Tamati Coffey Labour List MP

We've just released this year's Budget, which sets out the next steps in our plan to build a secure future for New Zealand. This includes a ‘cost of living' package, which will help ease the pressure for people here in Waiariki.

Right now, the fundamentals of our economy are strong. Our strong health response protected our economy through Covid-19, and we've pulled through better than almost anywhere else in the world. But we know that, despite these positive indicators, things are tough right now for many families, as global inflation affects prices here at home.

That's why in this year's Budget, we've included a comprehensive ‘cost of living' package. This includes a new temporary payment to help Kiwis earning up to $70,000 a year with higher food and power bills. It also includes an extension to our fuel tax cut, reduced road user charges and half price public transport for further two months; and we're permanently halving public transport fares for people on low incomes. Alongside these measures, we're taking action on supermarkets to make sure Kiwis are paying a fair price at the checkout.

It is important we do what we can to take the hard edges off the global factors affecting us here in New Zealand, and these practical measures will help families here in Waiariki and across the country.

Of course, as we do this, we'll continue to carefully manage the books – and our careful fiscal management means we return to surplus quicker than National did after the global financial crisis.

There's a lot more in the Budget that will benefit people here in Waiariki. I'd encourage you to check out: www.labour.org.nz/budget2022