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Bill English

282 posts | 3 images

Joined August 2007
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Finance 15 Jul 2011
NZ does not need more taxes and more debt

Just as the economy is gaining momentum, the last thing New Zealand needs is more taxes and more debt, Finance Minister Bill English says.

162 views

Economy 14 Jul 2011
Economy growing despite impact of earthquake

Despite the devastating Canterbury earthquake on 22 February, the economy grew by 0.8 per cent in the March quarter amid signs that the pace of the recovery is picking up, Finance Minister Bill English says.

197 views

Finance 11 Jul 2011
English to meet Australian Treasurer this week

The next steps in progressing the Trans-Tasman Single Economic Market will be on the agenda when Finance Minister Bill English meets Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan this week.

167 views

Finance 6 Jul 2011
Early signs of progress in reining in deficit

The Government’s financial statements for the 11 months to 31 May show some early signs of progress in getting the deficit under control, Finance Minister Bill English says.

156 views

Technology 22 Jun 2011
Govt considers cross-agency radio network

The Government will investigate the feasibility of developing a Whole-of-Government Radio Network as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Infrastructure Minister Bill English and Police Minister Judith Collins announced today.

208 views

Finance 9 Jun 2011
Annual budget deficit forecast to reach $16.7b

The Government’s operating deficit before gains and losses is expected to reach around $16.7 billion for the year to 30 June, as forecast in the Budget last month, Finance Minister Bill English says.

421 views

Finance 21 May 2011
English takes Budget message to investors

Finance Minister Bill English leaves on 23 May for Singapore and Hong Kong, where he will speak to business, investment and political leaders about New Zealand’s progress in building faster growth and higher national savings.

302 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Earthquake Kiwi Bond to help fund recovery

The Government will launch a new Earthquake Kiwi Bond to help fund the recovery in Christchurch and provide investors with a new savings option, Finance Minister Bill English says.

157 views

Business 19 May 2011
Government to pursue mixed ownership model

The Government believes there is significant merit in extending the mixed ownership model to four state-owned energy companies and reducing the Crown’s majority shareholding in Air New Zealand.

127 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Fact sheet – KiwiSaver changes

Why are changes being made? The Government currently spends over $1 billion a year on KiwiSaver subsidies and tax breaks and is borrowing heavily to pay for this.

180 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Budget takes steps to lift savings, investment

The Government has confirmed several measures to increase national savings, including mapping a faster path back to budget surplus and providing New Zealanders with a wider range of investment opportunities.

163 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Budget builds growth platform, path to surplus

Budget 2011 builds a strong platform for jobs and growth, sets a credible path back to surplus by 2014/15 and helps increase national savings, Finance Minister Bill English says.

153 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Greater level of private savings for KiwiSaver

Changes to KiwiSaver will encourage a higher level of private savings, make the scheme more financially sustainable and build a large pool of local capital, Finance Minister Bill English and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne say.

150 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Fact sheet – Working for Families changes

Why are changes being made? The cost of Working for Families has grown from about $1.5 billion in 2005/06 to $2.8 billion a year now.

199 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Budget 2011 – Building Our Future

Builds a platform for savings and growth, sets a faster return to surplus Returns the budget to surplus in 2014/15 – a year sooner than forecast in December – reducing the need for Government borrowing and lifting national savings.

Economic and fiscal data at a glance

419 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Changes to better target Working for Families

The Government is making changes that will better target Working for Families to lower income earners and ensure its cost remains sustainable into the future, Finance Minister Bill English, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne say.

152 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Budget frees up $5.2b for higher priorities

Budget 2011 has freed up $5.2 billion out to 2014/15 – including $700 million in 2011/12 - to invest in improving frontline public services and reducing debt, Finance Minister Bill English says.

136 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Freeing up $980m to improve frontline services

The Government expects the wider state service to find $980 million in savings over three years to go towards improving frontline public services and reducing debt, Finance Minister Bill English says.

123 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Govt infrastructure investment picks up speed

New Zealand's broadband, rail and schools are top priorities for about $1.6 billion of further infrastructure spending in Budget 2011, Infrastructure Minister Bill English says.

141 views

Finance 19 May 2011
Responsible, balanced Budget for the times

Prime Minister John Key says Budget 2011 sets out the next steps of the Government’s programme to build faster growth, increase national savings and create sustainable jobs built on savings, exports and productive investment.

130 views

Finance 12 May 2011
Government takes responsible approach to AMI

Documents released today show the Government has taken a balanced and responsible approach in providing a back-up financial support package for AMI policyholders, Finance Minister Bill English says.

145 views

Finance 10 May 2011
Budget 2011: ACC turnaround delivers taxpayer savings

Improved performance by ACC in the Non-Earners’ Account has freed up $638 million of taxpayer funding over the next four years, Finance Minister Bill English and ACC Minister Nick Smith announced today.

173 views

Finance 10 May 2011
Budget to rein in deficit, set path to surplus

The Budget next week will set a credible path back to budget surplus, after Government financial statements today confirmed a $10.2 billion operating deficit before gains and losses for the nine months to 31 March, Finance Minister Bill English says.

181 views

Finance 28 Apr 2011
Government to act on policy advice spending review

The Government’s Review of Expenditure on Policy Advice identifies several significant issues with the cost, quality and management of policy advice and makes 36 recommendations to address them.

186 views

Economy 27 Apr 2011
Budget will map credible path back to surplus

The Government agrees with the OECD that New Zealand should return to budget surplus as soon as possible and the Budget next month will take steps in that direction, Finance Minister Bill English says.

172 views

Finance 13 Apr 2011
Room for savings in state sector back office

A report benchmarking the administrative and support functions of state sector agencies shows there is room for further savings that can go towards improving frontline public services, Finance Minister Bill English says.

227 views

Building 13 Apr 2011
Govt to spend $8.5b on rebuilding Christchurch

CHRISTCHURCH — The Government will spend about $8.5 billion over the next few years to help the rebuilding of Christchurch, Finance Minister Bill English said today.

186 views

Finance 7 Apr 2011
Back up financial support for AMI policyholders

The Government has announced it will provide a back up financial support package for AMI Insurance to give policyholders certainty and to ensure an orderly rebuild of Christchurch in the aftermath of the two earthquakes.

198 views

Finance 4 Apr 2011
Quake, guarantee scheme reflected in accounts

A significant impact from the second Canterbury earthquake and revisions to expected Crown recoveries under the Retail Deposit Guarantee Scheme are reflected in the Government’s accounts for the eight months to February.

166 views

Finance 28 Mar 2011
Earthquake tax relief measures announced

CHRISTCHURCH — The Government has put in place several tax relief measures to help Christchurch residents and businesses trying to get back on their feet after last month’s earthquake, Finance Minister Bill English and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne announced today.

481 views

Economy 24 Mar 2011
Flat second half of 2010, reasons for optimism

Statistics issued today confirm the economy was subdued in the second half of 2010, although there are reasons to be optimistic about the outlook for the coming year, Finance Minister Bill English says.

162 views

Finance 17 Mar 2011
Surplus remains in sight, focus on reducing debt

The Canterbury earthquakes are likely to slightly delay the return to budget surplus, but it is important the Government gets debt back to pre-earthquake levels to absorb future economic shocks, Finance Minister Bill English says.

153 views

Business 25 Feb 2011
Government discusses business quake support

CHRISTCHURCH — The Government has welcomed offers of help from New Zealand’s business community to the Christchurch earthquake recovery effort, Finance Minister Bill English says.

184 views

Earthquakes 22 Feb 2011
Hon Bill English: Update on Canterbury earthquake

CHRISTCHURCH — Cabinet has just met for the second time today to discuss the earthquake in Canterbury.

290 views

Earthquakes 22 Feb 2011
Video - Hon Bill English: Statement on the Christchurch Earthquake

CHRISTCHURCH — Firstly I want to extend my sympathies and condolences to the people of Canterbury.

236 views

Building 18 Feb 2011
Govt infrastructure investment supporting jobs

The Government’s multi-billion dollar investment in important construction projects has helped prevent unemployment from peaking well above 7 per cent - as it has in many other countries, Finance Minister Bill English says.

158 views

Finance 17 Feb 2011
Govt welcomes investment agreement

A new Investment Protocol under the Closer Economic Relations (CER) trade agreement further strengthens the investment relationship between Australia and New Zealand, Finance Minister Bill English says.

268 views

Finance 2 Feb 2011
Government to carefully consider savings report

The Government will carefully consider the Savings Working Group’s final report issued today and any immediate policy decisions are likely to be included in the Budget later this year, Finance Minister Bill English says.

226 views

Politics 28 Jan 2011
Ministers seek mixed-ownership model advice

Finance Minister Bill English and State Owned Enterprises Minister Simon Power have formally asked Treasury for advice on the merits and viability of extending the mixed-ownership model to four more state-owned enterprises.

221 views

Finance 28 Jan 2011
Govt to play its part in building national savings

Government financial statements for the five months ending 30 November show both revenue and spending broadly in line with forecasts in the Half-Year Update in December, Finance Minister Bill English says.

191 views

Export 21 Jan 2011
Export credit support extended for three more years

The Government has extended the full range of support the New Zealand Export Credit Office provides to exporters for another three years, Finance Minister Bill English says.

472 views

Finance 21 Jan 2011
Inflation around 2 per cent, excluding GST rise

Excluding the one-off impact from the rise in GST, annual inflation stayed around 2 per cent in calendar 2010 and is forecast to remain relatively muted for the foreseeable future, Finance Minister Bill English says.

200 views

Deaths 12 Jan 2011
English pays tribute to Sir Richard Carter

Finance Minister Bill English has paid tribute to distinguished businessman Sir Richard Carter, who died last week.

153 views

Government 8 Dec 2010
Govt begins cross-party constitutional review

The Government will conduct a wide-ranging review of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples announced today.

199 views

Corrections 3 Nov 2010
Prison PPP gets green light

The Government is taking the next step towards implementing a public private partnership (PPP) for delivering a new prison at Wiri, South Auckland, Infrastructure Minister Bill English and Corrections Minister Judith Collins announced today.

294 views

Government 1 Nov 2010
Finance Minister to attend APEC in Japan

Finance Minister Bill English leaves for Japan on Wednesday to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) finance ministers' annual meeting in Kyoto and to meet senior government and investment figures in Tokyo.

186 views

Economy 30 Sep 2010
Tax changes strengthen economy, help families

The Government's tax changes tomorrow will strengthen economic growth and help New Zealand families get ahead, Finance Minister Bill English says.

305 views

Government 27 Sep 2010
Labour's unfunded GST policy worth $1 a week

Labour's unfunded policy to remove GST from fresh fruit and vegetables would deliver only $1 a week for the average Kiwi - and much less for low income earners, Finance Minister Bill English says.

193 views

Finance 27 Sep 2010
New investment rules strike the right balance

Ministers will have extra flexibility to consider a wider range of issues - including large-scale ownership of farmland - when assessing overseas investment applications for sensitive land, Finance Minister Bill English says.

284 views

Economy 23 Sep 2010
Mixed economic news - tax package will help

A fifth successive quarter of economic growth is another sign the recovery is continuing - and the Government's tax package next week will further help the economy in the long-term, Finance Minister Bill English says.

192 views

Finance 21 Sep 2010
1 October tax cuts will boost real wages

The Government's 1 October tax changes will further boost real after-tax wages, leaving the vast majority of New Zealanders better off, Finance Minister Bill English says.

366 views

Finance 24 Aug 2010
Wide brief for expert group on savings options

An independent Savings Working Group announced today by the Government has a wide brief to consider how New Zealand can improve its national savings, Finance Minister Bill English says.

210 views

Real Estate 6 Aug 2010
Govt to carefully consider housing report

The Government is carefully considering the Housing Shareholders' Advisory Group report on options for improving the social and affordable housing sector, Finance Minister Bill English and Housing Minister Phil Heatley said today.

332 views

Politics 1 Jun 2010
Tax calculator site popular in NZ and offshore

The Government's Budget 2010 tax calculator website www.taxguide.govt.nz is proving popular with New Zealanders both locally and offshore, Finance Minister Bill English says.

219 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - Working for Families changes

What is changing? Well-off families will no longer be able to use investment losses, including losses from rental properties, to reduce their income and therefore become eligible for Working for Families (WFF) payments, from 1 April 2011.

892 views

Business 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - LAQC and QC changes

What is changing?   Qualifying companies (QCs) and loss attributing qualifying companies (LAQCs) will become flow-through entities for tax purposes - similar to limited partnerships.

1,477 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - Savings tax changes

What is changing?   From 1 October 2010, the top tax rate for most portfolio investment entities (PIEs), including KiwiSaver accounts, will be reduced from 30 per cent to 28 per cent, while the other PIE rates drop to align with the new personal tax rates.

422 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Budget frees up $1.8 billion for higher priorities

Budget 2010 has freed up another $1.8 billion over the next four years to put into high priority areas such as healthcare, education, law and order and scientific innovation, Finance Minister Bill English says.

174 views

Building 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - Building depreciation

What is changing?   Depreciation deductions will no longer be allowed for buildings with an estimated useful life of 50 years or more, such as rental houses and offices.

594 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - Tax integrity

What is changing?   Inland Revenue will get a $119.3 million funding boost over four years, starting in 2010/11, to increase its audit and compliance activity around debt collection, the hidden economy and property transactions.

267 views

Internet 20 May 2010
Multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure

New Zealand's broadband, rail, schools and prisons will be strengthened through substantial infrastructure funding confirmed in the Budget, Infrastructure Minister Bill English says.

337 views

Finance 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - Depreciation loading

What is changing? Businesses will no longer be able to claim 20 per cent accelerated depreciation on new plant and equipment.

573 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - NZ Super and Veterans Pension

What is changing?   From 1 October 2010, New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pension payments will rise, by the amounts shown in the table below.

1,238 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - Thin capitalisation rules

What is changing? The safe harbour in the inbound thin capitalisation rules - or so-called "thin cap" - will be reduced from 75 per cent to 60 per cent.

2,362 views

Police 20 May 2010
Bill English's Budget Speech

The Budget Speech is the Minister of Finance's speech at the start of Parliament's Budget debate.

527 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - Personal tax cuts

What is changing? All personal income tax rates will be cut from 1 October 2010 as shown in the table below.

863 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Fact sheet - GST and compensation

What is changing? The rate of GST will increase from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent from 1 October 2010.

247 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Budget builds on recovery, helps families

Budget 2010 focuses squarely on faster growth, helps families get ahead and sets a credible path for getting back to surplus sooner, Finance Minister Bill English says.

175 views

Politics 20 May 2010
More money to improve tax compliance, audits

Budget 2010 provides increased funding for Inland Revenue to support the Government’s package of tax reforms and increase tax compliance activities.

188 views

News 20 May 2010
Property tax changes increase fairness

Changes to the tax treatment of investment property increase fairness and help rebalance the economy towards productive investment, Finance Minister Bill English and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne say.

276 views

Politics 20 May 2010
Tax cuts strengthen economy and help families

Across the board tax cuts and a package of other tax changes will strengthen economic growth and help families get ahead here in New Zealand, Finance Minister Bill English and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne say.

301 views

Corrections 14 Apr 2010
NZ's first PPP prison to be built at Wiri

The Government intends to commission a new prison at Wiri that will be designed, built and operated under a public-private partnership, Infrastructure Minister Bill English and Corrections Minister Judith Collins announced today.

265 views

Finance 13 Apr 2010
NZ agrees to lend up to US$1 billion to IMF

New Zealand has agreed to lend the International Monetary Fund (IMF) up to US$1 billion (NZ$1.34b) if the world faces another economic crisis like the 2008/09 global meltdown, Finance Minister Bill English says.

213 views

Finance 1 Apr 2010
NZ emerges from recession in good shape - IMF

New Zealand has emerged from the global financial crisis in better shape than many advanced countries and it is expected to continue on a gradual recovery path, the International Monetary Fund concludes.

448 views

Politics 8 Mar 2010
Budget will continue focus on fiscal discipline

The Budget will continue to focus on managing the Government's finances in a disciplined and responsible way, Finance Minister Bill English says.

315 views

Politics 2 Mar 2010
Infrastructure Plan outlines large programme

The National Infrastructure Plan, issued today, shows the large scale of the Government's infrastructure programme and highlights some future issues that may require action, Infrastructure Minister Bill English says.

373 views

Politics 17 Feb 2010
Families pay price for Labour's mismanagement

Labour's legacy of economic mismanagement was even more damaging to New Zealand families than previously reported, after revisions to official statistics issued late last year, Finance Minister Bill English says.

253 views

Politics 2 Feb 2010
Budget on May 20 will deliver growth, jobs

Finance Minister Bill English today confirmed Budget 2010 will be delivered on May 20 and will set out important policies to lift economic growth and give hard-working New Zealanders incentives to get ahead.

328 views

Politics 19 Jan 2010
Govt makes Reserve Bank, EQC appointments

Finance Minister Bill English has appointed two new directors to the board of the Reserve Bank and a new commissioner to the Earthquake Commission.

445 views

Economy 24 Dec 2009
Cautious confidence heading into Christmas

New Zealanders can go into the Christmas break feeling more positive after two quarters of economic growth, but more work is needed to ensure a strong sustainable recovery, Finance Minister Bill English says.

861 views

Politics 16 Dec 2009
Government's focus on jobs, higher growth

The Government's firm focus in 2010 will be achieving higher economic growth and giving businesses the confidence to invest and create jobs, Finance Minister Bill English says.

263 views

Economy 8 Dec 2009
Latest economic indicators paint mixed picture

The Treasury's latest monthly economic indicators yesterday provide a mixed view of the economy and reinforce risks around the shape of the recovery, Finance Minister Bill English says.

418 views

Finance 28 Nov 2009
Video Briefing from the Finance Minister

On the 15th of December, the Government will release its half-year update on the Budget.

701 views

Trade 16 Nov 2009
$200 million additional support for exporters

The Government is providing $200 million more in trade guarantees to increase opportunities for New Zealand exporters, Finance Minister Bill English says.

337 views

Finance 12 Nov 2009
NZ comes through financial crisis in good shape

New Zealand's banking and finance sector is coming through the global financial and economic crisis in relatively good shape, Finance Minister Bill English says.

295 views

Trade 9 Nov 2009
APEC finance ministers discuss trade, recovery

Finance Minister Bill English will this week discuss common economic and trade issues with counterparts from across Asia-Pacific at the APEC finance ministers meeting in Singapore.

224 views

Finance 7 Nov 2009
Appointments to Guardians of NZ Superannuation

Catherine Savage and Stephen Moir have been appointed to the Board of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and existing board member David Newman has been appointed Deputy Chair, Finance Minister Bill English announced today.

246 views

Finance 6 Nov 2009
Super portability included in November tax bill

Legislation allowing New Zealanders returning home from Australia to bring their retirement savings with them will be introduced to Parliament in about two weeks, Finance Minister Bill English says.

262 views

Finance 5 Nov 2009
Accounts highlight lagged effect of recovery

The Government's financial statements for the three months to September 30 confirm that it will take time for the economic recovery to flow through to the Crown's revenue, Finance Minister Bill English says.

226 views

Diplomacy 31 Oct 2009
English announces visit of Chinese Vice Premier

China's Vice Premier Li Keqiang, will visit New Zealand from 1-3 November, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English announced today.

510 views

Finance 30 Oct 2009
Long-Term Fiscal Statement highlights choices

Finance Minister Bill English has welcomed Treasury's Long-Term Fiscal Statement, which outlines some of the challenges and choices successive governments will face over the next 40 years.

222 views

Finance 14 Oct 2009
Govt accounts reflect extra spending, recession

The combined impact of significant extra spending and the recession are highlighted in the Government's annual accounts for the year to June 30, Finance Minister Bill English says.

289 views

Economy 23 Sep 2009
More work needed to rebalance economy

New data showing New Zealand's current account deficit has hit a five-year low is encouraging, but more work is needed to narrow our trade and investment gap with the rest of the world, Finance Minister Bill English says.

293 views

Politics 17 Sep 2009
Government's ETS strikes a balance to protect jobs

Government changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme strike the right balance between protecting New Zealand jobs, halving the cost for families and households, and doing our fair share on climate change, Finance Minister Bill English says.

183 views

Finance 27 Aug 2009
Finance Minister to visit financial capitals

Finance Minister Bill English will outline the Government's plan for economic recovery to international lenders during visits to Tokyo, New York and Boston next week.

265 views

Politics 13 Aug 2009
Speech to New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development

Good morning and thank you.

300 views

Politics 13 Aug 2009
Government outlines infrastructure approach

The Government intends to involve the private sector in infrastructure projects where it makes sense for both taxpayers and users, Infrastructure Minister Bill English says.

226 views