State of the Nation: What the PM’s vision means for Pacific communities

While National’s Te Atatu candidate, Angee Nicholas, highlights the potential benefits of the Prime Minister’s vision for Pacific families, local board member Vi Hausia has questioned whether the plan adequately addresses critical issues such as housing, infrastructure, and equity for vulnerable communities.

Christopher Luxon’s recent State of the Nation address aimed to project an optimistic vision for New Zealand’s economic growth by 2025.

While he outlined policies focused on investment, infrastructure, science, and innovation, reactions from political commentators revealed a divide in perspectives regarding his approach and its potential impact on everyday New Zealanders.

Diverging perspectives

On Pacific Mornings, Nicholas told William Terite that Luxon’s speech painted a positive outlook for 2025.

Nicholas emphasised the prime minister’s focus on rebuilding the economy and creating opportunities, particularly for Pacific communities.

“We’re moving from economic recovery in 2024 to now really building on that and moving into economic growth," she said.

“It comes as no surprise to many that the Prime Minister focused on the economy because it was the biggest issue during the election campaign in 2023 and still remains today.”

Vi Hausia, Otara-Papatoetoe local board member, raised concerns about the practicality and equity of Luxon’s policies.

National's Angee Nicholas won West Auckland’s Te Atatū electorate on election night but lost the seat after special votes tipped back in favour of long-time Labour MP Phil Twyford. Photo/AUT

While acknowledging the need for economic growth, Hausia critiqued the Government’s approach, arguing that it prioritises businesses over middle- and low-income families.

“They're talking big on fixing things, but yet they're cancelling projects, they're slashing funding of critical core services and not providing or providing the agent of change that we need to be able to grow," he said.

“So it's great to aim high. That's good. That's what we deserve as Kiwis, and our Prime Minister should be setting a strong, bold vision, which he has. But the approach that tackles the root causes, not just the symptoms and that’s something that was missing from his speech.”

Hausia highlighted urgent issues like housing and infrastructure, questioning how foreign investment policies might worsen these challenges.

“It's really important to outline that we can actually do it together,” Hausia said.

Vi Hausia has been a member of the Local Board since 2022. Photo/Vi Hausia Facebook

“Our people are our economy and we can build our economy whilst not tearing down or cutting down the funds that provide the services that we require for housing and transport.”

Hausia also pointed out that New Zealand’s productivity lags behind Australia.

“A person working one hour in New Zealand earns less than a person working one hour in Australia. It's not necessarily about working harder. It's about working smarter.”

Luxon’s vision for growth

In his State of the Nation speech, Luxon reiterated that economic growth is his Government’s top priority.

“Going for growth is without a doubt priority number one,”

He highlighted key achievements from his Government’s first year, including easing inflation, lowering interest rates, and providing tax relief.

Prime Minister Luxon says economic growth is the Government’s top priority. Photo/File

He announced the creation of “Invest New Zealand,” a one-stop shop to attract foreign direct investment, modelled after strategies used by Singapore and Ireland.

“A growing economy means more money for hospitals, schools, and safer, more vibrant communities,” he said.

Luxon also outlined reforms such as repealing the Resource Management Act to enable faster development, reorganising Crown Research Institutes to commercialise cutting-edge technology, and expanding the mining and tourism sectors to create jobs and drive regional growth.

Impact on Pacific communities

Nicholas argued that the Government’s policies could unlock opportunities for Pacific families, citing potential job creation and improved access to public services.

“We need people to be investing and coming to New Zealand and it's a prime example for Pacific communities who think about New Zealand as a place of opportunity.

“My family was like that, and many others share the same story. They look to New Zealand, they look to Australia, and they figure out, ‘OK, is this the place we want to go and send our kids, send them to school?’.

“And so there is access to different public services or things in New Zealand that we need to unlock that will benefit Pacific communities.”

Promising polls for Labour

With Labour starting the year strong, Hausia noted the rising poll numbers are no surprise.

The latest Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll showed Labour inching ahead of National for the first time since April 2023, with National’s support dropping below 30 per cent.

“I think people were wanting change but the change that they're getting isn't what they were expecting.

“So I would say that the Labour Party can feel comfortable with where they are at the moment, but not complacent.

“For the Government, I guess it holds them to account - to ensure that they are providing the change that the Kiwis put them in power for.

“I think the Prime Minister is making decisions to try and make change faster.

“One of those changes was to demote the current Minister of Health for not creating that change fast enough in their portfolio.

“So it means two things for both sides, for Labour to continue on holding National to account and also for the Government to ensure they aren’t making broken promises.”