Foreword: Minister of Finance
The work done by the Treasury is crucial to achieving the Government's goal of greater prosperity, security and opportunities for all New Zealanders.
In these volatile times, my main priority is managing New Zealand's path through the economic downturn. As much as possible I aim to reduce the impact of the recession on people while putting New Zealand in a strong position to take advantage of better economic times when they come.
My second priority is to lift the performance of the New Zealand economy. The Government can best do this by improving regulations and improving the investment in, and governance of, national infrastructure.
My third priority is to make government investment and expenditure more productive and effective. I want to ensure there is discipline around public spending and that New Zealand is getting better value from the money it puts into the public sector. This will include our objective of increasing frontline services.
This Statement of Intent sets out how the Treasury will help us move forward with these priorities. Its financial crisis response, including medium-term fiscal consolidation and work on more efficient State sector spending, will be of immediate benefit. Its medium-term investment work will strengthen our economy when the crisis is over.
The National Infrastructure Unit established within the Treasury will help ensure the Government's infrastructure programme is strategically sound and helps build a more competitive and productive economy.
The Treasury's outcomes - improved economic performance, a stable and sustainable macroeconomic environment and improved State sector performance - are more relevant now than ever.
I look forward to working closely with the Treasury to achieve a more prosperous, secure and opportunity-rich New Zealand.
Hon Bill English
Minister of Finance
