New data shows National had failed to address rising prices even before the conflict in the Middle East began.

“Every day New Zealanders are paying more and more for groceries, at the pump, and on their energy bills, a direct result of National’s failure to help families with the rising cost of living,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis promised relief on the cost of living. Instead, New Zealanders are paying more.

“Food prices have risen 4.5 percent in the year to February, showing rapidly climbing prices even before the crisis in the Middle East started.

“Mince is up 23 percent, the largest increase since records began in 2006. Fruits and vegetables are up more than nine percent, and even chocolate bars are up 20 percent over the past year.

“It just shows how badly the Government has handled the rising cost of living. What we’re going through now would be easier to deal with for families if National hadn’t made things much worse.

“At every turn National has made the wrong choices. Instead of focusing on addressing the cost of living, they’ve prioritised tax cuts for landlords and speculators.

“Instead of lowering power bills, they’re pushing forward with an LNG facility that will make us even more vulnerable to price hikes and overseas instability, paid for by consumers with a new gas tax that will increase costs for households and businesses.

“Nicola Willis has offered no plan to help people with rising costs, instead suggesting that Kiwis should drive slower and put less stuff in their car.

“It shows just how out of touch this Government is with the reality families are facing.

“This Government needs to be ready for when costs increase even more. All options should be kept on the table, including expanding access to emergency food grants and supporting food banks already under pressure.

“Labour's number one priority is making New Zealand more affordable, starting with three free doctor’s visits and a plan to help families with the rising cost of living,” Barbara Edmonds said