Leaders' blog: Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Helen Clark's log: 21-10-2008

Campaigning was briefly put on hold yesterday as ministers gathered for a Cabinet meeting.

Ministers spent a lot of time discussing plans to get the economy through these difficult conditions.

I am completely focused on what is now needed to inject momentum into the economy.

I am determined to ensure the fallout from the international financial crisis does not hurt vulnerable people here.

I have encouraged Cabinet ministers to read an opinion piece by this year's winner of the Nobel prize in economics, Paul Krugman, published just last week in the New York Times. I have included a link to the website: www.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/opinion/17krugman.html

Mr Krugman says the following - "There's a lot the federal Government can do for the economy. It can provide extended benefits to the unemployed, which will both help distressed families cope and put money in the hands of people likely to spend it. This is also a good time to engage in some serious infrastructure spending."

I felt vindicated by his speech, which appeared several days after I launched Labour's campaign. At that launch I announced an incoming Labour Government would consider bringing forward spending on public infrastructure like roads, rail, schools, housing, and afforestation schemes, as well as introducing new retraining benefits for those who lose their jobs. I have also announced extra help for tertiary students, and incentives for beneficiaries to do part-time work.

What to watch for Tuesday: an announcement around innovation in the economy.

Helen Clark

 

John Key's log: 21-10-2008

Yesterday started with me in Auckland announcing our plans to boost police numbers on the front line, with a priority boost for the Counties-Manukau police district.

Our plan will see a National Government aim for a ratio of one officer to every 500 people by the end of 2011. And we aim for the increase to be seen where it matters - on the streets.

That is why we want the people of South Auckland to benefit, and that's why we will commit 300 of the new officers we will train to South Auckland.

After that, I travelled to Henderson where our colourful campaign bus was parked up for me to officially launch. The bus will travel the country, beginning in Northland and ending up in Invercargill.

On the campaign trail you get to meet New Zealanders from all walks of life, all with their own story to tell, but you must be in campaign mode when you end up talking instead to Archie the Dalmatian about the plans of a future National Government.

We rode on the bus through my electorate, stopping to meet people.

One of the tough things about being the party leader is that you don't get to spend enough time in your own electorate, so it was nice to be travelling through the beautiful countryside of Helensville stopping to meet well-wishers and spread our message.

Yesterday afternoon I went on to a full-to-overflowing meeting at the Orakei community centre.

It was nice spend a few moments at that meeting catching up briefly with Dame Thea Muldoon.

This morning I am in Hamilton briefly, before travelling back to Auckland for more campaigning.

John Key