Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has unveiled nine ambitious targets to improve the lives of New Zealanders and get the country back on track. The government’s plan is centered on three key promises: rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and improving public services.
Despite the efforts of essential workers like police, nurses, and teachers, Luxon admits that New Zealand has regressed in recent years. To address this, the government is reintroducing public service targets to enhance results in health, education, law and order, work, housing, and the environment.
Luxon acknowledges these targets won’t be easy to meet, but insists they are necessary to reduce crime, decrease healthcare wait times, and boost educational achievement. The targets, which are set to be achieved by 2030, are part of the government’s focus on economic recovery, which will enable further investment in public services.
Luxon also noted that simply spending more money won’t necessarily lead to better results. Despite increased spending by the previous government, public services didn’t improve. The new approach involves setting targets to focus on delivery and ensure better value for taxpayer money.
The targets are intentionally challenging and will require the public sector to think creatively, investigate root causes, learn from other regions, and be disciplined in directing resources.
Each target will be overseen by a lead minister and a chief executive from a public service agency, in collaboration with other ministers and agencies as needed. Progress reports will be made public every quarter, starting from mid-2024. More information on the Government Targets can be found on the government’s website.
