that these are community based, focusing on the needs of the people

7. Put restrictions in place for foreigners and non-citizens who have accumulated a debt with medical services.


HOUSING

New Zealand (and particularly Auckland) has a serious lack of quality, low cost housing. And the majority of housing being built, financially sits outside the reach of the average or below average income earner. With the addition of housing comes the pressure on infrastructure and our roads have become parking lots for many kiwis and this is having a negative effect on our economy, and our mental health. We would:


1. Start immediately building strong, small, affordable (and where possible accessible) housing in and around New Zealand particularly in areas of need

2. Ensure those tenants who abuse the privilege of occupying a state house are made to repay any costs in relation to damage they cause

3. Adequately resource Housing New Zealand to monitor state housing conditions and cope with the rising demands due to population growth

4. Look at reviewing the Tenancy Act to ensure landlords have the ability to evict seriously bad tenants and receive compensation, but also ensuring tenants are not taken advantage of, or living in conditions that are unacceptable

5. All rental properties must be on a register, with the owner’s address included, only allowing foreign owners to purchase new build houses


IMMIGRATION

We believe previous government have been negligent by not formulating and implementing a clear strategy when it comes to immigration. As a result, our roads are clogged, our schools and hospitals are bursting at the seams and life in general for many New Zealanders has become unaffordable. ‘Prosperity NZ’ is not anti-immigration because we understand that we often need immigration to contribute in those areas where we fall short due to lack of skills or labour. We also acknowledge that family integration and reunification is important to overall mental wellness. To protect New Zealanders from further issues compounded by rampant immigration numbers. We would:


1. Put a hold on immigration numbers, accept those exceptional cases where they fill a need, are in process, or have existing immediate family here. And this applies to only new entries, not those already here on Visas

2. Do an analysis on what (in regard to infrastructure etc) needs to be done to ensure the country can cope with any continuing population growth

3. Ensure all Visas have an expiry, and that individuals are encouraged to take up citizenship to ensure their tenure in New Zealand, along with instilling a strong sense of citizenship in our schools, businesses and general day to day operation


IMPORTS

We know that we import a number of items that we produce here, are inferior and end up in our refuse and landfills and are detrimental to the Kiwi lifestyle. We would:


1. Put strict controls on imports, ensuring they are of value to New Zealand and New Zealanders, are of a good quality, are not potentially harmful or dangerous and do not devalue the New Zealand product equivalent


INFRASTRUCTURE

As stated, previous governments have not had a clear strategic plan when it comes to immigration numbers and therefore our infrastructure has gone beyond bursting point. It is sound business practice to have an economic strategy which includes ensuring infrastructure is built at the same rate, or faster than the rate of incoming population and population growth. As a result of past government policy, we have people living in poverty and/or living in unacceptable conditions. We would:


1. Have a clear concise plan on radically increasing the speed in which roads and houses are being built, hospitals and schools are being extended, ensuring all government services have the capacity to cope with population numbers, this would include looking at ways to move people out of central Auckland by supporting businesses and learning institutions to move to the regions

2. Implementing ideas that enable smaller affordable housing to be built quickly, whilst also ensuring they meet comprehensive building standards and where possible are accessible, such as employing prison inmates to assemble framing.

3. Ensure we are not importing poor quality building resources, but securing products from inside New Zealand wherever possible


I.T

We live at a time where it is imperative that access to technology and the internet are a necessity, not a luxury. It is required to conduct business, carry out study and to maintain social contacts. We would:


1. Support innovative ideas that increase revenue streams and job opportunities that relate to technology and communication devices and programmes

2. Ensure that New Zealand has total coverage of reception to enable New Zealanders and visitors to access the internet

3. Support educational initiatives that provide education to children on safety on the net and reporting inappropriate content


JUSTICE

It would be fair to say that our current Justice system often lacks the ability to be effective in providing justice and/or protections to our communities. We believe that victims have been incredibly neglected and often ignored throughout the criminal justice process. Many judges are out of touch with the realities of violent and serious offenders and the wake they leave behind. And in many cases our laws are inadequate and inflexible. Further to this, our prisons have become places where inmates become physically stronger, still experience the luxuries of the outside world and where they can network with other criminals, compounding their ability for criminal activity upon release. We would:


1. Ensure that victims don’t just have a voice, but contribute to the reparation and/or punishment an offender receives once convicted

2. Ensure that a crime of abuse, neglect and sexual assault against a child is seen as the most intolerable criminal act and (regardless of the relationship of the perpetrator to the victim) is treated as a serious crime punishable by imprisonment

3. That there are young judges in youth court, and every crime has a consequence regardless of age, whilst also attaching young repeat offenders to life coaches/Mentors to whom they report and are accountable to


KIWIFUND

We need to ensure we have funds invested to cover future costs to ensure the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders is protected. We would:


1. Ensure various departments of government have funds invested and set aside to draw from, should costs need to be covered. Funds such as: Elder care, disability, emergency and social


KIWISAVER

Kiwisaver is an important concept that enables New Zealanders to prepare financially for their retirement. It is concerning that many Kiwis delve into this fund because of hardship, and this should be restricted as much as possible. As our population ages we will see a marked increase in our retirees and the pressure on government spending will be considerable. We therefore need to prepare ahead of time. We would:


1. Support the growth of the fund and ensure people are not withdrawing funds, unless it is to contribute to a first house, or serious hardship

2. Support fund holders to (wherever possible) invest in New Zealand companies, assets and infrastructure

3. Remove the tax on Kiwisaver funds and put a cap on fees providers can charge


LAW AND ORDER

There are insufficient numbers of police on our streets to deal with the issues that often occur on a daily basis, and often they are distracted by tasks that put pressure on their time which prevent them from dealing with serious criminal issues. Our road toll has shown no sign of improvement and criminal activity is still at unsatisfactory levels, with our prisons bursting to overflowing. This has to stop. We would:


1. Implement short, sharp fines and penalties for low level crime, where there are always repercussions for breaches of the law

2. Military programmes to be set up for young people (17 to 25 years) who have more than 3 offences

3. Build smaller community courts with Judges who have life experience, can be flexible and are age appropriate

4. Evaluate what law changes need to take place to enable judges to provide sentences that are more flexible and relevant, and adhere to the wishes of the victims

5. Look at establishing more tribunals for low level crimes where victims can still have their say, and where crime will not be punishable by incarceration with the option for flexible and appropriate punishments

6. Investigate ways to streamline administration to enable police to focus on prevention, education and apprehending


LOCAL GOVERNMENT

‘Prosperity NZ’ believes it is vital that local and central governments have a strong working relationship to ensure communities are being affectively taken care of, and there is adequate funding being distributed. We would:


1. Have a strong working relationship with local councils and iwi’s

2. Recognise that those councils and iwi’s know best what is right for their communities

3. Support councils to streamline consent processes and reduce red tape, whilst ensuring environmental considerations and quality is not adversely affected. We would empower the ministry of local government to undertake audits where there is seen to be frivolous and unnecessary spending of rate payer’s money and/or decisions that would disadvantage communities


MANUFACTURING

We recognise that local manufacturing often struggles to be viable, due to cheap imports. To combat this. We would:


1. Work in with the Export Opportunities Office to find markets and or opportunities

2. Support government departments and services to buy New Zealand Made wherever possible

3. Initiate a strong ‘Buy NZ made’ campaign


MAORI AFFAIRS

We have clearly stated that we believe we not only have an obligation under the Treaty of Waitangi, but it is in our interests to ensure we have a strong relationship with Tanga Te Whenua. Our uniqueness as a country comes from our bi-cultural identity, and we need to nurture and support its survival. We also believe that by providing extra funding for programmes and initiatives specifically for Maori (and in fact some other ethnic groups), we are in fact labelling them and sending a message of separatism and low expectation. We need to ensure that all citizens are aware and supported to be all they can be, without discrimination, favouritism or labelling. We would:


1. Support Māori culturally appropriate initiatives that have shown to be affective in their delivery, whilst ensuring those initiatives are open to everyone

2. Work with Maori to find ways to fund and utilise Maori Taonga such as land and Marae for the benefit of local communities

3. Ensure our young people are educated on Maori culture, history and language


MENTAL HEALTH

There has been serious neglect by previous governments when it comes to mental health and this has had a huge impact on our society and contributes to our unacceptable suicidal rates, prison population numbers and abuse statistics. We need to take this issue seriously. We would:

• Have smaller purpose-built facilities in local communities to cater to mental health issues, which is accessible 24 hours a day

• Have holistic wrap around services to support people who are mentally unwell ensuring various government departments work together and find long term solutions

• Find and support programmes that have shown to have a positive effect on those living with mental health issues

• Establish a separate wing and access at our hospitals


OUTDOOR AND RECREATION

We believe we live in the most beautiful country in the world and that all New Zealanders should be able to access and enjoy our landscape. Our reputation globally as a clean green country has diminished to the point where we can no longer include these words on any slogans. We know that we must protect our environment as it is a valuable commodity that enables us to reap financial reward through our exports and tourism. We would:


1. Ensure that no entity or individual has ownership over our waterways, oceans, beaches, rivers or streams

2. Empower DOC and council representatives to be able to hand out on the spot fines for those people who act in a way that is detrimental to our environment

3. Utilise those who are not in work or those that are paying reparation and volunteers, to clean up and carry out protection work within our parks, beaches and forests

4. Ban 1080 and any other such chemicals and replace them with more environmentally friendly ways to control our pest population, whilst also looking at how that pest could be a possible revenue stream, e.g. possum fur, meat etc


POLICE

Our police deserve greater protections from harm, as they are the first responders to people in crisis. They put their lives on the line to ensure we are all safe from harm, yet are of often subject to abuse and harm, even death. We would:


1. Have legal protections in place that include serious penalties for those who hinder, abuse, attack or injure police staff.

2. Ensure all front line police have adequate protections such as protective vests, guns and cameras

3. Provide additional administration staff to allow police to focus more on being in the community.


PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

The New Zealand economy is heavily dependent on our primary industries particularly in relation to dairy, meat and produce, not to mention tourism. We must preserve our reputation in the world for producing quality goods and having a beautiful clean green country. Sadly, this is slowly fading, and we are adamant we must do all we can to preserve it. The reputation of our country, our goods and services are heavily dependent on our environmental practices. We would:


1. First and foremost, liaise with farmers, market gardeners, tourist operators and others to hear what they need from government to be able to produce a high level of quality goods and services

2. Work hard to keep and establish new markets worldwide

3. Ensure we have a diverse portfolio that enables us to have something to fall back on should market values fall


PRISONS

We have a serious prison problem, and this is down to previous governments ignoring mental health issues, abuse issues, drug control and education. We believe prisons are a place for our most serious offenders, and it should never be a place that a criminal can get stronger (e.g. through the supply of a gym), be able to network with other criminals, remain idle and unproductive, have the ability to carry out acts of violence whilst still having access to drugs and alcohol. Our prisons are meant to be a place of reform, punishment and to protect our law-abiding citizens. We would:


1. Have prisoners assessed upon entry to establish skills, education level, rehabilitation needs, spiritual, cultural and health and safety needs.

2. Have prisoners engaged in productive work, study or a programme during their stay. And that they are responsible for their own cooking and cleaning etc

3. Ensure the prison system does not allow prisoners to network, create internal gangs or have any contra ban.

4. For victims to be fully advised (if they wish) on the situation regarding the offender and to continue to have some input until their release back into society

5. For serious prisoners to not have opportunity to associate with others, but have an appointed person/s that reduces social isolation and mentors and advises them on a better path life.


PUBLIC SERVICE

Our public service has become profit driven and fails to deal with people as individuals but more an entity to put into a box or treat like a number. We are all unique in our needs and wants and we should receive person centred attention when we approach government services for help and support. We would:


1. Ensure public assets and services are not profit driven but serve the purpose to which they exist

2. Create small community-based hubs, rather than large corporations or offices, where services are combined into one location for ease of access and so agencies can share resources. Services such as: WINZ, Public Trust, library, Citizens advice, Disability centre and council

3. Ensure information is shared between organisations (where appropriate) to discourage fraudulent behaviour and to encourage a multi-agency approach


PUBLIC TRUST

The Public trust was initially set up as default organisation to attend to those legal issues that affect New Zealanders, and their activities were not profit driven. Unfortunately, this has now changed, and this has been at the detriment of the people they serve. We would:


1. Remove the drive to make a profit

2. Ensure they provide legal support for those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged

3. Enable them to administer property for those who are unable to do it themselves due to disability or disease


RACING

New Zealand is world renowned for its racing prowess and quality of competitive horses and dogs. We also have a shameful way in which we often treat our animals that are sometimes seen more as a commodity than a living being. There must be strict controls to ensure we continue to have successful breeding programmes, but also a reputation for taking great care of our animals. Current levels of culling in the thoroughbred, Standardbred and greyhound industry are unacceptable. So too are some of the practices that go on in the training industry in general. We would:


1. Support the global promotion of our quality breeding and ensure breeders have access to global markets

2. Expand the Racing Integrity Unit’s powers and resources to create a strong monitoring system that enables us to eliminate bad practice and inhumane activities

3. Support and promote the breeding and racing industry by offering incentives for breeders promoting and selling their stock overseas


RECYCLING

We MUST seriously look at ways of reducing and making use of our recyclable products. We live at a time where packaging has become excessive and refuse has reached extreme levels. We have to be less tokenistic and radically change the way in which we deal with our recyclable products. There are many new revolutionary initiatives that would enable us to do this. We would:


1. Ensure that where possible every item we throw away has a new purpose or is biodegradable

2. Work with councils to implement comprehensive recycling schemes with the view of utilising a workforce that consists of prison inmates, those doing community service and those who are unemployed

3. We would look at all recycling schemes, particularly those such as incorporating plastic and rubber in roading material


REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We want to see more growth in the regions and for some of the businesses established in large cities such as Auckland to move into the regions to generate employment opportunities and to take the stress off infrastructure. We would:


1. Ensure there are adequate transport options to move goods and produce in and out of the regions

2. Move large educational facilities into the regions and out of the city where possible

3. Work with councils and communities to establish and support potential economic opportunities within their catchment


RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

At a time when we need houses, roads and services built as soon as is humanly possible, people need to be able to gain consent, quickly, easily and efficiently. Although the purpose of the Act had good intentions, it is often the case that it is abused and causes distress, added financial pressure and slows down development and progress. We would:


1. Work with local iwi and councils to refine the process down to ensure it supports new builds, extensions and renovations by individuals and companies. Whilst also ensuring it protects the environment, the person or entity, recognises Treaty obligations and there has been compliance

2. Create competition in the market of Resource Consent, while any such entity must still comply strictly under the Resource Management Act that current Councils operate under.


RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT

It is imperative that we as a nation have our eyes firmly fixed on the future and don’t become complacent or become too reliant on markets that may diminish as the world moves forward. We would:


1. Fully resource a department to look at potential economic opportunities and for that department to be open to the public who can present on potential business ideas (Export Opportunities Office)

2. For that department to look at developments around the world to ensure we are in step with what is, and will be in demand in the future

3. To administer scholarships to individuals or groups who have a potentially good business idea but need funding to investigate its viability and/or to set the business up


STATE OWNED ENTERPRISES

We must ensure we have a catchment of assets that enables New Zealanders to share the wealth wherever possible. Previous governments have sold off much of our most valuable assets and this has been detrimental to our economy and New Zealanders. We sold the cows and then wondered why they don’t want our milk, we sold the land and wondered why they don’t want our produce. We would:


1. Keep our assets and ensure they stay in the hands of New Zealanders

2. Look at the viability of gaining some assets back

3. Slowly develop and establish a portfolio of essential assets, particularly around transport, energy and forests


SENIOR CITIZENS & SUPERANNUATION

‘Prosperity NZ’ believes we need to care for, and support, our senior citizens and ensure they are well cared for and relieved of any financial stress. Those citizens, who have contributed to the country through years of employment, should be rewarded with discounts, financial supports and bonuses. We fully understand that we are about to see the number of those reaching retirement, substantially increase and this could potentially put pressure on our economy. So, we must act now. We would:


1. Invest funds now, that are able to be drawn from as levels of senior citizens increase

2. Only those who have contributed for a minimum of 10 years to the economy and are citizens will receive superannuation, with the exception of those with profound disabilities or mental health issues, and for those who qualify, to apply, not provided with it automatically. Emphasising the need for those who need the income to apply, rather than those who are income rich already.

3. Set up an independent agency (or work with Age Concern) to oversee the needs of our senior citizens, particularly those who have no family and/or are potentially vulnerable to abuse and neglect


SMALL BUSINESS

More than half of new businesses often fail within the first two years and this can be due to many reasons, but small businesses need to be supported to enable them to become big business. Too many great business ideas are taken overseas due to the lack of support in NZ and the barriers. We would:


1. Require anyone wanting to start a new business to make application to the office of business and innovation for review to ensure there was an adequate market, and they are adequately resourced and knowledgeable to support the survival of the business

2. Reduce red tape and tax accountabilities to allow business owners to concentrate on growing their business

3. Support the establishment of a ‘Dragons den’ type set up to support those with new ideas to gain feedback and possible investment for innovative business ideas.


SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

It is imperative that we take care of our fellow citizens and don’t see them as a number, a disability or illness, or fit into a specific box. Every single citizen has the same value as the next, regardless of their age, ability or ethnic makeup. We must stop putting labels on people and expecting them to fit a criteria made up of assumptions and guess work. We have also signed up to Conventions that mean we have an international (as well as ethical) obligation to treat everyone equally. Prosperity NZ understands that everyone is unique and should not be treated differently because of how or where they were born and who their parents are, nor for circumstances that relate to their physical being. We would:


1. Support every person who is of working age to be in some form of productive activity whilst in receipt of the benefit with the view of getting them into mainstream paid employment. These would include (but would not be exclusive to) activities such as: study, work preparation, community work, voluntary work or childcare

2. For all long-term beneficiaries to be partnered with a work mentor to support their journey to paid employment. And for those mentors to be people with lived experience with unemployment, and or poverty

3. Work with ‘Careers NZ’ to establish areas of need within the business sector to ensure training runs in line with employment needs


TAX

The New Zealand tax system is confusing, over complicated and unfair. There are revenue streams that are untapped and hardworking New Zealanders are paying tax through nearly every activity they undertake. We would:


1. Simplify the tax system to ensure everyone knows and understands their obligations and look into the viability of a transactional tax

2. Empower IRD to monitor tax evasion and ensure protections are in place so, potential tax evasion does not take place, particularly by large conglomerates

3. Look at how tax can be collected from internet business transactions recognising that there is potential income worth 1 Billion dollars, and non-collection puts internet businesses, particularly international companies at an unfair advantage over New Zealand Businesses


TERTIARY AND TRADE TRAINING

Due to the immediate need for builders, road workers and general labourers we must put funding, resourcing and time into educating our youth to take on crucial roles. Therefore, we need to promote and support people to take up tertiary study or to learn a trade. We would:


1. Fund and support the uptake of apprentices, tertiary study and trade programmes

2. Ensure it is clearly established where the area of need lies and then run programmes that support the training and workforce required


TRADE

Trade is our bread and butter and we must ensure we have strong international trade agreements. However, we must also balance this against the issue of flooding our shores with inferior products which end up on our refuse or cause future issues due to quality. We must also consider the concept that by importing products created by low wage economies we are unfairly asking local businesses to compete with higher overheads which can cause closures and unemployment. We believe we must develop agreements with countries which allow us to export our produce, whilst also ensuring the imported items, are those for which we cannot produce ourselves, or where we have insufficient supplies. We would:


1. Evaluate which markets best to tap into by having strong relationships with other countries and their representatives

2. We do not support open and free trade as it has the potential to both collapse New Zealand businesses (particularly as we are a small country) and to enable inferior products to enter our shores causing waste and potential issues

3. We would strongly support our pacific neighbours to generate more exports and strengthen their economy as this will minimise any potential need for extra funding and social support and maximise their independence


TRANSPORT

We must have robust and effective transport initiatives in place now, as it is an essential component to a strong economy. New Zealand has been left in the dark ages and our public transport particularly, is archaic, and this (along with reckless immigration policies by previous governments) has left us with clogged roads, excessive roading costs and a transport system that is minimalistic and ineffective. Government and council have for decades rejected light rail and other initiatives due to cost, but we must think futuristically when it comes to transporting people to and from cities, airports and high population areas. There are also issues around our fatalities on our roads. And contributing to this is the fact that overseas drivers are left to their own devices and therefore have the potential to harm themselves and others. We would:


1. Create and implement a comprehensive strategy that creates long term public transport options for big cities

2. Ensure public transport is fully accessible, and for those who are unable to drive due to illness, disability or age their travel costs are substantially reduced

3. Must have a driver licence to own a car

4. Bring back dedicated Traffic officers


WATER RESOURCING AND MONITORING

As has been previously stated, one of our priorities is to clean up our waterways. They are pivotal to our livelihood and our wellbeing and they must be restored to their natural state. We would:


1. Develop and implement, a clear programme that involves cleaning up polluted waterways, prevents pollutants from entering (including farm bi-products) our waterways

2. Work with farmers to ensure they have the support and information to prevent effluent from entering streams and rivers

3. Work with communities and councils to ensure there are agreed processes along with a plan that ensure catchments with the greatest risk are dealt with first


YOUTH

Young people aged 11 to 19 are at their most vulnerable and are at a time in their lives where they need a high level of guidance, plenty of opportunity to express themselves and find their way in the world. Our suicide, drug use and accident rates are testament to a culture of young people who have lost their way, often have no respect for the law and have a feeling of invincibility. We need to provide clear boundaries, as well as nurture their ability to be productive and capable adults. We would:


1. Work with councils to establish recreational facilities open to young people that contain activities, events and educational opportunities

2. Establish a mentorship programme for repeat youth offenders to which they are accountable and coached on better life choices

3. Have young judges in youth court who have some experience around the effects of offending on communities and are able to be flexible and i

/
Lightbox image