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The confusion has started over the last advance announcement of the Provincial Growth Fund, days before the financing amount was confirmed.
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones will make an announcement on marae renovations in Northland on Friday.
But on Wednesday morning, ACT leader David Seymour called the funding announcement, saying that NZ First and Labor were using “a pool of taxpayer money to try to buy votes.”
Kavinda Herath / Things
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says the size of the Provincial Growth Fund spending is not confirmed, but all marae went through proper processes.
Seymour said the announcement would cost $ 100 million in marae, including funding for the Northland electorate where Jones is present.
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“While Mr. Jones might think he will buy votes from him, New Zealanders can see it,” he said in a press release.
Ricky Wilson / Stuff
ACT leader David Seymour accuses NZ First and Labor are using the Provincial Growth Fund as a “bribe fund” to buy votes.
“The Provincial Growth Fund has been a failure. You haven’t created the jobs Shane Jones promised. The money has to come from somewhere, and New Zealanders are smart enough to figure it out on their taxes. “
But Jones responded by saying Stuff The marae were vital pieces of the welfare infrastructure and claimed that Seymour was jealous of the achievements of the Provincial Growth Fund.
“David Seymour is just headlines and his comments are offensive to the New Zealand province, particularly the Maori community,” Jones said.
“… jealousy shouldn’t play a role in the serious business of investing in infrastructure,” he said.
Denise Piper / Things
Shane Jones recently shared the stage with Matt King, current head of Northland, Kelvin Davis, head of Te Tai Tokerau, and Labor List MP Willow-Jean Prime, for a Northland plantation announcement.
Jones did not confirm the amount to be announced on Friday, but said the event should not be tainted by allegations of pork exploitation. [spending which helps a politician’s constituents in return for their political support].
“The processes in which the marae were invited to participate, as a consequence of the reform of the Provincial Growth Fund after the first Covid closure, have a clear objective of adding durability to our provincial infrastructure, and the marae are critical pieces in that infrastructure”.
Jones said money will flow quickly to rural workers, who have been hit hard by the economic impact of Covid-19.
The Provincial Growth Fund has been successful not only in creating provincial jobs, but also in securing rural infrastructure, he said.
