Today’s statistics confirm what New Zealanders already feel every day: National is making the cost of living worse, not better.

“Christopher Luxon promised to bring the cost of living down, but New Zealanders are facing higher prices at the checkout,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“Over the last year, the cost of putting food on the table has gone up faster than incomes. New Zealanders are working hard but still going backwards. 

“Bread is up a shocking 53 percent over the past year. Milk has increased nearly 16 percent. Sirloin beef is up nearly 27 percent, making the summer BBQ even costlier this year.

“These are basic items families rely on every week, and wages simply aren’t keeping up.

“This Government’s failure to act shows just how out of touch Christopher Luxon is with the pressure households are under.

“Electricity and gas costs are also rising, hurting businesses as well as families.

“It’s no wonder nearly 200 Kiwis are leaving the country every day, and why businesses are closing. It’s a clear vote of no confidence in Christopher Luxon’s government.

“New Zealand cannot afford another three years of National. Labour will take real action to bring down the cost of living,” Barbara Edmonds said.