New Zealanders facing reduced support and higher costs under current government policies.
The New Zealand Government has come under fire for its recent decisions, which critics argue have left workers and struggling families worse off. As of April 1, the minimum wage will increase by a relatively modest 35 cents, falling short of inflation rates. This means tens of thousands of workers are effectively taking a pay cut.
Electricity line charges are also set to rise, driving up power bills for many households. Student loan interest rates for overseas borrowers have jumped to 4.9%, affecting young Kiwis trying to make ends meet. Moreover, the number of jobseekers has increased by nearly 22,000 in the past year alone.
Māori and Pasifika communities are disproportionately affected, with unemployment figures almost double that of the general population. Labour Party spokespersons Ginny Andersen and Willie Jackson have criticized these decisions as detrimental to Kiwi families. The party argues that instead of providing tax cuts for landlords, the government should prioritize lifting wages, funding school lunches, or expanding public housing.
The criticisms follow National's announcement allowing landlords to claim a 100% mortgage interest deduction, estimated to cost taxpayers $2.9 billion annually. Labour Party members see this policy as favoring wealthy property investors over hardworking Kiwis. The opposition claims the rising number of jobseekers serves as a stark indictment of the current government's policies, contrasting with past increases in wages and support under Labour rule.