GDP growth of 0.2 percent for the year shows an economy going nowhere and no relief for New Zealanders doing it tough.

“The latest data lays bare National’s failures: tens of thousands of jobs lost, prices still rising, and pitiful growth,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“Growth of 0.2% is a long way from the ‘recovery’ Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis keep talking about. For 32,000 people out of work, 2,000 leaving every week, and families struggling to get by, those claims ring hollow.

“National has cancelled or stalled infrastructure projects, costing jobs - especially in construction - while handing tax breaks to tobacco companies and property speculators.

“They have left New Zealand weaker and more exposed to global shocks. In fact, the economy is smaller than when they took office.

“Let’s be clear, what we’re going through now would be easier to deal with for families if National hadn’t made things much worse.

“Sadly, it’s New Zealand households who are left to fend for themselves as prices continue to rise. National has offered no plan and no relief for families who are doing it tough.

“Labour has a plan to build a stronger, more resilient economy where everyone can get ahead. That starts with a Future Fund to back Kiwi jobs and innovation, and practical support like three free GP visits a year to help with the cost of living,” Barbara Edmonds said.