Our work-load is results-driven

This week, I’d like to promote our intention over the coming weeks to provide key information about government’s work programmes and policy outcomes, over these past two years.
As many of us well know, the timely and cost efficient implementation of government programmes and policies is a critical part of any administration. And because this responsibility is so broadly spread, it is equally important that teamwork and leadership be allowed to guide and determine ongoing progress and results.
I’m a believer in a government that is results-driven – a government that stays focused with concerted effort. I also believe we have achieved a lot in these two years of administration precisely because of this commitment.
Some may be surprised by what we have achieved but many more will be impressed, and as a measure of comfort and certainty over how we have performed, we intend to lay out our record of achievements, in the coming weeks.
Timeframes and performance are key factors in our results-driven approach. Since coming into office in 2010, we made it very clear early on that this government would double and even triple the work-load of our predecessors. Given the poor scoreboard and outlook by the previous government, our heavy schedule has been a stark contrast indeed.
We hit the ground running by recognising certain commitments had been made. But the ownership of results was quickly transferred to the right side of the ledger because we just got on with what needed to be done. We simply refused to sit still and instead launched into serious planning and implementation for the future.
Critics and cynics might argue that these works are the efforts of other people. While it’s true that initiatives must start somewhere, it’s also true that the ‘proof is in the pudding’ – the achievement of results is what counts as the ultimate test. Sound projects and programmes will always take a great ‘finisher’ and we finish what we’ve started.
This level of commitment by government is new – a breath of fresh air that may seem foreign to those that came before us. This difference in commitment is one based on pursuing goals with a higher level of energy to succeed. That’s why timeframes and performance is important to us as an administration, and as a government that fights for what people deserve.
As much as possible, my Cabinet team will renew its efforts to ensure our work-load continues to be relevant and results-driven. Increasingly, over the next two years, this government will be focused on timeframes and performance in working toward achievements.
And we will continue to ensure that this approach provides our community with the security of benefits and access to opportunity that they need.

Herald Issue 608 21 March
- Terms of one China Policy document should be reviewed
- Pacific Media Assistance Scheme Seeks Innovation
- Successful NZ visit by PM
- Rerekura Teaurere New Climate Change Coordinator
- News Briefs