The last week has been a great example of how our National-led government is focused on growing our region and our nation’s economy.

A bigger economy means more jobs, a bit more spending money for each household, better public services like health and education, and ultimately more choices and more opportunities for Kiwis.

Last week’s summit to attract international investment proved a massive success and a huge boost to National’s growth agenda, as we focus on reducing the cost of living to help Kiwi families get ahead.

The summit was a clear message that New Zealand is open for business. It attracted global investors managing assets totalling about $6 trillion to hear about the opportunities New Zealand has to offer.  

The summit showcased a strong pipeline of projects aimed at reducing our infrastructure deficit. Potential investors left excited about the opportunities ahead, and I’m excited about what that means for Kiwis in our region.

Millions of dollars in deals are now under discussion. When they come to fruition, we will see roads, hospitals and schools built faster, and we will see jobs created and businesses supported to grow, expand, and compete globally. 

Locally I attended the business breakfast and spoke to the Chamber of Commerce about our growth plans. Investment is just one of five pillars, along with a skilled workforce, competitive business settings, innovation and Kiwi ingenuity, and quality infrastructure.

There are lots of local examples of how these five pillars help local families, and we saw some of these at the Fieldays last weekend. I spoke with locals who were visiting, Horowhenua and Kāpiti businesses, and regional mayors about supporting a Regional Deal for Horowhenua. I cheered on Jeff Joines, and Richmond and Jackson from Rural Worx in the power fencing contest.

This week I’ll be joining the Rural Worx team to learn to shear - watch this space!

The big theme I saw at Fieldays was growth. We need to improve education standards if future generations are going to drive our primary industries.

When those skilled Kiwis innovate they come up with clever was of producing food and fibre in a way that is better for our economy and our environment.

We also help them by getting Wellington out of farming and simplifying the myriad rules that are in the way.

That’s not just in farming: did you know there are 71 different rules Kiwi businesses have to meet before they can compete for Government contracts? We just reduced that to 47.

We are setting the conditions of growth from attracting foreign capital to simplifying business rules, but as I said to the Chamber of Commerce, it is our local businesses who employ people, take risks, create growth.

We are set on supporting them because that growth brings opportunity for Kiwi families like yours.