Willis lays down challenge
National’s new finance spokesperson, Nicola Willis, has signalled a government by her party will likely change the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy mandate.
“I want to look carefully at how our monetary policy settings are serving New Zealanders,” says Willis, who has taken on the portfolio from Simon Bridges following his announcement of March 15 to exit politics.
In other changes, Chris Bishop takes on housing and picks up Bridges’ infrastructure portfolio. He moves to number three in National’s rankings. Former deputy leader Shane Reti moves to number four and Paul Goldsmith jumps from 12 to five.
Willis, who is also the party’s deputy leader, says Finance Minister Grant Robertson has changed the central bank’s mandate to make it also responsible for ensuring maximum sustainable employment.
She wants to consider that and how this might have contributed to inflation. High government spending has also played a part, she opines, and “it’s important we get the balance of fiscal and monetary policy right”.
Willis, pictured, is National’s third female finance spokesperson after Ruth Richardson, who served as finance minister from 1990-93, and Amy Adams. She says women make up half the economy and often make big spending decisions in households. “I see every reason why it’s good having a woman in this role.”
Simeon Brown holds the transport portfolio for the opposition. In ranking order, here are some Nats in roles with links to the automotive industry: Matt Doocey – associate transport, Barbara Kuriger – biosecurity, Scott Simpson – associate transport, climate change and environment, Andrew Bayly – commerce and consumer affairs, Stuart Smith – energy and resources, Michael Woodhouse – ACC.
