2020 Election: Ardern Disproves Collins’ ‘Corruption’ Claims Over $ 100 Million Provincial Growth Fund Spending

Labor leader Jacinda Ardern is rejecting National’s claims that the Provincial Growth Fund spending announcement of $ 100 million today “is on the brink of corruption.”

National leader Judith Collins’ claim was “absolutely false,” Ardern said, noting that when she was in government, National also made spending announcements during the campaign period.

The dispute between the two leaders comes after Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced that $ 100 million from the PGF would be spent on improving hundreds of marae across the country.

This is the latest official announcement from PGF and it essentially means that the entire $ 3 billion fund has already been allocated.

Speaking to reporters this morning, Collins said it was “outrageous” that the funding was announced so close to next week’s election.

“It is absolutely on the brink of system corruption, it shouldn’t be happening,” he said, adding that it was “very unreliable behavior.”

“Imagine the absolute hysteria it would get if a national government tried to do that.”

But Ardern pointed out that this was exactly what National has done in the past.

For example, one week before the 2017 elections, then-Tourism Minister Paula Bennett announced the first round of a $ 100 million tourism infrastructure fund.

Ardern said the $ 100 million announced today was part of the reallocated PGF fund that was diverted to job-creating Covid-19 recovery projects.

“It is important that we continue with the recovery work, even though there is also a campaign.”

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Jones agreed: “People’s jobs continue to suffer [due to] Covid, “he told the Herald.

He added that he remained a minister “until the moment the new regime takes office.

The $ 100 million allocated through the PGF will pay for the 351 marae upgrade nationwide.

Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the marae reflect and represent the identity, language, education and well-being of the Maori whānau.

The money is estimated to create 3,100 jobs and “seep into communities” by creating businesses through the purchase of construction materials.

Bay of Plenty gets the most money – nearly $ 30 million for 77 marae, which Jones expects will create about 650 jobs.

Some 53 marae from Waikato get nearly $ 14 million in upgrade funds, as do 60 marae from Tairāwhiti / East Coast.

Where the money is spent:

• Bay of Plenty: 29.6 million dollars for 77 marae, an estimated 648 jobs were created.
• East Coast: $ 14.2 million for 59 marae, 394 estimated jobs.
• Waikato: $ 13.8 million for 53 marae, 363 estimated jobs.
• Hawke’s Bay: 9.6 million dollars for 51 marae, 263 estimated jobs.
• Northern region: 9.2 million dollars for 34 marae, 388 estimated jobs.
• Taranaki: $ 7.4 million for 23 marae, estimated 305 jobs.
• Manawatū-Whanganui / Horowhenua: $ 7.1 million for 33 marae, 33 estimated jobs.
• Wairarapa / Kapiti: $ 3.2 million for 10 marae, 89 estimated jobs.
• Te Tau Ihu / South Summit: $ 760,000 for 4 marae, 38 estimated jobs.
• Southland: $ 719,000 for 2 marae, estimated 25 jobs.
• West Coast: $ 250,000 for 2 marae, an estimated 20 jobs.
• Chatham Islands: $ 198,000 for 1 marae, estimated 6 jobs.
• Canterbury: $ 160,000 for 2 marae, estimated 30 jobs.