Kia ora John,

Yesterday I delivered the Leader’s Address at Labour’s Congress. It is the first time I’ve had the privilege to do this as Labour Leader, and, given the global context of COVID-19, my speech - and the announcements made - were a bit different to what would normally be expected.

Over the last 15 months, we have been through a lot together - a terrorist attack, a volcanic eruption, a global pandemic and now its ensuing financial crisis - and I am truly thankful to each and every one of you for all you’ve done to support each other through difficult these times.

The pandemic has affected the world in a way none of us has seen in our lifetimes. But, our team of 5 million came together: we stayed home, separated from loved ones, juggling care and work and kids and schooling, not always knowing if there would be a job to return to or a business to reopen, but knowing it was the only way to protect those around us.

And it did. Thanks to our collective efforts, we now have 66 days of no community transmission of COVID-19 in New Zealand. This is a true testament to our national character - unafraid of being a bit different and ultimately doing things the Kiwi way. 

But, our response to COVID is far from over. As we continue to protect the health and wellbeing of our people by safeguarding our borders and investing in our health system, we also need to continue to protect the health and wellbeing of our economy.

That is why, building on the work of our initial economic response to COVID-19 and our 2020 Budget, I announced our 5 point plan for our economic recovery. 

I also made two important announcements. The first was an extension to the Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme. This scheme - which has provided a lifeline to businesses as they cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis - was due to expire later this month. Yesterday, I announced that it’s been extended to the end of the year. I know this will help support businesses around the country, and will also safeguard vital jobs, keeping our people in work, and families with incomes.

The second announcement I made was a package of 23 projects - up and down the country - to help clean up our waterways, while also creating over 2000 jobs. These projects, as part of the Jobs for Nature package we announced in May’s Budget, will provide vital new opportunities for people who may be struggling to find work, or who have suffered redundancies from other sectors.

These steps build upon those we’ve already taken over the last few months to support our economy, and they will be key parts of our drive to keep New Zealand moving.

We can only do that, of course, if we are able to form government again after the election in September. And while the government and I continue to focus on the economic and health response to COVID-19, more than ever, I’ll be looking to all of you to do what you can to help get us over the line on Election Day. We all have our part to play. 

I know many of you are already making phone calls to voters in your communities, and thousands of you have already donated to our campaign. But as I told a group of volunteers who did a nationwide phonebank after the speeches yesterday: that’s what makes us special as a movement. We’re a committed group of people, driven by our values, all doing our bit to make New Zealand an even better place.

So thank you, again, for all you’re already doing, and all you will do to help us win in September.

Thank you,

Jacinda