11. SU’A WILLIAM SIO (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs
Has she received any reports on how Pacific Island people in New Zealand are benefiting from the policies taking effect from 1 April 2008?
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN (Minister of Pacific Island Affairs) Link to this
I have seen reports that show a number of significant initiatives that have come into force just this week are delivering for our Pacific Island communities. The date 1 April marked the commencement of employer contributions to KiwiSaver, and the tax credits for employers that go with them. We are supporting our Pacific Island people to develop a culture of savings and a plan for the future. Pacific Island workers are also benefiting from the ninth increase in 8 years to the minimum wage, and the company tax rate has been cut for the first time since Labour was last in office. Those developments, combined with the research and development tax credits, which also came into force on 1 April, allow businesses, including Pacific Island businesses, to invest more in their workers and in their long-term success. All these policies were opposed by National.
What other reports has she received on the effectiveness for Pacific Island people of Government policy?
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN Link to this
I have received the latest Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs report on the effectiveness for Pacific Island people of Government policy. It shows that as a result of initiatives, including the Work and Income Pacific Wave strategy, there has been a 47 percent decrease in the number of Pacific Island people receiving unemployment-related benefits in Auckland in the year to June 2007. The report—and this is really good news—also shows growth in Pacific Island tertiary level achievement, with the number of qualifications completed at Bachelor of Arts and postgraduate qualification levels between 2001 and 2005 increasing by 27 percent. The number of Pacific Island employees participating in industry training also increased, by over 11 percent, to June 2007. These people now have a more secure future, because of improvement in skills and training—[ Interruption] Come on, get off the deficit thinking, you lot!