Todd Muller welcomes lift for struggling families

National MP for Bay of Plenty Todd Muller. Photo/file

A $790 million package aimed at reducing hardship among children in New Zealand is the centerpiece of the Government's budget announced today.

The package includes a $25 per week increase in benefit rates for families with children, more childcare support for low-income families, increased work obligations for sole parents on a benefit, and an increase in Working for Families payments to low-income families not on a benefit.

"I am proud to see such a strong focus on vulnerable groups in society in this budget", said Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller in a statement.

"The 2014 election revealed how much some issues such as child poverty matter to Kiwis, and this is a clear signal that the Government is in touch and listening."

Another $25 million will go to funding regional research institutes to show how best to develop our regions, similar to the recently released Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Growth Study.

The study showed a positive outlook for the Bay's sustained long-term growth.

Mr Muller said the Budget puts money where it is most needed while giving taxpayers value for money and responsibly manages the Government's books.

New Zealand is doing well, and Budget 2015 will help it do even better, said Mr Muller.