Simon Bridges National Party Leader simonbridges.co.nz

The loose and untargeted spending by this government is a major issue New Zealanders are constantly raising with me as I travel the country to connect with communities.

Whether it is the $2.8 billion for free tertiary education for first year students, which has done nothing to lift the number of students enrolling, or the $1 billion for Winston and his diplomats, which will do little to expand trade, or the slush fund for NZ First's pet projects.

Understandably, Kiwis are becoming increasingly concerned.

The government's tax and bad economic policies, like the fuel taxes and the cancellation of planned tax cuts, are already driving up the cost of living by over $100 a week. This is unacceptable.

What's more, this government's borrow, tax and spend attitude means they will be increasing public debt by around $17 billion over the next four years. That's the equivalent cost the National-led government faced to rebuild following the Christchurch earthquakes.

All this, along with the government's anti-growth policies and escalating strike action, is helping to drive down business confidence.

National knows what it takes to grow the economy. We're listening to New Zealanders about what matters to them so we will be ready to move come 2020.

I would also like to hear about what is important to you. A reminder that the final public meeting of my roadshow to connect with communities is being held here at home, at 1.30pm, this Saturday, July 21, at Mount Maunganui College. I hope you can come along.