Order!
(A message was delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod as follows:)
Mr Speaker, His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Shane Jones, Chancellor and Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Chancellor of the Order of New Zealand, Governor-General of New Zealand, and Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand, requests the immediate presence of this esteemed House in the chamber of the Legislative Council.
(Consequently, the Speaker and the House proceeded to the Legislative Council chamber.)
(After returning to the House of Representatives chamber:)
The Speaker is pleased to report that the House, having attended His Excellency the Governor-General in the Legislative Council chamber, informed His Excellency that they have chosen a Speaker. On behalf of the House, they asserted the usual claim to the House's privileges, which His Excellency graciously acknowledged.
The Speaker is honoured to inform the House that during their visit to His Excellency today in the Legislative Council chamber, His Excellency delivered a speech to Parliament. To ensure accuracy, the Clerk has secured a copy for publication in the House's Hansard records. The speech is recorded as follows:
Honourable Members of Parliament,
It is my privilege to address this House as we embark on a new term of government under the leadership of the Right Honourable Sir Robert Muldoon MP GCMG CH PC. The trust placed in this Government by the people of New Zealand compels us to deliver a bold and transformative agenda that will strengthen our nation, ensure fairness, and prepare us for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
My Government is committed to a major program of large-scale infrastructure development. This will include the expansion of the national rail network, improvements to our highways, and upgrades to critical port facilities. A particular focus will be placed on renewable energy projects, including new hydroelectric schemes and investments in wind and solar power, to make New Zealand a global leader in clean energy. These initiatives will not only modernise our infrastructure but also create thousands of jobs across the country.
Economic stability and job creation remain at the heart of this Government’s mission. Alongside infrastructure investments, we will introduce incentives for industries that drive innovation and exports, including agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. We will continue to run the Department of Public Works, focusing on upskilling workers and providing pathways into sustainable, high-wage careers.
Recognising the strategic importance of critical infrastructure and services, my Government will embark on a program to reacquire former state assets that were sold in past years. This move will ensure that profits from essential sectors, such as telecommunications and energy, directly benefit New Zealanders. Public ownership will also enable long-term investment in these industries, prioritising the needs of the people over short-term commercial interests.
To strengthen our democracy, my Government will introduce legislation to reform New Zealand’s electoral system. This will include measures to enhance proportional representation, improve voter access, and ensure that Parliament reflects the diversity of our nation. A comprehensive review of the electoral process will also be conducted, with input from all political parties and the public.
The cornerstone of a fair society is the ability of its workers to earn a living wage. To this end, my Government will raise the minimum wage to align with the living wage, ensuring all New Zealanders can afford housing, food, and other essentials. We will also bolster workplace protections and support for union representation, ensuring workers have a voice in shaping their conditions.
In recognition of changing societal attitudes and the evidence supporting harm reduction, my Government will legalise and regulate cannabis for adult use. This policy will focus on public health, education, and the generation of tax revenue, which will be reinvested in addiction services, mental health care, and community initiatives.
To strengthen the judiciary and reaffirm New Zealand’s constitutional foundations, this Government will reintroduce the Privy Council as the final court of appeal. This move will provide access to international legal expertise and reinforce the integrity of our judicial system.
Housing affordability and availability remain critical challenges. My Government will launch a new State Housing Expansion Program to accelerate the construction of affordable homes and reduce homelessness. Alongside this, urban planning initiatives will focus on creating livable, connected communities with modern amenities and public transport options.
While the policies outlined today provide a roadmap, my Government recognises that the future will demand adaptability, innovation, and collaboration. Over the coming months, additional initiatives will be announced to address challenges in health care, education, climate resilience, and economic diversification. At the heart of every decision will be a commitment to fairness, opportunity, and the well-being of all New Zealanders.
Honourable Members, this is a moment of opportunity for our nation. United in purpose, we can build a New Zealand that is stronger, fairer, and prepared for the future. Let us move forward together with confidence and determination.
May God defend New Zealand. May we uphold justice, fairness, and peace for all. God save the king.