A confronting report shows one in three households struggled to access food last year.
“It’s disheartening to see so many Kiwis going hungry and unable to afford the bare human necessities like food,” Labour’s social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.
“These awful statistics represent the harsh reality many Kiwis are facing right now. With unemployment at a decade high and food prices continuing to soar – families are in dire need of relief now.
“This adds to data showing 7% of the working age population now on jobseeker and 23,700 more children living in hardship compared to two years ago. This cannot and should not be the status quo.
“Christopher Luxon promised to fix the cost of living. He hasn't just failed, he's making it worse. These aren’t just numbers, these are real people – families, children, and the elderly, all suffering.
“Labour has a plan to make New Zealand more affordable, starting with three free doctor’s visits so families don’t have to compromise between hunger or health.
“New Zealanders deserve better. Christopher Luxon’s promise to fix the cost of living is long overdue – people need relief now,” Willow-Jean Prime said.
