Keeping New Zealand moving: July 2020

1 July – A number of big items came into effect, including: extending paid parental leave to 26 weeks, rolling out free apprenticeships and trades training, and introducing step forward for pay equity for ECE teachers.

2 July – We passed a Bill that will allow us to fast-track consents for job-rich projects, helping to create jobs for New Zealanders and get major housing and infrastructure projects off the ground faster.

3 July – We announced four major school infrastructure projects, as part of the biggest-ever school rebuilding programme.

4 July – Announced our election slogan – Let’s Keep Moving!

5 July – We held our 2020 Congress, where we announced 23 projects from our Jobs For Nature Fund, which will help clean up our waterways and create over 2000 jobs. Click here to see Jacinda Ardern’s speech from the event.

5 July – Announced an extension to the interest-free Cashflow Loan Scheme for small businesses until the end of the year.

7 July – Released a 10-year roadmap  laying out how we'll boost the primary sector to support New Zealand's economic recovery. The plan is focussed on  productivity, inclusiveness and sustainability.

7 July – Celebrated Labour’s 104th birthday and 104 years of putting New Zealanders at the heart of everything we do as a Party.

8 July – Made a major investment to improve access to clean drinking water across the country and upgrade water infrastructure in our regions.

9 July – Invested in infrastructure projects in Whangārei, supporting more than 200 jobs.

10 July – Doubled our investment in  the COVID-19 Community Fund for women and girls, securing: mental health services; support for single mothers who have lost their jobs; support for women experiencing violence; kaupapa Māori services; and essential supplies such as food, nappies, period products, and blankets.

11 July – Announced that we’re expanding and accelerating frontline mental health and wellbeing services at tertiary education institutes (TEI) to help up to 300,000 students manage ongoing stress related to COVID-19

13 July – We funded four celebrated Māori and Pasifika events from the new Creative and Cultural Events Incubator fund.

13 July – Provided a loan to Hawke’s Bay Airport to ensure it can continue to trade through the economic impacts of COVID-19 to support the region’s recovery and protect up to 200 jobs.

14 July – Announced we’re rolling out more support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the COVID Response and Recovery Fund, helping them adapt and innovate as they deal with the impact of the virus.

14 July – We invested in local infrastructure projects in Gisborne, including repairing and upgrading the Gisborne Olympic Pools.

15 July – We set out our plan to deal with COVID-19 should we see cases emerging in the community again. This plan should give New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses reassurance that we can continue to contain the virus. This plan is precautionary, and as cases increase globally, our focus is on keeping our border controls tight, whilst ensuring we have systems in place to rapidly contact trace any potential cases.

15 July - We announced funding for key recycling infrastructure, along with six projects for clean energy in the public services, and the Hood Aerodrome in Wairarapa.

16 July – Announced more local infrastructure projects in Wairarapa, Otago and Southland, and created 180 jobs by funding the Homer Tunnel upgrade.

16 July - We announced funding for free Pacific language courses, including through online modules. 

16 July - Provided a $58.4 million boost to search,rescue and safety organisations over four years so they can continue to save lives in New Zealand.

16 July - Announced a $242 million package to provide more support for maternity service providers, mothers, and babies - especially targeting women living rurally and those with high-needs pregnancies. 

17 July – Injected $20 million into catchment groups across the country, which will deliver hundreds of jobs, training opportunities, and help to clean up waterways.

18 July – Announced transport infrastructure projects in Auckland to help the region’s economic recovery.

18 July – Our Labour MPs, candidates and volunteers put up our 2020 campaign hoardings (the big signs you’ll see out and about), so you know who is standing to represent you in this year’s election. Thanks to everyone who got out to help – in rain or shine!

20 July - Invested in ‘Jobs for Nature’, enabling South Westland tourism businesses to retain staff through temporary redeployment into 50 nature-based jobs.

20 July – Set aside the remaining $14bn of the COVID fund to make sure New Zealand is in a strong position to fight whatever COVID-19 throws at the economy.

20 July – Helped Kiwi kids with disabilities into sport, awarding grants to 59 individuals and organisations to increase the participation of young people in Para sport.

21 July – Funded building projects for two health providers in Christchurch, so that South Island patients and their families can have improved access to accommodation and support while they receive treatment.

21 July – Supported up to 3,000 small and medium tourism businesses impacted by COVID-19 to get expert advice through the Tourism Transitions Programme.

21 July – Announced investments from the Provincial Growth Fund and COVID Response and Recovery Fund towards roading and flood protection projects after flooding events in the Far North.

21 July – Boosted funding to PHARMAC to make sure Kiwis can continue to access the medicines they need, alongside investing in contact tracing and other COVID-19 health infrastructure

22 July – Marked our success at eradicating the cattle disease M.bovis with the number of infected properties dropping to new lows, just three years since it was first detected in New Zealand.

23 July – Invested in Taranaki infrastructure, including the repair and redevelopment of Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth that will create150 jobs.

23 July – Passed the Equal Pay Amendment Bill, delivering on our promise to create a more equitable Aotearoa by making it easier for employees to raise a pay equity claim, and encouraging collaborative mediation before escalating issues to the courts.

24 July – Launched the Government's Progressive Home Ownership scheme, which will mean up to 4,000 families who have been locked out of the housing market will receive support to purchase a house through shared ownership.

24 July – Invested over $53m in a variety of projects that will provide a huge boost to the Nelson, Marlborough, Kaikōura, and Tasman regions.

24 July – Invested in a new purpose-built centre in Dunedin that’s devoted to training future workers in  building, construction, and related trades, through Otago Polytechnic.

25 July - Invested $20 million in regional programmes to fight the harm caused by methamphetamine. 

26 July – Invested in an Olympic-sized pool at Hawke’s Bay Aquatic Centre as part of our local infrastructure programme, stimulating the local economy and creating jobs.

27 July – Released a long-term strategic recovery plan for the international education sector, backed by a $51.6 million investment.

27 July – Made changes to better protect temporary migrant workers to prevent exploitation.

28 July - Made the biggest cash-injection for Family Planning in a decade, to keep its 30 centres open and cut down wait times for information and services.

29 July – Began the next stage of building work at Auckland City Hospital – to replace 50-year-old infrastructure and ensure the delivery of high quality care for all Aucklanders.

30 July – Invested in warmer, drier homes and delivered a big building boost for regional centres across New Zealand, with the upgrade and renewal of state homes through Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities Retrofit Programme.

31 July – Released Whakamaua: Māori Health Action Plan 2020-2025, setting out a pathway towards achieving healthy futures for all Māori.