Labour adopting long-standing Green Party policies is a win for Aotearoa. Most policies date back 10-plus years ago, such as warmer Kiwi homes which was campaigned on by Jeanette Fitzsimons in 2009.
Despite this Green win, the need for a wealth tax is strong in the East Coast.
The good news is the Early Childhood Education subsidy promised back in 2014 is being introduced next year. This means whānau on the East Coast don’t have to struggle to pay their bills or worry about their babies accessing education and care. This now raises the question of teachers wanting to work in ECE — what’s to stop them from jumping the ditch for better work conditions and higher pay?
The Community Connect programme is a great initiative that directly speaks to climate action and inequality. This ensures people have access to free and/or cheaper public transport. However, the initiative falls short without the necessary infrastructure in the East Coast.
It’s understandable to think that Labour is complacent about winning East Coast votes with the Cyclone Relief funding and special attention to forestry. This year’s Budget does little to reverse inequality, ignores the recommendations of the Climate Change Commission and fails to challenge the tax system.
