Jacinda Ardern launched head-first into in her first speech to the House as PM, firing back at Bill English over criticisms of the new government, but still ensuring there was a positive outlook for the nation.
"We can be better, we will be better, and this is our chance to prove it," she said yesterday.
Leader of the Opposition Bill English had previously lashed out at the new government, promising to hold it to account over its handling of the economy and its social policy.
"Good intentions aren't enough," Mr English said.
"New Zealand's done so well—it's done well—and we are going to hold the Government to account on two things. One is maintaining the strength and vigour and resilience of the New Zealand economy, because however you measure it, it's jobs, it's incomes, it's improvement in people's lives, it's opportunities and dreams."
The PM and Bill English got into a feisty debate today in the first sitting of Parliament. (Source: Other)
"Secondly, we're going to hold them to account on their own social policy, and I don't think we'll have too much trouble embarrassing them. They'll be held hostage by lobbyists and laziness, and so many vulnerable New Zealanders need us to keep their feet to the fire."
Ms Ardern was quick in her rebuttal, immediately after Mr English's speech, outlining the "new beginnings" for those in the House and for New Zealanders.
"At its core, this government believes that our people come first, that our environment is a precious taonga, and that we must reject the narrow selfishness that has pervaded our politics for far too long."
She then got stuck into the previous National-led governments.
"I acknowledge the Leader of the Opposition and the important role you have, and I understand the Opposition's desire to defend their record. I would simply remind them that in defending their record they must also defend record homelessness. They must also defend dirty rivers and lakes. They must also defend inequality, and yes, child poverty."
"So, by all means, defend the record of the last nine years, while we get on with fixing it."
Ms Ardern went on to defend her free-fees tertiary policy and to make a dig at National’s handling of child poverty.
"On this side of the House we do have intentions. We have many intentions. I was pleased to see the Leader of the Opposition discovered some intentions on child poverty. It's a shame that it only happened a few weeks ago," Ms Ardern said in reference to one of the leaders debates prior to the election where Mr English put a target on bringing 100,000 children out of poverty.
"I want to say this: no one will hold us to account more than we hold ourselves. Every day this team will remind ourselves of why we are here and who put us here. The moment we forget that is the moment that we are gone."
"Our country is a wonderful country, but undoubtedly it could be better, and we will do what it takes to make it so."
Ms Ardern addressed housing issues, mental health and New Zealand's high imprisonment rate during the speech.
"I cannot fix the housing crisis alone, but we can together. I cannot end child poverty alone, but we can together. I cannot generate higher incomes alone, but we can together. Each and every one of us has a role to play in building a better New Zealand."
"Here is my final promise to all New Zealanders. Whether you voted or not, and no matter who you voted for, I will be a Prime Minister for all, and this will be a government for all. I hope we can focus on what unites us, rather than what divides us, because there is so much to do."
SHARE ME