More cost of living support for Auckland.
Our Government has been refocusing to provide as much targeted support possible to struggling Kiwis, while keeping things moving in the right direction with regards to climate change.
The support available will make things easier for around 1.4 million New Zealanders; focussing on pensioners, students, parents, and those on main benefits.
For my parents, this means their superannuation will rise. Beginning 1 April, a couple who are both aged over 65 will receive $102.84 more in total each fortnight, and a single person living alone will receive an extra $66.86.
Working for Families and the Best Start payments will provide more support to help ease the pressure on families. From the start of next month, childcare will become more affordable for many low and middle income families.
Main benefits will increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children will receive an extra $40.86 a week and a sole parent will receive an extra $31.83 a week. Tertiary students will also see a boost, with those receiving student allowance or student loan living cost payments getting around $20 more each payment.
The minimum wage will rise by $1.50 to $22.70 an hour from 1 April.
Public transport is going to remain half price for everyone until the end of June. To target those who need it most, we have made this permanent for Community Services Card holders and tertiary students. I was recently talking with students at Auckland Girls Grammar who come from South Auckland to the city for their education with several brothers and sisters. The half price fares have made a real difference to their families because these costs add up to be quite significant.
The Government has made the decision to keep subsidising petrol at this time. I appreciate this is controversial, but it is a decision made mindful of the reality of the lives of many struggling New Zealanders. Until we have affordable housing and reliable public transport in our city, we need to support the many families who have little choice about using a car. However, I am optimistic that within a few years there will be a fleet of affordable second-hand electric cars and climate friendlier cars in our city. This is thanks to the success of our clean car standards and incentives. Our Minister for Climate Change, James Shaw, shared in November 2022 that 30% percent of all new cars sold in past months were electric.
While these measures won’t solve everything, they will make a difference for so many families in Auckland - and right now I know that every bit helps. (HELEN WHITE, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central.
www.labour.org.nz/helenwhite
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