Minister of Finance Nicola Willis has told the Hawke’s Bay business community the Government remains committed to reducing the deficit and debt while creating the conditions for growth through better infrastructure, policy reform and targeted investment.
Speaking at a Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce event on 4 July, Minister Willis highlighted the Government’s priority projects for the region, including the Hawke’s Bay Expressway upgrade and measures to remove red tape and attract more investment.
More than 60 business and community leaders attended the post-Budget event, which included an open Q&A session covering some of the big questions facing local businesses.
Asked about how the Government plans to ensure long-term investment in infrastructure, Minister Willis acknowledged New Zealand’s patchy approach to maintaining its assets. She noted most departments do not hold an asset register, leading to ad hoc decisions.
The Government is now working to put systems in place that endure beyond election cycles so resources can be better prioritised.
On where AI fits into the Government’s Go for Growth plan, Minister Willis said artificial intelligence could be one of the most disruptive forces shaping New Zealand’s future. She indicated that the Government is preparing to release an AI Strategy that will set out how it can use AI to reduce costs, improve efficiency and help small businesses make the most of emerging technologies.
Questions also focused on renewable energy, where Minister Willis pointed to fast-tracked consents and a new national policy statement designed to reduce council barriers for solar and wind farms. She said while investment in renewable energy is increasing, there are still challenges in providing the backup generation needed to give businesses the confidence to commit to large-scale projects.
On banking and the impact of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation on small businesses, Minister Willis noted that Nicole McKee MP is working on balancing international obligations with how the rules are applied in New Zealand to ensure local businesses are not unfairly burdened.
Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce CEO Karla Lee said the session gave local businesses a chance to hear directly from the Minister about how the Government’s plans could support growth in the region. “It was encouraging to hear a focus on infrastructure, innovation and cutting red tape. Our business community wants to see practical action to unlock opportunities and remove barriers for investment in Hawke’s Bay,” she said.
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