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Despite the COVID-19 chaos that exists, Ardern is planning his big Prime Minister’s EO: a return to global trade.
“When we are in a position to change our border configuration, a trade mission will be at the top of my list.”
Foreign officials are already planning the dream trip by flying to wherever there is export cash: the UK, Europe, China and the US.
Depending on who gets the keys to the White House, Ardern could visit the United States, something he has yet to tick off his prime minister wish list.
“I have not done it, but they have seen me really prioritize, particularly where we have had strong commercial interests and agreements that we have been developing, that meant going particularly to Europe in the last period, and that has been because of that FTA [free trade agreement]. “
But Ardern will only go when things settle down, as for COVID.
Given that returning New Zealanders and essential workers arriving in the country must spend two weeks in controlled isolation, Ardern said she would be subject to the same rules.
“Of course, I have focused on the period when we would not have the same border restrictions because obviously I expect the same rules to apply to me as any other New Zealander.”
Until then, the economic recovery phase of COVID-19 returns to hyperdrive, in its homeland.
“We’re going to move on,” Ardern said.
The first order of business will be to give the go-ahead to Labor promises to extend the small business loan scheme and the $ 300 million flexible salary scheme to get unemployed Kiwis back to work.
“From our perspective, and I know for yours, there is no time to waste,” Ardern told the business community.
Accelerating another campaign commitment, Ardern promises to extend sick leave to 10 days per year.
“It is important to us, particularly in this COVID environment, to make sure that people have access to adequate sick leave,” he said.
It puts New Zealand in line with Australia, but business is cautious.
“We want to be really mindful of imposing more costs on small businesses, particularly if those businesses are seeing a drop in demand,” said Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope.
“We want to work with employers to make sure we do this right,” Ardern told reporters.
But getting it right, for the Prime Minister, means 10 days, without negotiation.
“Yes, it’s 10 days,” he said, when asked if sick leave would definitely double or if the government could give in to business pressure.
Your bottom line has been drawn.
When can the government go to work?
On Friday, all the newly appointed ministers will go up to the government house to be officially sworn in by the Governor General and then have their first cabinet meeting.
Also on Friday, the final election results come out, all special votes included, and while they are not as controversial as the vote count in the United States, there are some changes to be aware of.
Those narrow margins are in seats like Waiariki, Auckland Central, and Whangarei. Also, watch out for general voting – National traditionally loses a seat or two when specials come in.
The final results of the referendum will be announced at the same time. It would be difficult to change the outcome of euthanasia, but the ‘yes’ advocates in favor of marijuana legalization have not relented: they are still waiting for a miracle.
