Budget 2026 was the Government's last chance to show it had a plan to make life better for New Zealanders, but it has failed.
“Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis promised to make life better for New Zealanders, but all they have delivered is more cuts, more pain and higher costs,” Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.
“40,000 more people are unemployed since Christopher Luxon took office. His cuts to the building sector have cost 20,000 construction jobs. Because of his decisions the Government is cutting up to 9,000 jobs across the country.
“These the people who process superannuation payments, handle benefit applications, and keep our borders safe. They work in Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, and in every region of the country. It’s not just the families that feel the pain when those jobs go, it’s local economies too.
“Cuts don't grow the economy, they shrink it.
“This Budget takes no action to help with rising costs. Families are choosing between expensive food and expensive fuel, tapping into their retirement savings just to stay afloat now.
“A trip to the doctor now costs close to $100 in some parts of the country. Rates and insurance have gone up. Energy bills have skyrocketed 20 percent, contributing to a 15-year high in business liquidations.
"This Budget hikes rents for 84,000 social housing households by an average of $31 a week, taking money from the most vulnerable New Zealanders.
“They say their choices will grow the economy, but under their watch unemployment has grown and economic growth has stalled. Prices have gone up. Food banks have been strained, and more New Zealanders have left the country altogether.
“National is holding New Zealand back. Labour will focus on what matters: your job, your health, your home, so everyone can build a future here - starting with free doctor’s visits and an investment fund to back Kiwi business.
“This Budget was the Government’s last chance to help those doing it toughest, and they have failed. This November, New Zealanders have a choice too. We cannot afford another three years of National’s failures,” Barbara Edmonds said.
