Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has set an ambitious target for her coalition Government.
In the Speech from the Throne, delivered yesterday at the opening of Parliament by Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy, Ms Ardern told MPs she would lead a government of inclusion.
''All who live in this country are entitled to respect and dignity. All are entitled to care and compassion. Everyone should have a roof over their head and be warm in winter and everyone should have food and a table to put it on.''
Ms Ardern's plans for her first term did not differ much from facts already known from the campaign trail or the coalition deal signed with New Zealand First and the support agreement signed with the Greens.
However, there was plenty to do for the Government. As indicated by Finance Minister Grant Robertson, the Government was committed to building a strong economy and being fiscally responsible.
Where Ms Ardern differed from the last National government was her focus on sustainable economic development, supporting regional economies, increasing exports, lifting wages and reducing inequality.
The Government would work with business to deliver shared prosperity for all, she said. It would encourage the economy to flourish but not at the expense of damaging natural resources or people's well-being.
Changes would be made to the tax system so a progressive tax system meant everyone paid their fair share according to their means.
The Government would review the tax system, looking at all options to improve its structure, fairness and balance, including better supporting regions and exporters, addressing the capital gain associated with property speculation and ensuring multinationals contributed their share.
Penalties for corporate fraud and tax evasion would increase. Personal income taxes, taxes on the family home and GST would remain at the same rates, Ms Ardern said.
Housing, education and health all remained top priorities for Ms Ardern, who campaigned strongly on those issues.
The Government would have a focus on primary health. GP fees subsidies would be increased to cut fees by $10 a visit, and the longer-term funding system would be reviewed to ensure doctor visits remained affordable into the future.
Funding for alcohol and drug addiction services would increase and drug addiction would be treated as a health issue. Medicinal cannabis would be made available for people with terminal illnesses or in chronic pain.
The Government was proud to have the most Maori and Pacific Island cabinet ministers of any New Zealand government, with eight Maori and four Pacific Island ministers, she said.
''This Government looks forward to working with Maori communities and other New Zealanders to support them to pursue their aspirations for better health, better housing and better education for their rangatahi [younger people].''
New Zealand had an opportunity now to become a kinder, more caring and confident nation, Ms Ardern said.
It would take courage and the Government would have to do things differently. But it was possible if each and every person was included in each and every town and region of New Zealand.
