OF THE PRIME MINISTER TAKE ALL OPPORTUNITIES

by RT HON CHRIS HIPKINS, PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND //

WHEN I WAS AT SCHOOL, I WANTED TO BE A VET AND THEN AN ELECTRICIAN BUT SOMEHOW, I ENDED UP BEING PRIME MINISTER!

I went to Waterloo Primary School and Hutt Valley Memorial College, which is now Petone College. I had a wonderful time at school. Although I wasn’t always the best student I enjoyed being there, had some great teachers and good mates. I was lucky to be able to walk to school in Lower Hutt and play on the vast green fields and in the surrounding bush. I got interested in cycling and it’s something I still do today.

History was my favourite subject and I remember wondering why we were learning about other countries’ history, but not our own. I’m proud to say we’ve changed that so New Zealand history will be taught in schools – it’s only right that we all learn about ourselves and how we got to where we are, so we can make positive changes for the future.

It was my days at Victoria University where I became interested in politics. University is a great place to learn and explore and figure out what you’re into.

I got involved with the student association and various causes – like scrapping interest on student loans to make life a bit easier for students.

Since then, it’s become even tougher with high rental prices and the cost of living. But I am proud to be part of a Government that has increased student allowances and student loan limits by $75 a week and put healthy homes standards in place, so that rental properties have to be drier, warmer and generally better to live in.

While I chose to go to university when I left school, I know it’s not for everyone. I’m incredibly passionate training options through school and beyond, and is the reason we are making sure regional education through Te Pūkenga is viable well into the future.

My advice to school leavers is when opportunities come up, take them. You might feel like you aren’t good enough or aren’t up to the task, but you’ll learn a lot regardless. You might find you really enjoy it.

I had a call like that recently. A friend of mine, Jacinda, rang me to talk about her plans for the future with a suggestion I might be asked by the team to take on the job of Prime Minister. It was definitely one of those moments where I had lots of feelings about whether I’d be up to the task. But you’ve got to take those opportunities, and I’m so glad I took this one about the trades and making sure there are pathways for further education or training for everyone to go on to.

That’s part of the reason our Government has funded the Apprenticeship Boost to help employers keep apprentices on through COVID-19, are planning to make that permanent, are better funding trades

Rt Hon Chris Hipkins Prime Minister of New Zealand