Foreword  The policies in this National Party Manifesto are designed to build a strong New Zealand.  I want New Zealand to be strong again so we do not have to borrow to pay our way in the world. National's policies are designed to use the drive and talent of New Zealanders to provide opportunity and to create satisfying jobs that generate real wealth.  We are going to reduce the dominance of the State by selling State assets to the public. We want everyone to have a personal share in ownership. A key objective is to encourage personal responsibility. With National the day of a "Big Brother" state controlling our lives is gone.  Our Education Policy promotes bold change to provide New Zealand with a world class education system. Our young people deserve the best.  Our policy to remove the "super tax" is to return fairness to superannuitants.  We also propose tough laws to combat violence. We are determined to make the penalty fit the crime. There is no room any longer for soft options.  National's economic and social policies for rebuilding New Zealand will put opportunity and responsibility back into people's hands.  New Zealanders are independent people with boundless energy and enthusiasm, and National will see that they get a fair go. We will get New Zealand right.  Leader July 20,1987  A Blueprint for New Zealand's Revival.  Over the last decade the world economy has passed through an amazing transformation. That process continues. The wide ranging sweep of new technologies has profoundly affected every sector - and especially agriculture, manufacturing, financial services and commerce.  The costs and benefits of the changes have affected people in many ways. Some have lost their jobs for ever, some have been retrained, some people have benefitted enormously.  Economic growth and its benefits have fallen unevenly between people, between skills, between industries and between countries. New Zealand has been swept up in these international "megatrends."  Enhance Growth. As a small country we must depend on close ties of friendship and commitment to the Western world, to enhance our economic growth and prosperity.  National's policies for New Zealand will put the nation and its people fairly and squarely at the forefront of progress to the benefit of all.  Our economic policies recognise the real world around us and the need to change and adapt to a different economic environment even compared with three years ago.  Our manifesto for New Zealand towards the next century presents a network of integrated policies. The inter-relationship between each ensures that their combined relevance and influence is enhanced.  For example, our education policy will have significant benefits in employment, youth affairs, regional development, health and social welfare areas. At the same time, agriculture will benefit from economic policy, improvements in labour relations, education and youth training, trade and industry initiatives and research and development. Similarly employment, health, law and order will all receive much needed impetus.  National's Principles. The policies are built on the National Party's philosophical principles of individual freedom and personal responsibility. They recognise the value of private enterprise over all other forms of economic organisation.  National's policies put people first and create an environment where those with enterprise, initiative and innovation can prosper. Those in real need will be cared for. That is our main task in Government. That is our responsibility to our children and their future.  Pace of Change. As the world economy emerged from the economic recession of the early 1980's the National Government recognised that change was inevitable and it began a series of major policy changes to free up the New Zealand economy.  Transport was deregulated, Industry Study programmes enforced a drive for efficiency in manufacturing, Saturday shopping was established and Closer Economic Relations with Australia extended our traditional trading patterns.  Free Economy  The dismantling of export incentives and import licensing began in 1982 and structural freedoms were introduced in the financial sector. Voluntary unionism was introduced and agreement was reached on changes to the wage bargaining and industrial relations systems.  These policy directions were continued by the Labour Government, who claimed them as theirs.  Nevertheless the process of deregulation has continued and we will retain and build on those aspects of deregulation and policy which benefit New Zealanders.  Those aspects which are harmful will be removed, repealed or modified.  Our policies will replace style with substance. They will ensure that people are able to live in a free, prosperous and peaceful society where the needs of those who are disadvantaged or in genuine need are treated with compassion and fairness.  Our economic policies will serve people - not the other way around. The key objectives of National's policies will be to cut the size of the State and reduce government expenditure and with it the deficit. The deficit will be reduced in fact, not simply by changing the way of counting.  Encourage. The new National Government will not adopt a control or regulatory approach in dealing with the country's economic needs.  National will provide a climate where New Zealand's innovative energies are released, not clamp down on them as Labour did when it gave more power to the trade unions in 1985 and 1986.  We will not use controls or regulations on capital flows, interest rates or exchange rates. The NZ dollar will continue to float freely in the foreign exchange markets. The exchange rate will find its correct level with complementary fiscal and monetary policies.  State Role. We are committed to getting the State out of people's lives.  We will do this by eliminating functions now undertaken by Government which can be better done by private enterprise.  National will privatise Government's business enterprises and use the proceeds to repay public debt.  We will reduce people's dependency on the State by eliminating social welfare and accident compensation abuse. People in genuine need will receive adequate care.  We will ensure that State owned enterprises do not abuse their powers. Interest rates will be lowered by the Government's real deficit being lowered.  Growth. Growth will be restored in the economy by giving confidence to people in business - not just in Auckland and Wellington but in the country towns and provincial cities - by a series of integrated policies that generate work, investment and growth, rather than despondency and dependency.  Regional development programmes will bring people back into the workforce who should never have been forced from work.  Our guaranteed work scheme for those on the dole will increase economic activity throughout the whole country.  This will give productivity for a similar dollar cost, while restoring pride to people through their ability to contribute to the nation's welfare.  As pride is returned to the young, through their ability to take their rightful place in the workforce, so too will their responsibility towards their communities increase. This will help in improving the safety of New Zealand citizens.  We are committed to making our streets safe for young and old in every area of the nation.  It is a fundamental obligation upon every government to ensure that personal safety is not compromised by any action or lack of action by central government.  We will take seriously our responsibility to rebuild friendships with our longstanding allies in the Western world. The fragility of peace and international security even in the Pacific has been amply demonstrated in recent months.  New Zealand cannot isolate itself from the world nor should it attempt to do so. To put the nation at risk for party dogma is to abdicate the responsibility of government.  National will return New Zealand to its traditional alliances and friendships in the interests of national safety, and with the benefits of protecting trade which flows more easily between friends.  The Family and its Future  The National Party firmly recognises the family as the principal unit of society. National believes that the various symptoms of social decline can only be significantly and permanently reduced by focussing social policy on the strengthening of the family unit.  Regrettably in New Zealand today society in general and the family in particular are under constant pressure.  The behaviour patterns which are leading to our national decline are expressed in a breakdown of family life, an upsurge of criminal behaviour, a weakening of a sense of community and of concern for others, and an unwillingness amongst too many to accept individual responsibility for New Zealand's quality of life.  Children Many families are experiencing real problems bringing up their children. Some children are ending up on the streets. This cannot be allowed to continue.  Children are our greatest resource and anything we can do to better the home, from a child rearing point of view, is a direct investment in the nation's future.  We will promote family law and child protection legislation that recognises this and helps provide an environment for children free from abuse or violence both inside and outside the home.  Where children and young people offend against the law, greater parental responsibility, both for damage done and future discipline, will be provided for by law.  Welfare We are concerned at the alarming rate at which the Labour Government has made families increasingly dependent upon the State. We believe that the independent family unit is the strongest unit and recognise that New Zealanders wish to retain that independence.  Finances Our objective is to have all families  receiving salaries and wages that give them self-sufficiency.  However, we are keenly aware of difficulties faced by young families on low incomes. They will be helped by the abolition of GST on basic food, doctors' fees and local authority rates.  National will also reshape the present family support system to make its prime objective assistance to the low income family with dependent children. This will be better targetted towards the families most in need.  Learn Education for successful parenthood must begin from the earliest learning years. The inability of many adults today to succeed as parents often stems from inadequately learning family skills both at home and school.  To overcome this we will ensure that the education curriculum contains courses which emphasise successful parenting.  To improve communication skills between couples, parents and children, we will actively support 'communication programmes such as effective parenting. Community family support programmes will also be reviewed.  Employ The lack of coherent employment  policies under Labour has seen record unemployment and a drop in the total number of full time jobs available.  National's economic, employment and education policies are designed to increase the number of jobs and provide stronger linkages between school and work.  Housing We will introduce a realistic family home ownership scheme which will give families the opportunity to purchase their own homes.  National's housing policy will offer not only choice, but ensure the availability of finance at an affordable interest rate.  Health We will implement increased  immunisation programmes, bring the cost of a visit to the doctor within family means and place greater emphasis on improved health through the promotion of correct dietary and exercise programmes.  Monitor A special Cabinet Committee on Family Affairs will be established to monitor all new legislation and ascertain its effect on the family, promote policies to strengthen the family and provide an information gathering body to monitor trends in the nation as they affect the family.  Youth Under Labour eight government departments (excluding education, employment and social welfare) spent $33 million a year on young people. This expenditure is not coordinated,  Our youth initiatives are designed to develop self reliance, enterprise and responsibility in our young people. This will restore choice, incentive and opportunity.  Minister We will appoint a Minister of Youth  Issues who will be a member of Cabinet with responsibility for developing and promoting policies and programmes for young people.  A two level youth taskforce will be appointed. A departmental section will advise the Minister on all of the government youth policies and programmes, while the community section, made up of young people, will help monitor the impact of these programmes and initiate new policies,  Social The social environment determines how successfully young people can negotiate the transition from dependence to independence, and problems must be attacked at their source.  National will expand courses in schools which deal with alcohol, tobacco, drug and substance abuse, increase driver awareness and road safety courses in secondary schools, and develop programmes to assist parents in the sex education of their children.  Maori We must not forget our bicultural Affairs identity. Viewed the wrong way, with a concentration on negative images, both Maori and Pakeha could too easily take a step in the wrong direction. There are grievances to be resolved: some are real, some are more imagined than real. Nevertheless, there are some hard realities to be faced and solved together.  Maori and Pakeha are two people living within the one house. Whatever our respective roots, we are all descendants from the coming of the eight canoes, including Captain Cook's "Endeavour".  The National Party accepts, recognises and acknowledges generic tribal roots. Whereas for the Maori this means their tribal families, for the Pakeha it means family roots in the many countries from which they and their ancestors migrated.  Both Pakeha and Maori are now seeking to rediscover parenting skills. The Pakeha, by stressing the importance of the family unit, where individual freedom and responsibility can be achieved, based on the values and ideals established within the family.  Maoris are stressing the importance of the extended family of their tribes and placing an importance on Tu Tangata, Kohanga Reo and Matua Whangai.  Realities For Maoris, the land, mountains and rivers have special and sacred significance. For many Pakeha too, the land has a special meaning. Each group must recognise and resolve that land for the Maori tends to be a heritage for tribal owners to protect rather than harness. Many Pakeha, however, see the land as an asset to be developed for individual and collective good.  Tangata Whenua is a shared concept. Self development for both, given New Zealand's dominant agricultural base, remains rooted in the land, which surely provides ground for resolving outstanding grievances.  Self development for the Maori is best promoted through their tribes, with opportunity for individual self development being integral to the approach. For the Pakeha, it is best promoted through the individual and the family.  Proven We recognise the place of the marae and meeting house, dedicated to  applying proven, traditional values of Maoridom and to applying ongoing discoveries of human and technological resources, to address the problems and challenges of New Zealand.  We first introduced and will continue to recognise Tu Tangata, and its related programmes. We will expand these programmes to embrace opportunities lost to the Maori under Labour.  We welcome the Maori renaissance and the return to the strength of tribal identity and loyalty, qualities which have made Maori great settlers in this land, as well as traders and soldiers.  We will:  recognise the crucial and dominant strength of all Maori tribes in New Zealand reaching for their full potential and contributions of tribal and sub-tribal development, discipline and authority  move from a monocultural image to promote a positive Maori role and develop biculturalism in New Zealand  work towards eliminating outstanding grievances between Pakeha and Maori, recognising the standing of the Treaty of Waitangi and the passage of history since its signing in 1840  review the system of Maori tribal land ownership in consultation with all tribes, to realise the hopes of self development  recognise the tribal management systems that exist for utilisation of their lands, acknowledging that each generation holds land in trust for future generations  review the role of the Maori Affairs Department and other agencies of state affecting Maoridom  review, with Maori tribes, the criminal justice system as it relates to the Maori, and examine ways of recognising the responsibility and opportunity for non-violent offenders to be received into tribal hands for their rehabilitation.  accept the desire of many Pakehas and Maoris to learn the Maori language, with participation on a voluntary basis.  review coroners' powers with regard to Maori grieving and the tangi.  Housing National believes every New Zealand family should have the opportunity to own their own home. We will break the inflationary and high interest rate cycles which currently make it so difficult to save for a deposit and meet the regular payments on the family home. With National the economic environment will assist those prepared to work and save.  Housing Corp. The Housing Corporation's role should be confined strictly to assisting families and individuals unable to be otherwise housed. We will evaluate the Corporation's administration and the use of its resources and introduce decentralisation to better meet regional needs.  We will identify all government department houses which have been vacant for three months or more, and those not needed for departmental use in the immediate future will be pooled for Housing Corporation allocation or sale.  Those people with demonstrated needs for rental accommodation will be housed, and state housing lists reduced through:  state rental housing.  local government housing schemes.  subsidising interest rates on funds raised by recognised approved community-based organisations to provide rental accommodation, initially through pilot schemes.  Tenancies The state rental scheme is designed to accommodate families who cannot afford to pay market rates. Every tenancy will be reviewed regularly. In cases of obvious and demonstrated ability to pay market rates, adequate notice will be given so that house purchase options or alternative rental accommodation can be taken up in the private sector.  Tenants will be given the opportunity to purchase their rental home through the family home ownership scheme, if they are eligible.  Ownership National believes that borrowing and lending should be the responsibility of the private lending institutions, with the Housing Corporation providing an interest rate subsidy and/or secured mortgage guarantee of up to 90% of the purchase price of either new or existing properties.  Present eligibility criteria of income and asset levels, and the number of dependents, will continue. The interest subsidy will be reviewed three-yearly and adjusted where appropriate.  During this change loans can still be made directly for some families according to clearly denned criteria, who for various reasons are unable to use private sector borrowing options.  Private National believes the Residential Tenancies Act gives the State powers it should not have, and we will radically amend it to remove the State from the tenant/landlord relationship. We will provide for speedy resolution of disputes and fair, equitable treatment to both tenant and landlord.  Needs The special housing requirements of the elderly, the disadvantaged, and of particular minority groups will be considered as part of the overall housing policy.  Building To help the building industry develop Industry plans to assist in the task of housing New Zealanders National will:.  commission detailed demographic research.  convene a housing conference involving the building industry and other relevant groups to consider policy initiatives based on the research.  make available all reports to assist the industry to cater for the housing needs of New Zealand.  encourage research and development into technical innovation in building practices and the impact on costs of local body bylaws, with a view to lowering building costs.  Learning for Life.  New Zealand's education system is in a mess. Young people leave school, after years of learning, unable to read or write, count or communicate.  One third of students leave school without any educational qualification. Only 27% of young people go on to tertiary education, whilst in Europe, America and Asia the figure is closer to 75%.  A nation that fails its young is abandoning its long-term future.  National plans a world class standard of education. It will equip our young people with the knowledge, the spirit, the enthusiasm and the skills they need to make New Zealand thrive.  Parents will be allowed to choose education that will achieve these things for their children. Teaching will become an attractive career and the education system will be accountable for its performance.  An education commission will be established to assume responsibility for leadership and management in education at all levels.  We will abolish zoning and ensure at the early childhood and schooling stages that funding reflects the parents' choice. There can be no democracy or accountability in education if there is no choice.  A system will be established to monitor standards in basic school subjects to ensure accurate and objective indicators of the effectiveness of schools.  Awards A system of national awards at the 5th, 6th and 7th Forms will be developed. Performance will be assessed on an achievement-based system, with performance reported in marks deriving from a combination of external examination and internal assessment.  National will create a comprehensive new system of vocational education. Called the National Certificate, it will supersede all existing vocational qualifications and provide a clearer statement of achievement for both student and employer.  Contracts National will make teaching an attractive career, put all teachers in key positions on performance contracts, create a new category of lead teachers, and give management training to those promoted from the classroom.  All education institutions and the committees and students that they serve will be given greater responsibility for their own management.  Eligible National will give every young New Zealander an entitlement to tertiary education and training, whether they choose academic or professional, trade or technical skills. Accredited public and private sector education institutions will be eligible to receive the entitlement.  Opportunity and outcome in education will not be dictated by gender or race, by learning disabilities, or by geographical socio-economic circumstances.  National will capitalise on the educational potential of television and seek to schedule programmes ranging from parenting skills to vocational training.  Post- The overwhelming priority at tertiary School level is to boost radically the numbers taking part in tertiary education and training.  National will not continue the stupidity of paying young people to do nothing, or paying them twice as much on the dole as we pay for them to undertake post-school education and training. National's objective is to replace the unemployment benefit for all young people under the age of 18 with an education and training entitlement.  Where remedial or post-vocational training work is warranted young people will have access to a range of personal skill courses before the education and training entitlement begins to run. Personal skill courses may take the form of confidence building courses, outdoor education or limited services volunteer opportunities.  Job Where young unemployed people need Search skills to assist in job search techniques they will be provided.  Better Health, Better Care.  Access to quality health care is the fundamental right of every New Zealander.  This nation once had one of the highest standards of health care in the world. This is no longer the case. A large number of New Zealanders can no longer afford to visit the doctor, and there are lengthy waiting lists at most public hospitals.  The New Zealand public health system must be significantly improved. National will build a sound relationship between the Government and the many professional groups and organisations which make up the health system.  Prevent The policy of confrontation that is a hallmark of the present Government will be a thing of the past.  We will maintain the complementary private and public health service with increased emphasis placed on prevention through health education, and private provision of health service delivery.  While financial support for health services will rest primarily with the Government, the private and voluntary sectors will play a more active role in providing health care. National recognises that the private health care sector plays a valuable role in providing health services.  We will return our health system to the standard of excellence it once had.  Effective There will be cost effective management of New Zealand's health  services and encouragement to achieve the highest level of efficiency in our hospitals. This will give maximum value for every dollar spent on health care.  Public hospitals will establish a sound corporate structure so they are able to operate efficiently in a modem business environment.  Hospital boards and area health boards will be given more autonomy. Rigid industrial relations rules and other restrictive practices in hospitals will be abolished as part of National's reform of the industrial relations system. National will work to achieve more flexibility and co-operation between the private and public sector, as well as seeking coordinated development between the two sectors.  Reduce Waiting Opportunities will exist for private and voluntary agencies to provide services under contract to the State. This will reduce waiting lists and improve efficiency.  People who want to have private insurance should be encouraged to do so and the tax deductibility for comprehensive private health insurance will remain. We will abolish the tax on doctors' fees.  The family doctor will continue to be the cornerstone of our health care system. He or she must be adequately rewarded for their skill and hard work, free of bureaucratic control.  National will work with the pharmaceutical companies, the medical profession and the hospital sector to reduce the cost of providing pharmaceuticals to New Zealanders. Savings will be retained in the health vote and used to improve our health service.  Mental Health There is a need for major improvement in this area and one of the first tasks  will be to review psychiatric health care to better consider the interests of patients and their families.  So that important decisions in the area of new medical technology are not taken on an ad hoc or political basis, National will set up a New Technology Professional Advisory Group so that priorities and decisions are based upon professional advice.  The development of a national strategy to improve performance in occupational health and safety is necessary. Its objectives will be to build a better relationship between the ACC, the State and employers.  Nursing Nursing services are crucial to  effective health care and emphasis will be given to improving both initial training programmes and continuing education.  To promote nursing as a career National will restore the practice nurse subsidy and consider ways in which nurses might expand their roles in health promotion and prevention. The nursing profession will be involved in planning overall health care and a more comprehensive nursing service in the community.  We will review the level of financial support available to nursing students.  Children Conscious of the importance of family health in our society, improved health care services for children will include increased emphasis on immunisation programmes, education for motherhood and regular assessment of infants to detect any physical or mental disability as early as possible.  There will be emphasis on prevention, through expanded health education, aimed at improving children's health. We recognise the important role of the Plunket Society and will continue to support it.  Hepatitis B is one of the most serious diseases facing New Zealand children and carriers can face a shortened life expectancy and serious illness in later life. We will introduce an immunisation programme for all pre-school children.  Maori health is an area of special need. National believes children should not have their early years marred by chronic illness. Untreated health problems have a marked flow-on effect in education and social behaviour. Maori resources will be harnessed and regional programmes established to take services into the Maori community.  Preventive health measures are of particular relevance to the area of women's health. Regular examinations to allow early detection of cervical and breast cancers should become an established part of health care for all women.  The frail elderly will increase in numbers over the next 30 years and extra rest home, hospital and community care facilities will be needed to cater for them. We will allow elderly citizens more choice in their health and home based care, as well as allowing more opportunity amongst public, private and voluntary agencies to compete for providing services.  We will ensure that hospices are encouraged and adequately funded.  AIDS is potentially the most serious health problem New Zealand has ever  faced, and we must take all necessary steps to prevent its spread. National will undertake education and advertising programmes so all New Zealanders are made aware of how to protect themselves from this deadly disease. The amount of blood testing to identify AIDS must be considerably increased.  The most difficult decision in health expenditure is to strike the right balance between primary health care and hospital care. Both areas are of equal importance and we will achieve a closer relationship between the two.  Welfare In line with National's integrated  policy structure social welfare should be viewed with other policies in the social area including education, health, the family, justice, employment and youth.  The consistency and vital connections between these policies highlight the unified strength of National's directions for New Zealand.  Lost New Zealand led the world in meeting the challenge of social welfare but there is a growing feeling here, as in many countries, that the welfare system has lost its way. Under Labour the sound goals of social welfare have reached a point where equity and efficiency are threatened.  Many people consider that those receiving welfare payments are sometimes placed in an advantageous position compared with others who must rely largely on their own endeavours.  Help The key elements in our Social  Welfare policy involve community care and individual responsibility.  We will completely reappraise the social welfare system so that those genuinely in need are helped while the rest of the community - those whose abilities are not restricted -are encouraged to take responsibility for their own affairs.  New Zealand cannot afford the social or economic cost of mass dependency. Welfare payments must provide a road to self reliance and self sufficiency and not encourage continuing dependency.  Disabled We will work towards the fullest  possible rehabilitation and integration of disabled people into all aspects of community life. Families caring for handicapped members will continue to receive the financial and professional support so essential for this task.  We will introduce new criteria to the allowable earnings of permanently disabled people receiving benefits, recognising the additional work -related costs resulting from major disability.  The Personal and Property Rights legislation initiated under National and currently before Parliament will be quickly enacted and implemented.  DPB The increasing level of violence towards women and children is abhorrent, and we need to provide protection for those who live in danger of violence and abuse. In such cases, where families lose the support of the income earner and need is established, the DPB will continue to be available.  National will strengthen the law on the Liable Parent Contribution Scheme to provide a more realistic commitment from absent parents of children towards the cost of their upbringing,  The scheme's success relies on the recognition of individual responsibility, and unpaid contributions will, if necessary, be deducted from any future benefit or superannuation entitlements.  Entitlement to a Domestic Purposes Benefit in the case of a single (unmarried) parent will not be automatic and the needs of the family will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Where single parents are under 18, we will require those parents to look to their own parents for support before they turn to the State. Where there is no family alternative we will ensure the child or children of single parents are cared for, and will provide the necessary support.  Family Support We will review all family assistance measures to develop a system which  simplifies payments and better targets monetary benefits for families.  It is unnecessary to require the present tax and benefit system to compensate families for tax collected from them on basic foodstuffs, doctors' fees, and local body rates. National will abolish these taxes for all New Zealanders.  Work We will replace the unemployment benefit with positive alternative options which will encourage a more flexible approach to training and the development of personal skills, preparatory to employment.  This policy will be carried out through government departments, local authorities and community welfare organisations.  Anyone who declines to take part in an appropriate training programme or guaranteed work proposal will not receive financial support. Only where these options are not practical will an income tested benefit be provided.  School leavers will have a 13 week period before they are entitled to a job search allowance or related income assistance programme. In extreme circumstances where the programmes are inappropriate and social welfare assistance is justified, support will be available through the benefit system.  We will take a tough approach towards those who abuse the social welfare system to ensure that equity is preserved.  National Super We will abolish Labour's income test and surtax on superannuation as our first action in Government.  At the same time, to ensure that superannuation is available to all in future years, we will gradually raise the age of entitlement from 60 to 65. This process will commence in 1989 and will be phased in over 20 years.  Everyone currently entitled to superannuation will continue to receive it regardless of whether they earned income during their life. In the future those who do retire at 60 and have no other means of support will be entitled to a separate income tested retirement benefit until they qualify for National Superannuation.  ACC There is widespread public unease  about the present cost of the ACC. We will take positive steps to ease the financial burden on employers and the self employed.  The cost of non-work related accidents should not be the responsibility of employers or the self employed. Steps will be taken to implement this policy, and National will investigate how such costs should be funded.  Smaller Government, Greater Opportunities.  National's economic policy forms only one part of the network of integrated policies, each necessary for the revitalisation of New Zealand, The economic direction and its benefits have been referred to earlier.  The key objectives of our economic policies are to:  reduce the level of Government.  expenditure and with it the deficit.  reduce interest rates and inflation.  reduce State involvement in the economy.  reduce tax levels and restore incentives to achieve aggressively attack unemployment and its causes.  restore the climate for productive investment in New Zealand .  restore economic growth.  put growth and hope back into farming and into our provincial communities  Methods.  We will achieve these objectives by:.  repealing the 1986 Labour Relations.  Act and introducing far reaching labour market reforms.  cutting Government spending and eliminating functions of Government better done by the private sector.  privatising State owned businesses and using the funds to repay public debt.  abolishing gift and death duties to attract capital investment.  setting and meeting targets for genuine tax cuts.  implementing a tariff policy which gives efficient New Zealand industry and agriculture the ability to adjust and compete fairly with their overseas competitors.  building an education system which is relevant to the needs of the economy as well as the individual.  giving a prominent role to science and technology so that New Zealand industry and agriculture is at the cutting edge of world competition.  implementing a regional development policy to promote growth and employment.  opportunities, using local resources for the benefit of people in their regions.  liberalising immigration policy to rebuild our skills and the base of entrepreneurial people.  continuing to float the Kiwi dollar.  adjusting internal monetary and fiscal policies to maintain realistic exchange and interest rates.  National does not intend to regulate or control capital flows beyond the constraint that already exists on foreign investment, nor will we regulate or control interest rates.  The exchange rate will find its correct level with complementary fiscal and monetary policies. Tight monetary policies alone will lead to unrealistic exchange rates. Unless they are supported by a low public sector borrowing requirement, a shrinking government sector, and positive growth, exchange rates will be out of line for exporters.  Labour has achieved unrealistic exchange rates by its economic management. We will put them right.  Labour Reform Our industrial relations policy is far reaching and designed to bury the outdated "them and us" attitudes. There can be no winners in the resulting confrontation which has its roots in existing labour legislation.  Our policies will;.  restore voluntary unionism, removed by the Labour Government under pressure from the trade unions. Everybody will have the freedom to choose whether or not they belong to a union.  remove the monopoly powers of trade union bosses by giving employees the right to choose which union, if any, has the responsibility to negotiate on their behalf fundamentally change the wage bargaining system so it relates to the needs of the workplace, enterprise or industry. The national award system has little to offer a market economy introduce minimum codes of wages and conditions of employment, to ensure that neither employers nor unions abuse their responsibilities.  achieve sanctity of contract by giving employers and employee representatives the right to sue for breach of agreement .  provide for secret ballots when strikes are proposed.  encourage worker shareholding both as part of our privatisation programme and in the private sector generally.  revamp the conciliation and mediation services and encourage the competitive private provision of services.  encourage the provision of advisory.  services and information services by the private as well as the public sector  Privatise  Our policies on privatisation will not see State assets sold to pay for current consumption.  Labour's privatisation policies are an illusion. It is not their intention to pass either ownership or control to private persons, nor would the left wing of the Labour Caucus allow it. Labour's policy of selling minority interests to the general public without giving effective control amounts to no more than another form of government stock.  Our policy of privatisation will:  give full voting and participation rights to the shareholders.  privatise those business activities the State should not, and need not own  ensure that ownership of these activities is widely spread amongst New Zealanders, including employees of the particular enterprise.  take steps to ensure that ultimate control of strategic business enterprises, presently owned by the Government, is retained by New Zealand.  Offer to Sell National will totally privatise the Bank of New Zealand, the Development Finance Corporation, the Tourist Hotel Corporation, Petrocorp, State Insurance and the Government Life Office.  Further candidates for privatisation such as Air New Zealand, the Shipping Corporation, and a number of newly created SOE's, will be considered as the sharemarket can absorb the programme.  National will encourage competition with State owned enterprises and ensure that they are fully accountable to Parliament.  Fairness Taxation policies will promote economic efficiency, fairness between taxpayers, reward for effort, and genuine reductions in tax levels. These will be based on targetted reductions in Government's own spending and by reducing its role in the economy.  Tax rates are tumbling around the world. They must quickly do the same in New Zealand, given that the economy has become internationalised. New Zealand individuals and companies can now invest anywhere in the world, including in those countries where tax rates are lowest. We must at least match, and preferably better, tax rates in other countries.  Taxation policies therefore need to be seen as part of our "role-of-government" and "privatisation" policies.  Cuts Labour's policies have encouraged New Zealand business to invest abroad by making the business environment hostile in New Zealand. This must be remedied quickly if growth, investment in industry and agriculture, and more jobs are to be restored in this country.  Our tax policies will:  abolish death and gift duties.  remove indirect taxes on basic food, doctors' fees and local body rates.  abolish the surtax on national superannuation.  reduce personal and business tax rates significantly.  The tax reductions proposed will be funded by:.  cutting Government expenditure before tax rates are reduced.  eliminating functions of Government no longer needed in the state sector.  rapidly privatising the State's business enterprises.  National will not introduce a capital gains tax.  Energy Energy is essential in the production of all goods and services. As such it is the nation's strategic resource. With the exception of hydro-power, all the major conventional energy resources - oil, coal and gas-are non-renewable.  Conventional energy is expected to meet the bulk of world requirements in the next 20 years, but no New Zealander should be lulled into a false sense of security by the current relatively low cost of petroleum. Even at $US20 a barrel, it is still nine times dearer than it was in 1973. The task of replacing oil resources will become increasingly difficult and expensive.  Success New Zealand has greatly strengthened its energy position, particularly by the successful development of the gas-to-gasoline process at Motunui. We are now 60% self-sufficient in oil based fuels - up from 10% in the early 1980's.  As a result, New Zealand is saving almost $600 million in foreign exchange each year. Motunui this year made a profit of $137 million, of which $100 million was paid to the Government as a dividend.  In another oil crisis, the entire New Zealand petrol demand could, as a result of National's energy investment, be met by the output of Motunui, together with our oil and oil products refined at Marsden Point.  Question The Coal and Electricity Corporations are now a matter of fact, and it is not feasible to return their functions and powers to the Ministry of Energy. However, we question the wisdom of Labour's structural changes to these sectors when the principal result will be higher prices for the consumer.  New Zealanders should not have to pay twice for the assets of the Coal and Electricity Corporations.  Best Use Government's responsibility is to ensure the best use of the nation's energy resources in the overall national interest, and that the use and pricing of energy should have proper regard for the nation's overall energy strategy.  Realistic Charges We will review all statements of corporate intent to assure ourselves that plans laid by the corporations are in the best interests of New Zealanders, both as owners and users of the assets. We will restore effective accountability to Parliament and insist on realistic and reasonable charges to consumers where monopolies exist.  We will transfer assets to Electricorp at a price which will ensure that the cost of electricity will not have to rise to pay for the assets.  We will ensure that the return on the Government's investment in the corporations is commercially responsible, but does not become a form of disguised taxation.  Petrocorp Petrocorp was formed in 1978 by the National Government, to ensure that New Zealand's on and off-shore oil and gas resources are developed for all New Zealanders. Now one of the»nation's top 10 companies, 85% of its shares are currently held by Government, National will completely privatise Petrocorp.  National believes the question of the scope and size of the additional facilities required for Maui development must be decided urgently.  Nuclear power has no place in New Zealand's energy planning and development process.  Petrol We will maintain a national pricing system in the distribution and wholesaling of motor spirits.  We believe the present system of ownership of motor spirit retailing outlets should be left in the hands of New Zealand businesses as at present.  Mining As a result of improved technology,  management and a changing mineral market, mining is again in a position to enhance the nation's economic performance.  New Zealand has 6 billion tonnes of coal reserves and 800 million tonnes of ironsand. The gold mining industry has the ability to export up to $100 million worth of gold a year.  We will ensure that planning legislation relating to mining continues opportunities for the views of local people on environmental matters to be heard. Our tax policy will recognise and treat with equity the unique circumstances facing mining exploration and exploitation.  Rebuilding Jobs, Restoring Pride  In the last three years Labour has pushed unemployment to its highest ever level. Nearly 120,000 people are looking for work - the equivalent of the fulltime workforce of Christchurch being out of jobs. This figure is the same as all full-time workers in Palmerston North, Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, Hastings and New Plymouth being out of jobs.  The 1987 Budget acknowledged that unemployed beneficiaries will rise by a further 23%.  A further 160,000 New Zealanders have left the country permanently, giving a net loss through migration of 40,000.  In the last 18 months, the number of permanent jobs in our economy has fallen by 38,000.  Only 17,000 people are receiving employment assistance through the ACCESS programme, and Labour initiated changes to the scheme will see this number cut by one third.  Our employment objectives are to:.  achieve growth in the productive sectors of the economy to provide the fullest possible employment.  reduce the dependence of individuals upon the State and encourage economic self-sufficiency.  provide people without marketable skills the ability to gain them recognise that many community and voluntary groups undertake work of considerable importance to employment.  increase the self respect and dignity of those who are unemployed.  integrate training programmes to provide effective links between schools, public and private training programmes, and the labour market.  Positive We are determined to re-allocate the $100(\million currently spent on unemployment benefit and ACCESS programmes, to positive alternatives to the dole. This is the only way second generation unemployment can be avoided and the work ethic retained in our society.  Our three year post-secondary training entitlement will substantially redirect training into technical institutes, teachers' colleges, universities, national certificate courses, approved work places and community training programmes.  The defeatist nature of the unemployment benefit is an indignity to those unemployed through no fault of their own. There are "hidden" economic and social costs with unemployment -and research has documented the links between unemployment and crime, drugs, alcohol problems, physical and mental ill-health, and even suicide, and family break-up.  Options We will offer every unemployed  person either a job or employment-related training.  People not undertaking tertiary education or training entitlements, but who seek community support, will still register as unemployed with the Department of Labour and be assessed initially by a vocational guidance "counsellor.  Job Search They will then begin an independent search for unsubsidised employment. Those not finding work in 8 weeks but who are receiving a job search allowance from the Department, will then enter the Job search training phase which will help unemployed people towards gaining unsubsidised employment. If, after between 8 and 12 weeks a job has still not been found, then a number of options open including:.  tertiary education and training community training.  access to private sector subsidised employment.  personal skills courses ~ outdoor pursuits, limited service volunteers  community work (community enterprise scheme CES).  Training Community training will be available to those who register as unemployed, but who may not be eligible to take up a training or other entitlement.  It will have a sizeable private sector component, featuring "hands-on" practical experience in the workplace, and theoretical lessons where necessary.  We will encourage the private sector to employ people registered as unemployed with a flexible level of incentive, according to regional needs and requirements.  Enterprise For those who choose not to enter one of the above alternatives a wide range of community work options will be available. Community work is particularly relevant in those areas hardest hit by unemployment such as Northland, East Cape and Hawkes Bay.  Regions will be individually assessed and no finite time limit will be put upon the schemes.  Volunteers The Limited Service Volunteers Course for the Armed Services, introduced by the National Government, will be expanded from the current level of 200 people to approximately 1,000 at any one time.  Where pre-vocational or remedial training is warranted, we will use the resources of the private sector, as it is proven that pursuit courses can give many young people the personal confidence they may lack.  Regions Regional development suspensory loans will be introduced of up to $20,000 for every additional job provided for an unemployed person in a prescribed regional development area.  The loans will be funded by capitalising the unemployment benefit and related outlays, and will be written off when the new job has been in existence for two years.  Special depreciation allowances will be granted for investment in productive plant and equipment in these areas. Regional Development Investigation grants will be retained.  We will restructure Regional Development Councils and give them the resources to better service the needs of provincial small businesses, and make available professional, financial and marketing advice, so that regional enterprises can compete in the wider marketplace.  Migration We are most concerned at the net loss to New Zealand of 40,000 people leaving as a result of Labour's economic policies. New Zealand's present policy on immigration is designed to encourage the entry of people whose skills are in demand in New Zealand.  We believe that the nation would benefit from the Australian experience where the value and richness of immigration from a number of countries with different cultures has been amply demonstrated. New Zealand's economic performance would also benefit from the injection of new skills, entrepreneurial, technical and professional abilities, and the ideas brought to the country by new migrants.  Liberalise We will review and liberalise immigration policies because:.  critical skills have been lost in the past three years.  regional development and overall economic growth can be helped by encouraging migrants, who meet specific criteria, to settle in key regional areas.  we need to rebuild regional population, economies and skills Regional development is inextricably tied to population, and our policies will ensure a positive impact from immigration into regional development areas.  Regions Criteria will be set for key regions in the North and South Islands that will benefit from the skills the migrants will bring as well as personal capital for the establishment of businesses, which will in turn create additional job opportunities.  For all these reasons immigration will tend to focus on European, North American and ASEAN residents and their families. This policy will not be open ended. If necessary, quotas by country will be set and existing quota arrangements for Pacific Islanders will be retained.  Small Business Small business accounts for more than half of New Zealand's total employment and is an integral and dynamic part of every sector of economic activity. Small business is big business. In this sector lies the free enterprise, entrepreneurial spirit of risk takers - the people prepared to "give it a go".  Our economic policies will create an environment for small business to flourish and for the enthusiasm and enterprise of its operators and investors to be rewarded. Our policies will lower inflation, interest rates and input costs.  The size of Government and the resulting taxation burden will be lowered; the monopoly privileges of trade unions will be curtailed and there will be changes in wage bargaining and industrial relations machinery so that restrictive practices are eliminated and wage growth is tied to improvements in productivity.  The emerging workforce will be better educated and better trained to quickly become productive as employees.  Industry The National Party considers that the manufacturing industry is fundamental to a strong, sophisticated economy which can employ the full cross-section of the workforce and contribute to export expansion. There is an urgent need to restore confidence between industry and Government, and to encourage sound forward planning. Our policy supports:  export market development assistance.  encouragement to adopt new technology and consideration of an "offset policy".  Government endorsed "Buy New Zealand" campaign to foster domestic manufacturing.  urgent attention to the issue of bounties in CER with Australia.  revised business tax regime to encourage investment.  revised and updated Government purchasing policies.  Tariffs National has no intention of allowing tariffs or other forms of protection to prop up inefficient New Zealand industry. Nor will National allow internationally efficient and competitive New Zealand industry or agriculture to go to the wall because of dumping or unfair foreign competition.  National's policies on tariffs and protection will:.  rapidly complete the abolition of import licensing it started before the change of Government.  move to a tariff-based system with low levels of duty but which allows internationally efficient New Zealand industries to adjust and compete. National does not support needs-based tariffs. Tariff levels will be set over time to encourage increasing efficiency.  reduce or remove protection should sectors protected by tariffs abuse their position in the marketplace.  Sectors subject to industry plans will be dealt with in a structured and orderly manner and the most vulnerable industries will be encouraged to move into more competitive areas of production.  Research National is determined that the malaise in science and technology policy will not continue. National will offer a new strategy for harnessing technological advances for the benefit of New Zealand industry and agriculture, forestry and fishing.  The key features of National's science and technology policy are:.  stable funding for long term and strategic research.  The commercialisation of science agencies will not be allowed to undermine this commitment.  the establishment of collaborative industry-wide and firm-by-firm research, funded jointly through appropriate research associations.  the establishment of a New Zealand Science and Technology Council which would allocate funds made available for long term and strategic research on a regular, competitive, peer-review basis.  to introduce depreciation incentives to encourage in-house research and development.  a review of patent law.  Tourism Tourism and travel is the biggest industry in the world, with international visitor movements of around 500 million a year. New Zealand can gain an increasing share of these gigantic numbers because of our major attractions of spectacular natural beauty and friendly people.  The industry must develop an effective, investment and marketing strategy to increase the number of overseas visitors and the length of their stay.  The most profitable market segments will be identified and exploited.  Quality We will build an economic environment conducive to investment and the promotion of high quality tourism products. We will encourage New Zealanders to spend their holidays in New Zealand.  The role of Government in tourism is to provide a sound and efficient framework in which the industry can operate and to provide the infrastructure - the airports, roads, ^railway system and access to public lands.  In the marketing of New Zealand tourism there is a role for both Government and the private sector. We will continue the export market development taxation incentive for marketing and promotional efforts designed to increase the sale of New Zealand products and services.  In tourism, investment strategies must be sufficiently flexible to respond to the changes in traveller demand, while at all times giving careful consideration to the New Zealand environment.  The hospitality industry is labour, service and job intensive. We believe that both the national and industry capacity to pay must be recognised. Our proposed changes to the wage bargaining system, and the flexibility they will give, will benefit the tourism industry.  We will work with the New Zealand Tourist Industry Federation in jointly supporting the human resource development unit which will meet industry needs in education and training programmes for staff.  Jobs One job is created somewhere in the economy for every eight overseas visitors. Tourism already provides 90,000 jobs and it is expected that in the medium to long term the number of visitors will increase by between 5 and 7% a year.  Because of this growth, we expect the increase in employment opportunities to be spread throughout New Zealand. It is an important part of regional development in this country.  Planning. It currently takes up to six years to plan and build an accommodation complex. We will carefully review all town planning and related regulations to eliminate unreasonable delays.  New Zealand's relatively unspoiled natural environment is a vital asset to the tourism industry, and care will be taken so that tourist developments are in harmony with our natural values.  Agriculture and the Rural Economy  The agricultural sector represents the nation's greatest capital asset and most internationally acknowledged expertise. Agriculture will benefit from:  economic policy which will reduce inflation, lower interest rates and achieve more acceptable exchange rates.  freeing up of the labour market to allow cost effective production, processing and distribution.  education and youth training policies for a more skilled workforce and, through increasing employment, lowering the burden of funding welfare.  removal of unwarranted protection through trade and industry policy.  research and technology policies making technological development available to agriculture and its processing arms.  The combined effect of these initiatives will enable the New Zealand rural economy to stand on its own feet and regain profitability, economic strength, independence and pride.  Our policies will:  recognise the need for a profitable rural community and service sector and the vital role of the family farm.  create a flexible, dynamic rural sector capable of responding to changing world product demands.  acknowledge that farmers cannot pass on excessive production costs  We will be a strong advocate for agricultural trade liberalisation in GATT and other world forums, and we will aggressively negotiate with other countries to improve access for our products.  Farm Crisis Labour's policies and economic management have destroyed the equity and viability of many farmers and rural service industries. We will restore long term confidence in farming and maintain our strong commitment to the rural sector.  We will:  enable the Rural Bank to meet the rural debt crisis in a more flexible manner.  require the bank to take a longer timeframe in assessing individual viability and give more recognition to off-farm income.  let existing ballot farmers restructure their debt like other Rural Bank clients.  review the capital and management of the bank to meet the needs of the farming industry.  Settlement National will:.  introduce a "Farmstart" scheme to help people onto their first farm with loans up to the existing "Homestart" limit.  reinstate land settlement by ballot on Landcorp property.  implement other measures to settle and restructure farms.  We recognise the role and contribution of rural women in agriculture, as farmers and entrepreneurs in their own right as well as partners. We recognise the importance of strong rural communities and the interdependence of town and country people.  We will:  ensure rural people have access to a proper level of police, education, health, school transport, mail and telephone services.  amend the Town and Country Planning Act to remove barriers to rural subdivision and land use.  not allow New Zealand farmland to be sold to foreign interests except as existing law provides.  fit reform Labour's Livestock Taxation Scheme, to make it more simple and more flexible. Farmers will not be required to pay tax on unrealised profits.  abolish gift and death duties.  make development expenditure deductible over three years.  Wool Aggressive and sustained marketing is essential to provide growth in export earnings.  Farmers must regain their confidence in wool production which next season is forecast to be the lowest for nine years. To compete with new generation synthetics the wool industry must use the latest technology for further processing of woollen products.  We expect the Wool Board to play a major leadership role in the industry and National will provide support for its activities.  Dairy We believe the dairy industry, through the Dairy Board, should be independent in price setting policies. Government guarantees of Board borrowing for self-funding price smoothing schemes will continue to be available if required.  We support the retention of the home delivery system of fresh milk. The town milk industry must maintain efficient and profitable production and distribution systems to meet consumer needs.  Meat We will encourage the further development of a meat industry based on competitive enterprise, marketing a wide range of products internationally. The Meat Producers Board has an important role to play in this. There is an urgent need to improve the efficiency of the meat industry, particularly in freezing works, waterfront and shipping so that our meat products can compete in a changing world market.  We are committed to giving producers the option of livestock exports without restriction, providing animal welfare standards are met.  Fruit New horticultural products and industries here are being matched by expansion in other competing countries and we need sophisticated marketing programmes to retain our markets.  The Apple and Pear Marketing Board is one of New Zealand's most successful exporters, and we support the current local and export market practices. Effective quarantine standards will be maintained to safeguard our horticultural industry from pests and diseases.  Arable The arable industry is in a critical condition, with world prices artificially low because of massive European and American subsidies for grain producers. National will:  immediately negotiate with Australia, so that current wheat imports have no unfair advantage.  The policy will ensure unfair or subsidised imports are tracked, on a "shoot first, ask questions later" basis.  greatly strengthen anti-dumping.  measures against subsidised imports.  eliminate tariffs on significant farm inputs.  We recognise the importance of new lifestock farming including deer, goats, and other fur and fibre-bearing animals. These sectors will be encouraged through a climate of certainty in tax laws.  We will encourage research by the industry into production, processing and marketing of the wide range of products possible from these animals.  We believe that irrigation of dry land areas can lead to a great range of land uses, diversifying regional economies and providing opportunities for new industries.  Local jobs There is an urgent need to restore regional employment in many country towns and provincial cities. This will be encouraged by the Regional Development programme and through the benefits of our innovative immigration policy.  The community-based guaranteed work schemes will have a large role to play in restoring productive activity to the regions. As confidence and profit returns to the agricultural industry, so too will demand for the goods and services of the many small businesses and contractors so essential to the economic and social fabric of our rural communities.  Fishing National will ensure that New Zealand fisheries are managed as a renewable resource for the benefit of all New Zealanders. Social and recreational needs, and the development of commercial fisheries, must be balanced against the need to protect fish stocks.  Our positive fishing policy will enable the industry to achieve billion dollar status by the early 1990's.  In managing New Zealand's fisheries for the benefit of all New Zealanders, we will ensure that:  proper provision is made for the cultural and recreational needs of New Zealanders.  commercial fisheries are allocated to make the maximum possible contribution to regional development.  there is a substantial place for locally based owner-operator, small crew operations in inshore fisheries.  the fishing industry adequately supplies the total market.  New Zealand owned and crewed vessels take over the bulk of fishing in our 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone.  a proportion of future allocations.  extending the Total Allowable Catch (T.A.C.) is used to enable young New Zealanders to enter the fishing industry on an ownership basis.  Manage National will manage our commercial fisheries on the basis of a partnership between the Government and participants in the fisheries. As fisheries are a fully user-pays industry, the user must have the substantial say.  We will establish a partnership decision-making body with at least equal representation from outside Government.  National is totally opposed to the compulsory unionisation of the fishing industry and will return freedom of choice to the fishing industry, as to the whole workforce.  Both the fledgling salmon fanning industry and acclimatised salmon are important and we will invoke substantial penalties against those commercial fishermen proven to be targetting for salmon. We will review the levy payable on trawl-caught salmon to acclimatisation societies and salmon farmers, to further discourage catching by commercial fishermen.  Maori Rights We accept that traditional Maori fishing rights must be recognised. We will respond sensitively to recommendations by the Waitangi Tribunal and will consult with tribal authorities on each recommendation.  National shares the widespread concern regarding the depleted state of fish stocks in important recreational fishing areas such as the Hauraki Gulf, and will ensure they are protected.  Freedom, Law and Justice  The cornerstone of our democracy is personal and community law and order. National shares the concern of law-abiding New Zealanders at the rising crime rate and erosion of the values we hold so dear.  We pledge to return law and order to our land.  No New Zealander should be afraid to walk the streets of their towns and cities or be afraid in their own home. No New Zealander should be afraid of others who terrify decent people.  We are not afraid to do something about it.  Enforce We will give the police the manpower and resources to combat the soaring crime rate. We will meet any reasonable request from the police for equipment and the legal powers they need to do the job that we expect.  Community Constables will play an ever increasing role in our community and undercover policemen will have no fear of being named in public.  Bail will be refused if there is any chance of witnesses being intimidated. Electronic surveillance will be used against hard drug dealers - their evil trade must be stamped out.  Punish We will ensure that the punishment fits the crime. Criminals must know that they will not get off with token penalties. Rapists will face up to 20 years in jail. Anyone who attacks a law enforcement officer will face increasingly stiff penalties. The Courts will be left in no doubt that this is the wish of Parliament and the people.  In cases where life imprisonment is imposed for murder, the Courts will be given the power to set the period of imprisonment that must be served by an offender before parole will be considered. The time such offenders remain behind bars will be increased considerably.  Our prison system will be overhauled, Prisons must act as a real deterrent to violent criminals. Remission of sentence will not be easily obtained but must be earned by the prisoner.  To clearly establish the wish of the people we will hold a referendum on the question of extending capital punishment, which currently exists for treason, to include the more brutal cases of murder.  Gangs We believe the time has come to deal with the gang problem. Those gangs and their members involved in criminal activity will be brought to justice. The High Court will be able to authorise warrants to carry out electronic surveillance on gangs. Gang fortresses will be dismantled and tougher laws regarding bail and consorting will be introduced.  We will protect the forgotten victim. Courts will be required to take into account how seriously the victim of any crime suffered before sentencing the criminal, and victims will be compensated from a special fund.  Juvenile Youth offending is one of the most worrying aspects of the rising crime rate. Too often this is because parents do not take their responsibilities seriously enough.  The young offenders will be made more responsible for their actions, and parents will be made to undertake counselling and training on how to control their delinquent children.  Parents will be made financially accountable and will be required to attend court when their children face charges.  Work-skill related detention centres will be established for frequent young offenders, and Community Constables will liaise with schools. National will legislate to control the sale and abuse of chemical solvents.  A Better Society  Local Govt National will build a stronger and more effective partnership between central and local government. The consolidation of the county and municipal associations into one local government grouping presents a unique opportunity for co-operation.  An immediate priority is to discuss a more equitable means of financing local government and regional projects. We will abolish GST on local body rates.  We are opposed to forced amalgamations and will return to democratic principles and local government by:.  abolishing the Local Government.  Commission and its centralised powers.  repealing "Labour's undemocratic polling provision enacted in 1986.  setting up systems between central and local government to process proposals which will improve services to residents and ratepayers.  Restore Rights We will restore the voting rights of non-resident property owners which were removed in 1986. National will abolish mandatory provision for wards in cities where the population exceeds 70,000.  Where United Councils are considered to be superfluous by council members and their constituents, they will be capable of being dissolved.  Local governments will be encouraged to cease using ratepayers' funds to provide commercial services that can be better provided by the private sector.  Fire Service We are committed to the provision of an effective Fire Service for the protection of life and property. We recognise the unique contribution of the Voluntary Brigades and will continue to encourage this important sector of the service.  Civil Defence Every year New Zealanders are forcefully reminded of the potential in their country for natural disasters such as flood and earthquake. There is a strong acceptance of the need for a civil defence system based on the concept of shared responsibility between central, regional and local government.  Considerable progress has been made by the majority of local authorities in civil defence preparedness, and we will encourage the remaining local authorities to accept their responsibilities.  We will continue to promote civil defence awareness amongst the public and, in particular, the responsibilities that each citizen must accept. We will require the new state owned enterprises to be responsible for an operational civil defence plan similar to those of state departments.  Chatham Islands We recognise the importance of the Chatham Islands to the New Zealand economy and believe that the quality of life on the Chathams will best be maintained by the encouragement of local resource developments such as fishing, farming and tourism, etc. We have always supported the Chatham Islanders and will continue to do so.  Lottery Board The Lottery Board plays an important role financially in assisting countless organisations. We will, however, continue to review the aims and objectives of the individual distribution committees so that groups or organisations representing real need, and based on the family unit, are accorded first priority.  We will expect a greater accountability for the use of funds. We will closely monitor the effectiveness of the Lotteries Commission, particularly in relation to the game of Lotto.  Censorship Review Increasing public attention is being given to the decisions of the film censor. We will review the Films Act paying particular attention to the criteria defining what is "likely or not to be injurious to the public good".  We will also review the question of censorship as it applies to the Indecent Publications Act, Video Recordings Act and the Broadcasting Act.  National believes there is no place within our society for violent and pornographic videos. Recognising the need to examine all aspects of pornography and its destructive influences we will implement a Commission of Inquiry into Pornography.  Celebration New Zealand will commemorate its 150th year in 1990. National will fund the various projects which will be a feature of that celebration. We will encourage every citizen to recognise 1990 as a year of special national pride and endeavour and to participate in some productive and fulfilling manner in the celebrations.  Transport Our aim is a transport system of maximum efficiency and service at a minimum cost.  We recognise the responsibility to provide central government support for total urban passenger networks, with priorities established by local and regional councils. We will consult with them regarding capital, operating, service and road safety needs to provide consumers and communities with the most cost effective service.  Road Safety New Zealand has one of the world's worst road death and road accident rates, and sadly the last three years have been the worst in our history. We will immediately review the merits of coordinating the resources of the police and traffic enforcement agencies.  Road safety education programmes will be extended in schools. Criteria for the allocation of funds for road safety engineering will be reviewed, and priorities allocated for reducing road safety hazards.  Drunken Driving More severe penalties will be introduced for drunken driving.  The Courts will be given the option of ordering the confiscation of the offender's vehicle.  Ports For New Zealand to expand as an export nation we must have cost effective transport services. We will ensure that competition and reform of waterfront practices reduce wharf handling costs. Much remains to be achieved in the waterfront industry and we will make its reform a major goal.  Railways Railways Corporation still has a key role to play in the development of New Zealand, and remains the most economic option for high volume, long distance freight. We will improve its performance by:.  giving Railways the same statutory independence as Air New Zealand, to function as a fully commercial operation.  encouraging adoption of new technology, and evaluating this alongside an appropriate time scale.  retraining workers with adequate notice and establishing fairer, more productive industrial relations.  encouraging the development of new rail services, taking advantage of opportunities from new technology and the growth of tourism.  co-operating with the Railways to renegotiate the terms of employment of Cook Strait ferry crews to eliminate the current high costs of transporting them to work.  National will promote competitive transportation on inter-island routes.  Civil Aviation Our priorities are maximum safety and efficiency, freedom from unnecessary restrictions and diversity of service. The best way to secure the greatest advantages for the aviation consumer, whether traveller or freight mover, such as minimum charges, maximum services and effective resource use is through fair competition.  Air travel is essential to tourism. We will ensure that Air New Zealand maintains its competitiveness against international airlines, and that internal air services are competitive and cost efficient.  We will work with Air New Zealand in its bid to gain access to Australian domestic routes by the application of CER principles.  In future. National will only permit competition on New Zealand routes by foreign companies if reciprocal rights are granted in the country of the competitor.  National will also ensure that landing and competitive rights for foreign  carriers are matched with reciprocal rights where these are economic.  Airports Airport authorities should have the benefit of choice about future financial and management structures.  Environment Many New Zealanders are not fully conscious of our rich cultural and historic heritage. We support the programmes and activities of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in seeking to increase this awareness, and encourage its work in preserving European and Maori buildings and archaeological and traditional sites for future generations.  The national walkway system is a vital asset and we will not allow it to deteriorate.  Natural heritage The management of our environment and natural resources are key issues facing us as we move towards the next century. As New Zealanders, we are blessed with a country rich in natural delights and unique splendour. The task is to work for the conservation of our heritage, while at the same time extracting benefits from our natural resources such as gas fields, ironsands, timber and pastures.  We will ensure economic growth as well as environmental protection. We must achieve this for ourselves, and for future generations. Administration of the environment will allow for a proper balancing of values and maximum public participation.  It is important that our environmental policies are viewed in conjunction with our other policies on the economy, agriculture, trade, employment, tourism and energy. These areas are interdependent.  We propose all protected lands be brought under reserve categories (appropriately amended) in the National Parks or Reserves Acts.  Nature Trust These lands would then be administered by a Nature Conservancy Trust, with public participation, as practised under the National Parks and Wildlife Acts.  Half the Board of Trustees will be elected by Trust members and half will be appointed by the Government, to ensure that all interests currently on the National Parks Authority are represented.  User-pays Growing recreational and tourist use of our protected lands brings increasing costs. It is only fair that users should contribute to the costs of meeting the demand for new development. But user-pays must be accompanied by user-says. The Trust will allow public participation in running the system and direct accountability to those who use and enjoy these lands.  Benefits Any New Zealander or overseas visitor will be able to join the Trust by paying an annual subscription. The subscription would give significant benefits to those using the Trust's paying facilities, as well as voting rights for resident New Zealand members.  Lands administered by the Trust would remain in Crown ownership and access to them would be free of charge. Only the facilities and services provided to enhance their use should properly be charged for.  Environmental research, wild animal and pest control, law enforcement and surveys (ie the Protected Natural Areas Programme) are properly the Government's responsibility, while providing carparks, interpretation centres and other expensive public facilities clearly lend themselves to cost recovery.  We will consult widely to take proper account of all interest groups, so that valuable expertise is put to best use.  Value Our parks and reserves system does not include all land which potentially deserves protection. Equally, some lands in Crown ownership have not been identified as having special values worthy of protection.  There is an urgent need to rationalise the Crown's estate, particularly in respect of areas of outstanding natural values presently in private or Maori ownership.  We oppose the compulsory acquisition of private land for service purposes. We will establish a Land Bank managed by the Nature Conservancy Trust. Land from the Land Bank could be swapped for privately owned land which is sought for protection. Alternatively, land of no special value could be sold to generate a capital fund for the purchase or leasing of land in private ownership. This would always be done on a mutually agreed basis.  The Trust would determine policies for the use of the Land Bank and its capital fund, but any proposed sale of Crown land would need the consent of the Minister for Conservation and the Governor-General.  Advisor In our view the Ministry for the Environment should be an advisor to the Government, providing advice on non-market values in much the same way as the "Treasury provides the Government with commercial advice.  We recognise the fundamental importance of resource allocation legislation. The procedures whereby Government allocates rights to use land, water, minerals and other resources are currently under review. Reforms must meet the need for full public participation with procedural efficiency.  Sound and sustainable environmental practices must be encouraged, but they must also allow for multiple resource use where justified,  South Westland National shares the widely-held concern for the fate of the lowland forests of South Westland. We will give permanent protection to all forest lands in Crown ownership south of the Cook River. Whilst existing low-impact activities will continue, the forest will not be opened to logging.  Sport New Zealand has a worldwide reputation for excellence in both team and individual sports, and these achievements contribute to our national pride as well as our international image. Sport begins with our children and we believe that the physical health and well being of our young people is a vital contributor to the social and economic prosperity of the nation.  We will establish an Institute of Sport that provides a focal reference for young sports people in New Zealand. The aim will be to develop the individual potential of promising young sports people and provide them with ready access to superior coaching skills.  We will also review the critical needs of youth recreation to educate our young people to constructively use their leisure time.  Arts The cultural life of the nation is crucial in any civilised society, and clearly, the responsibility for funding the arts is shared between the public and private sectors. A proper debate is needed to clarify these roles.  National will require the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council to prepare, urgently, a report on the future of the arts in New Zealand for the medium term. The grandiose and ill-judged Arts 2000 Forum has, despite the extraordinary circumstances under which it was held, shown there is a wide reservoir of expertise in the arts on which future planning must draw.  National's view is that an increasing share of arts funding should come from the private sector; but first the public sector's contribution has to be placed on a more realistic basis.  Over the last three years, Arts Council funding has fallen substantially in real terms. With this in mind National will:.  re-affirm the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council as the appropriate body to distribute government money for the arts.  augment existing Arts Council funding, on the basis of the success of the arts in attracting additional private sector sponsorship, up to a maximum of $6 million.  review the basis on which government grants to the Arts Council are made to allow some measure of forward planning.  transfer to the Arts Council the administration of the New Zealand Literary Fund and its funding allocation.  Film National believes that the film industry is best developed by the private sector. Currently, the tax treatment of expenditure incurred in producing films acts as a disincentive to private investors. National will amend legislation to enable film expenditure to be written off as it is incurred.  The New Zealand Film Commission will be maintained to provide for those developmental and training requirements of the film industry not undertaken by the private sector.  NZSO National's Broadcasting Policy has announced a complete re-structuring of the shape of public broadcasting in New Zealand. It is proposed, as part of this reform, to set up the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as a separate entity.  The NZSO is the single most important arts institution in New Zealand. It is certainly the most deeply rooted and generates considerable commercial revenue. It would not be appropriate to place it under the umbrella of the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council. Its permanence in the cultural setting of this country demands an independent, properly maintained structure.  We propose that the orchestra be administered by a board of trustees. A vote allocation equivalent to the present cost of the orchestra to the BCNZ will be made on a basis which provides some medium-term stability of funding.  Donations There is little incentive for individuals to patronise the arts in this country, whereas public companies are able to deduct the cost of sponsoring cultural events as part of their promotional budgets. Currently, a $200 rebate is available for donations by individuals to cultural and philanthropic organisations. National will allow individual deductibility of donations to  cultural organisations up to an annual maximum of $2,000.  Copyright Artists in the performing arts are dependent on copyright laws to earn a living from their labours. Modern technology, such as cassette and video tapes, have dramatically increased the opportunity for avoiding the payment of royalties. National will review copyright laws relating to cassettes and video tapes to remedy a clear failing to protect artists' rights.  Radio/TV There have been dramatic changes in telecommunications through technological advances and these will continue. The development of information services will offer unlimited opportunities in which broadcasters must participate on a competitive basis if New Zealand broadcasting is to benefit.  We do not believe it is in the interests of New Zealand for private or public monopolies to exist in broadcasting.  Broadcasting policy is based upon the objectives of competition and freedom of choice, and recognises social requirements to create a structure that will maintain a New Zealand identity. To achieve this we will:.  introduce non-commercial television to New Zealand and increase educational and cultural programming.  sell one of the two public television channels and the State commercial radio stations, while taking into account the social needs and objectives of the regions.  dismantle the existing board of the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand and establish separate identities for the non-commercial activities of Radio NZ and TVNZ, each with their own board and chief executive.  allow the reconstructed Radio NZ and TVNZ to participate in joint ventures, providing they are of a broadcasting nature.  restructure the Broadcasting Tribunal to accommodate new policy changes  address the areas of educational, cultural and ethnic broadcasting so that the full potential of public television is realised to the benefit of New Zealand society.  Under National, State radio and television will be used for noncommercial purposes and will be funded from the licence fee. At the same time additional means of funding will be investigated. This would allow the licence fee to be kept at acceptable levels.  Private We consider that all commercial radio and television, and closed circuit electronic commercial systems, should be undertaken by the private sector and will amend the Broadcasting Act accordingly.  Licensing criteria will be established, ensuring quality broadcasting which meets community standards in programme content and maintains high technical standards.  Adequate safeguards will be introduced to prevent unacceptable levels of violence and offensive material being screened on television.  Revenue from the licence fee and levies will be used solely for non-commercial radio and TV, and private enterprise will be allowed to tender for the collection of the licence fee.  Radio National believes that non-commercial public radio should provide:  the National Programme covering.  virtually the whole of New Zealand and the overseas programme.  the Concert Programme covering all metropolitan areas in FM.  multi-cultural non-commercial/ sponsored radio. There may be sponsorship without commercial advertising, of quality programmes.  where appropriate and possible there will be further diversity of Access Radio, FM Radio, educational programmes and Maori Radio.  Television National believes nationwide television should operate as follows:  Channel One (TVNZ) non-commercial, providing wide public programming including entertainment, current affairs, educational and cultural programmes.  existing Channel Two will be run by private enterprise.  the criteria for the new third channel warrant, when granted, will remain the same.  Ownership The control of Broadcasting should not be in too few hands, and there will be strict limits on the aggregation of radio licences. Limits will be placed on ownership between the two commercial TV channels to prevent those who have a shareholding in one television warrant from having a significant shareholding in the other.  Private television and radio will be predominantly New Zealand owned.  New Technology A Communications and Technology Planning Authority will be established to consider issues such as cable  television, satellite transmission and fibreoptics. Expansion in these areas will be by the private sector. The planning authority will also be responsible for developments in broadcasting, future policy direction and the appropriate level of licence fees and levies.  Transmission will be removed from the current BCNZ monopoly and placed with an independent administering authority responsible for establishing the rates charged to commercial broadcasting for using its facilities. It will operate on commercial principles.  Our Nation in the World.  We see New Zealand as a dependent Pacific nation in an increasingly interdependent world. We will implement a foreign policy to:.  stand up for our national interests wherever they are challenged.  fulfil New Zealand's obligations as a responsible member of the international community.  recognise that foreign policy and trade are inextricably linked.  promote the relationships with other countries that protect existing trading interests and offer new trade opportunities.  broaden our international contacts when it is in our interest to do so  maintain participation in international agencies.  Nuclear Policy National is firmly committed to world peace, freedom and nuclear  disarmament. Under National, New Zealand will never acquire or use nuclear weapons nor allow them to be stored in this country.  National committed New Zealand to those principles in 1969 by ratifying the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and by subsequently promoting and actively working to achieve further treaties aimed at disarmament and arms control.  The next National Government will support every effective step towards peace through nuclear disarmament and arms control, thereby reducing the risk of nuclear war.  National utterly opposes all nuclear testing, whether atmospheric or underground. Having ratified the Partial Test Ban Treaty, we will actively work for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.  Nuclear Pacts National believes that the only effective nuclear disarmament is by enforceable and verifiable agreements involving the nuclear powers. These agreements must also restrict the spread of nuclear arsenals. The goal must remain the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.  Effective arms control agreements will only be achieved if the Western Alliance remains firm and united. Previous negotiations have failed when one side has exploited weakness or division in the other. Only from a position of unity can verifiable arms reduction be achieved and peace be secured.  Maintain Stability New Zealand has played an important role in maintaining stability in the South Pacific region. Pacific Island leaders have expressed concern that Labour's policy threatens that stability. National is committed to regional security and stability. We will not abdicate our responsibility to the region.  A National Government will not undermine the principles of the ANZUS Treaty.  Alliances We will return New Zealand to full and active membership of the Western Alliance within which we can do more for world peace, freedom and nuclear disarmament than outside it.  As part of that responsibility, National accepts the "neither confirm nor deny" stance of our major allies, but will make clear to them New Zealanders' explicit wish that nuclear weapons are not welcome in, on, or around our territory.  Defence The first duty of any government is to ensure the security of the nation. National has never shied away from this responsibility.  Successive Defence Reviews have recognised the strategic significance of our geographical location and have refined our defence priorities to make the South West Pacific the focus of our primary defence effort.  For decades this area has enjoyed tranquility. Regrettably recent events, with origins both internal and external to the region, have had a destabilising effect on the conduct of political, economic and defence relationships amongst the nations of the region.  This increased instability has come at a time when New Zealand has experienced the most damaging upheaval in the conduct of its defence activities and relationships since the Second World War.  The upheaval, and the failure to make adjustments to compensate for the removal of New Zealand's defence guarantee, has cast considerable doubt on our ability to deal effectively with existing, let alone potentially greater instability in the South Pacific.  In light of this National will urgently and comprehensively review New Zealand's defence capabilities and requirements. This review will:  call upon New Zealand's principal defence advisors for recommendations on action needed to restore confidence and a sense of purpose to the Armed Forces.  carry out a realistic assessment of actual and potential threats to the stability and security of New Zealand, the Island States for which we are responsible and the wider South West Pacific.  consult with our allies so that New Zealand again becomes active in cooperative defence arrangements with ' free world nations, while focussing our primary defence effort in our area of immediate concern.  organise, train and equip our defence forces to be capable of independent action in low level emergencies in the South West Pacific region, and make a valuable contribution in such collective defence or peace-keeping operations as may be required to further our national security.  commit funding to allow the Ministry of Defence to plan the programme of adjustments in force structure and equipment to enable our defence forces to do what is required of them.  Several basic premises underpin our approach to the development of effective defence policies.  National regards New Zealand's active participation in collective security and defence arrangements as the only realistic way we can contribute effectively to the achievement of a principal foreign policy goal, global peace, and at the same time meet defence responsibilities in our area.  On taking office National will:.  resume the close defence partnership with Australia.  revive the defence relationship with the United States within the broader framework of ANZUS.  restore full defence co-operation with the United Kingdom.  Navy New Zealand cannot expect to be taken seriously in our region, let alone elsewhere, unless our Navy has the ability to sustain an effective presence in our area of strategic concern. We are therefore committed to blue water Navy, able to undertake effective combat operations and support the deployment and maintenance of the other two services throughout the South Pacific.  Army An Army operational force of brigade group size is an irreducible minimum. We will further develop the Ready Reaction Force (RRF) as the "sharp end" of the New Zealand Army and the nucleus of the brigade group.  We will remedy current deficiencies in both posted and effective strengths in the Territorial Force.  Air Force The RNZAF must be effective in long range maritime surveillance, capable of operating against hostile shipping and submarines, and capable of providing ground attack support and tactical mobility for the Army. A substantial strategic and tactical airlift capability is also required.  Joint Forces A joint force headquarters responsible to the Chief of Defence Staff will be established to provide unified national command of joint/combined operations.  Complex Security involves many elements other than defence by military means. Political, diplomatic, trade, aid development and migration policies and programmes demand equal attention to ensure they all contribute to the same purpose.  Strong and active commitment to arms control and disarmament negotiations to achieve universally accepted and verifiable reductions in all arms (both nuclear and conventional) is essential to the preservation of peace and the security of all nations. Through its participation as an active and trusted member of the Western Alliance grouping, New Zealand under National will press for agreement on comprehensive arms reduction and control.  National is determined that New Zealand will be an active and demanding participant in combined efforts to secure global peace.  Conclusion  The Way National's policies outlined in this Ahead manifesto offer a strategy to lead New Zealand from uncontrolled and damaging change to recovery and dynamic growth.  We will heal the divisions between cities and towns and bring fairness, confidence and security back to our nation.  Jobs will be restored as our productive industries rebuild their strength.  We will relieve the pressures upon families and give to the young both skills and pride.  National will get New Zealand right.