We’re doing our best for all New Zealanders - Dr Shane Reti

The latest slip on the Brynderwyns has brought with it much angst for Northlanders, writes Shane Reti.

Dr Shane Reti is the Minister of Health and Minister for Pacific Peoples. He is the MP for Whangārei.

OPINION

Recently I’ve been backing local schools for safer passage across pedestrian crossings and, with the return to school for many last week, it’s a timely reminder for divers to please slow down.

The latest slip on the Brynderwyns has brought with it much angst for Northlanders, and the closure during the repair works has had a huge contribution to the tough economic times for businesses in Whangārei and north, so I am absolutely delighted at the coalition Government’s recent announcement of the accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei.

One of the Government’s key priorities is rebuilding our economy so that Kiwis can keep more in their pockets and ease the pressure on their budgets.

The latest data released last week shows that inflation has fallen to 3.3% for the year to July 2024, representing a three-year low.

This shows we are turning our economy around and comes a week after food prices fell for the first time in nearly six years. In Budget 2024, we made tough decisions, investing in key frontline services, while cutting wasteful spending and delivering meaningful tax relief. We know that this approach is working.

While this inflation data will be welcome news for Kiwis, National understands that many people are still struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

We have a lot more work to do and we’re committed to rebuilding our economy so you can get ahead.

We remain focused on reducing inflation to the Reserve Bank’s target range of 1% to 3%, which will help interest rates fall and make it easier to cover mortgage repayments.

More help is on the way, with tax relief taking effect from the end of July, allowing Kiwis to keep more of their own money and easing the cost of living further for low- and middle-income families.

Our tax relief package will see average-income households up to $102 a fortnight better off, with FamilyBoost childcare payments also offering up to $150 a fortnight for eligible families with young children.

If you haven’t already found out how much you’ll save, make sure you join the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who’ve used the tax calculator at budget.govt.nz/taxcalculator to do so.

National is proud to deliver well-deserved tax relief for Kiwis – the first such relief since 2010. We’re funding these changes with a mix of savings and revenue initiatives, meaning it won’t require additional borrowing and won’t add to inflation pressures.

I’ve talked to many of you when walking through Whangārei throughout the campaign and since we’ve become Government. I know how tough it has been for you and your family across the last few years – which is why we are so determined to deliver this tax relief.

We’re pushing ahead with our wider plan to rebuild the economy by slashing red tape to get stuff built, stopping wasteful spending, improving educational achievement and strengthening trade and investment.

It’s only through a strong economy with fewer hurdles and more opportunities for businesses and families that we can afford to invest in the public services that you deserve.