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Hello, Having efficient, effective and up-to-date
infrastructure is one hallmark of a first-world economy.
It is, if you like, the essential framework that makes our modern lifestyles possible.
Projects like upgrading the electricity network, or building roads of national significance
are very costly. But, as with other areas of government spending, it's not simply pouring
in money that gets us better results. The Government has to be more strategic than
that. We have to be thinking ahead, anticipating demand and always improving New Zealand's
resilience which helps if something unforeseen occurs, like a natural disaster.
In the past two years alone, we've invested $14 billion in infrastructure. That spending
supports jobs and growth in New Zealand, as well as providing the framework for future
growth. And it supports higher living standards for
us all. Highlights of our investment include the ultra-fast
broadband network. By the middle of this year, 26 towns and cities had ultra-fast broadband
available, including 70% of state schools having fibre, and thirty three remote schools
connected. In fact, fast and reliable Internet connections are changing our whole concept
of what it means to be remote. You might still be physically isolated in
some of our rural areas, but when served by up-to-date telecommunications, anyone can
connect with the rest of the world, have access to unimaginable amounts of information, and
do business. It's catching on. There was a 95% increase in UFB connection in the June
quarter this year, compared with the previous quarter.
New roads will continue to make a big difference to the ease of moving people and goods around
our cities, and connecting with provincial areas.
Christchurch, of course, has absorbed a lot of our infrastructure spending because it's
needed it and that city's recovery remains a government priority.
The national electricity grid has had $1.2 billion spent on it, and hundreds of millions
have been spent on state housing modernisation, and schools. Freshwater reforms are also underway.
There's a lot going on. It's good to have some private financing in the mix for these
investments because it helps balance the risk, reduces the cost, and often leads to better
outcomes. That's what we all want.