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by Joseph Mooney, Candidate for the Southland Seat in Parliament

National’s plan: no new taxes, getting the books back in order and growing our economy to make you better off.

This term we’ve reined in wasteful spending, overseen a major drop in interest rates, and stayed focused on keeping inflation under control despite world events.

With the support of my National ministers and the Government, I’ve worked hard over three years to deliver a framework for Queenstown and inland Otago’s future success:

A Regional Deal, the only one in the South Island and one of only three. I organised meetings with mayors and business leaders encouraging Queenstown Lakes District Council, Central Otago District Council and Otago Regional Council to pitch for a deal, then worked to see it accepted, completed and signed. It covers health, energy, transport, affordable housing and diversifying the economy, plus funding and financing.

A 30-year NZ Transport Agency Strategic Network Plan, only the second ever after Auckland’s motorways, announced with the Regional Deal. It sets a staged approach for Queenstown’s roads, including offline mass rapid transit and extra Kawarau and Shotover crossings, with an implementation plan due within six months.

The first Clinical Services Plan in decades for a region. I started this project when people said a step change in health, let alone a hospital, was impossible. Working with local leaders, we secured a commitment to $180 million in new health services and infrastructure funding, plus planning towards a future hospital.

Schools. I advocated relentlessly for Wakatipu High School and Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau, securing new classrooms at both, funding to buy land for a new high school, and land for a new primary school at Ladies Mile.

Transport. Around $300 million is committed to NZTA roading in Queenstown and the Kingston and Cromwell approaches. Active transport wins include the Jims Way Bridge, and National has committed that gondolas can access public transport funding like buses and ferries.

Wilding pines. I advocated very strongly for an extra $79 million nationally for wilding pine control, vital for biodiversity, and the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that publicly.

My view on fast-track. New housing here must front load supporting infrastructure at no cost to existing ratepayers, including additional transport investment for our congested roads. Expert panels can impose wide-ranging infrastructure conditions and decline projects where adverse effects outweigh regional benefits.

Visitor levy. If National wins, Queenstown Lakes will receive $17.1 million next year and $76.7 million over four years. That’s more than a bed tax would realistically raise over that timeframe.

Queenstown’s challenges built up over decades, but you get what you focus on. I’ve been relentlessly focused on solutions, outcomes and results, and will keep going if you give me and National your vote.