Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

As a New Zealand First MP I am proud to see several New Zealand First policies being implemented as part of the 2018 Budget. The policies and financial support will contribute towards the process of correcting nine years of economic and social neglect.

One of New Zealand First's key policies was to extend free GP visits to 14-year-olds and to provide free prescriptions.

Creating a fair tax system for all New Zealanders was another key policy of New Zealand First. The injection of $23.5 million going towards recovering outstanding company tax returns worth a conservative estimate of $183.3 million. The introduction of tax on off-shore suppliers of low-value goods will allow New Zealand retailers an even playing field and provide $218 million in new revenue.

The change to bloodstock tax rules will see new investment into the breeding industry and help produce high-quality horses that can compete with the best in the world.

A staggering $1 billion in tax credits set aside to go towards investment into research and development spending is essential to drive New Zealand into a higher wage economy.

New Zealand First's strong position against migrant exploitation is reflected in the increase of funding to INZ to improve the screening process to help identify high-risk exploitation cases.

These are just some of the New Zealand Frist policies that have been reflected in the 2018 Coalition Budget, which I consider a great gain for the people of New Zealand. New Zealand first will continue to stand by its policies and work hard to ensure that New Zealanders are looked after by our common-sense approach.