News & Achievements

New Zealand enters a third challenging year confronting the global pandemic, better prepared than many other countries to chart a path through the disruption and beyond into the recovery.

You might have heard that New Zealand’s unemployment rate is down to 3.2% – and that record numbers of Kiwis have been moving off the benefit and into work. We’re proud that our efforts to strengthen the job market, upskill our workforce, and support local businesses are paying off as we continue with our COVID recovery.

Despite the ups and downs caused by COVID-19, this time of year will always be special. A time where we commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. My great-great-great-great-grandfather Whetoi Pomare was one to have etched his name on Te Tiriti.

We’re making sure Auckland has the infrastructure it needs for the future, so Aucklanders can get around safely and efficiently as our biggest city grows. The new, linked-up transport system we’re building will include partially tunnelled light rail between the CBD and the airport, as well as another Waitematā Harbour crossing.

With Omicron in the community, it’s vital we all do our bit to help to slow the spread, keep each other safe and protect our health system. One of the most important ways we can reduce the risk of Omicron is to get a booster dose as soon as we’re eligible.

As countries around the world experience Omicron outbreaks, we’re taking steps now to ensure we’re as prepared as possible and our communities are protected.

Quite a bit! This Government was elected to take on the toughest issues facing Aotearoa – and that’s what we’re doing. Since the start of the pandemic, protecting lives and livelihoods has been a priority, but we’ve also made progress on long-term challenges, to deliver a future the next generation can be proud of.

This year, keeping Kiwis safe from COVID will remain a key priority of the Government – but we’re also pushing ahead on some of New Zealand’s biggest long-term challenges. In 2022, we’re working to get more Kiwis into homes, reduce emissions, lift children out of poverty, and ensure people get the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

Welcome to 2022! As we look ahead to another year of progress on the big issues facing our country, we’re taking a look back at the year that’s been and everything the team of five million achieved together in 2021.