Email Nicola Willis to fund medicine, not movies

Prior to the election, Nicola Willis and the National Party campaigned on funding thirteen new cancer treatments at a cost of $70 million per year. Now in Government, she claims there is not enough money but has still managed to scrape together over $100 million annually in handouts to richlisters in the film and gaming sectors.

Taxpayer money should be used to fund medicine, not movies.

Redirecting this money to Pharmac to fund medicines will deliver far better value for taxpayer money and significantly improve the lives of those impacted, and their loved ones.

👇Send an email to the Minister of Finance telling her to fund medicines, not movies👇

(feel free to customise our suggested wording)

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Dear Minister Willis,
		
I am writing to urge you to cancel all funding for film and gaming subsidies and redirect that money to fund life-saving medicines instead.
		
It is unacceptable for the Government to make the decision to continue these handouts when they come at the expense of funding for life saving drugs – such as the thirteen new cancer drugs you promised during the election.
		
There is no justification for continuing to prioritise funding movies over medicines.
		
Shifting the funding will be politically popular among all New Zealanders who believe that the appropriate role of government is to look after the sick and vulnerable, not Hollywood big-wigs. It will undoubtedly deliver greater economic benefits for New Zealanders as early access to effective treatment saves costs on more expensive treatments later on as people’s illnesses worsen. Most importantly for those people whose lives, livelihoods and dignity are reliant on access to modern medicine, it is a kick in the guts to see where this Government’s priorities lie.
		
Your Government was elected on a promise to be a careful steward of public money, investing in core frontline services and not on wasteful pet-projects. In this instance, you are doing the exact opposite of what you promised.
		
If you choose not to make this reprioritisation, the responsibility sits with you and your Government to publicly front up and justify to New Zealanders why you believe movies and video games are more important than the health of New Zealanders. It is bad enough to continue funding film and gaming subsidies, it is indefensible to refuse to explain why you made that decision.
		
I trust you will make the right decision for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

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