The Budget Policy Statement references the Speech from the Throne, and I quote: "We have more freedoms, are a more open economy, and have saved more lives than nearly every other country we normally compare ourselves to. We can rightfully be proud of our success to date as a nation, as team, but we cannot afford to be complacent nor stand still. We must keep going." And for the sake of our Pacific population here in Aotearoa, we cannot stand still. The Lancet, a medical journal, noted that Māori, Pacific, and Asian peoples were at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 than any other population. However, we as Pacific peoples didn't need a medical journal to tell us that. Our elders recall that with the influenza pandemic in 1918, where 22 percent of Samoa's population was wiped out, and then more recently with the measles epidemic in 2019. Our wellbeing objective to lift Māori and Pacific incomes, skill, and opportunities is critical to New Zealand's long-term success, and I repeat: it is critical. That's why submissions on the BPS were overwhelmingly in support of this objective. So I acknowledge the Minister of Finance for recognising this and for making it clear in the Budget Policy Statement that we cannot stand still when it comes to improving outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples.