The announcements included previous policy releases from either Budget 2017 or earlier in the campaign.
The most significant, aimed at Auckland voters, came from Transport Minister Simon Bridges.
National would declare the $955 million Mill Rd project a state highway, removing the responsibility from Auckland Council.
‘‘This will provide funding certainty for this important project through the National Land Transport Fund and free up capital for Auckland Council to reinvest in other high priority transport projects.’’
Auckland is by far the largest catchment for votes, and with National slipping in the polls, it was not surprising Mr Bridges used most of a three-page release to focus on policies in the city.
National would work with Auckland Council to accelerate the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative Eastern Busway and Reeves Rd flyover.
It would work with the council on a mass transit solution for Auckland Airport and complete route protection.National would continue construction of the $3.4 billion City Rail Link project on the fastest possible timeline and start construction on the new East-West State Highway.
Also, construction would be accelerated on the Northwestern Busway, State Highway 16 and 18 interchange, Penlink, Southern Motorway widening, widen State highway 20B and add Airport-Manukau bus priority lanes.
National would build the Third Main Rail Line and extend electrification to Pukekohe.
Mr Bridges said National’s transport policy would continue to mean record levels of investment in Auckland to support the city’s growing transport needs.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said the launch of Lifekeepers, a new suicide prevention training programme, would help communities to support people at risk of suicide.
The programme received $530,000 a year, an increase of $250,000 from previous years.
The Government allocated $224 million for mental health in Budget 2017, including $100 million for initiatives focusing on prevention and earlier intervention, he said.
Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee said New Zealand would provide $11.5 millon for aviation security in the Pacific to support trade, tourism and the safety of the travelling public, most of whom were New Zealand citizens.
Mr Brownlee, once embroiled in a security incident at Christchurch Airport, said Pacific Island countries must meet global aviation safety and security standards.
‘‘This funding will provide passenger and baggage screen equipment to help them meet those standards.’’
The package of equipment and trading would be used in nine countries over the next five years and was on top of the existing $2.5million programme to help Pacific Island countries meet their international aviation regulatory obligations, he said.
Youth Minister Nikki Kaye announced more youth development opportunities in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty. However, it was difficult to work out how much the Government was funding and how much councils, trusts and community supporters were also funding.
It appears the Government would fund $120,000 for Youth Spaces Plus over two years and $112,000 for Priority One’s Instep-Nga Wahine o Mereaira programme.
Finally, Dr Coleman reported independent analysis had found the Health Promoting Schools service was having a positive impact on student outcomes.
Key findings in the analysis released yesterday included students having 29% better reading performance, 60% increased attendance and 42% fewer stand-downs and or suspensions when compared with those in schools not participating.
