The new year has barely begun, and Kiwis are already paying more at the checkout under National.

“Christopher Luxon promised repeatedly to bring down costs, but 2026 brings the same old story: higher prices for the basics families rely on,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“Today’s statistics show grocery prices continuing to climb, while wages fail to keep up. Milk is up 15.8 percent, beef steak has jumped 21.7 percent, and white bread has surged a staggering 58.3 percent in just a year.

“These aren’t luxuries, they’re the basics families rely on. New Zealanders are working hard, but under National they’re going backwards.

“As we head into an election year, people are rightly asking why life keeps getting harder under Christopher Luxon’s watch.

“After more than two years in charge, higher prices sadly aren’t a surprise anymore, they’re National’s record.

“Higher food prices pile on top of rising electricity, gas, and housing costs, putting even more pressure on family budgets and small businesses.

“It’s a big reason why record numbers of New Zealanders continue to leave the country in a clear vote of no confidence for this Government’s policies.

“New Zealand cannot afford another three years of National. Labour will prioritise real action to bring down the cost of living and make life more affordable,” Barbara Edmonds said.