Release: Budget leaves Kiwis to fend for themselves
28 May 2026
National has chosen to make life harder for New Zealanders in their last Budget.
"This year’s Budget was the Government’s last chance to show it had a plan to help New Zealanders get ahead – and they have failed,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said
“Nicola Willis has given New Zealanders nothing to ease the pressure they are under. Instead of helping struggling New Zealanders, Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis chose to make lives harder.
“Under National, New Zealand pays for Luxon’s cuts. Cuts that don't work and will bring immediate pain and make the economy smaller.
“Despite advice, the Government has chosen to cut jobs, raise rents and axe services that help seniors, families, and young people.
"They broke their promise to fix the economy, instead are soon to sack 9,000 people who deliver essential services that families rely on.
“Cutting these roles will affect social workers, police, housing and healthcare, and hurt the regional economies as thousands more families struggle to make ends meet.
“They’ve chosen cruel housing policies, which will see 80,000 households worse off, on top of earlier decisions to cut housing builds and increase the number of Kiwis living on the street.
“Luxon chose to cut the services families rely on to fund tax cuts for property speculators and tobacco companies. National’s plan is hurting - and it’s not working.
“Labour will make different choices. We have a plan that chooses real action on the cost of living, to help families and businesses. We choose a path that offers better jobs, health, homes, and a better future for all New Zealanders.
“This November, New Zealanders have a choice too. We cannot afford another three years of National’s bad choices,” Chris Hipkins said.
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By LabourVoices
28 May 2026
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Authorised by Rob Salmond, 2 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington.
Authorised by Chris Hipkins MP, Parliament Bldg, Wellington.