Prices rising again for groceries, rates, and rent.
A recent surge in inflation is causing financial strain on families across New Zealand. According to Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds, food prices have increased by 3.5 percent over the past year, with butter up 64 percent, milk up 16 percent, and meat rising more than five percent.
Rates have also seen a significant hike of 12.2 percent, while rent has gone up by 3.7 percent. For students, the introduction of final-year fees-free policies has led to a 22.6 percent increase in study costs. Edmonds criticizes the government's handling of tax cuts and price hikes, stating that billions have been spent on reducing taxes but life has become more expensive for New Zealanders.
Edmonds calls for reassurance and real support from the government amidst rising prices and uncertainty ahead, particularly for vital safety nets such as the Best Start payment for new parents and Winter Energy Payments for older citizens.