Tamati Coffey Labour List MP

We've taken the next step in our plan to support Kiwis with the cost of living. To fight inflation and ease the pressure on people here in the Waiariki, we've extended the fuel tax cut, reduced road user charges and half price public transport for everyone until the end of January next year.

Right now, the fundamentals of our economy are strong. Unemployment is at a record low, exports are up, and our economic activity has continued to grow over the past year. But, with inflation rising around the world and the war in Ukraine driving up fuel prices, we know that cost of living pressures are making things tough for many Kiwis.

This extension is one way we can help to make life more affordable, as well as providing more certainty in the face of volatile prices at the petrol pump. It will also help reduce the fuel burden on businesses, keeping the cost of food and essential goods lower across the board.

There's no easy fix for the cost of living, but we're taking a range of actions to ease the pressure. The first of our new cost of living payments will go out soon, supporting more than two million people. We're also fixing the supermarket sector and increasing competition, to make sure that Kiwis pay a fair price at the checkout.

We will continue to support Kiwis in the face of global inflation, as well as helping families and businesses here in the Waiariki and across the country, get ahead.