Jacinda Ardern
Wellington, July 6, 2022
Like many people, I enjoyed New Zealand’s first Matariki public holiday with family and friends, celebrating the Maori New Year and reflecting on the year that has gone by.
It has been a busy year, and I am proud of the progress our government has continued to make on the long-standing issues facing New Zealand – from housing to climate change, inequality, and more. We have also stepped up to meet new challenges head-on, and, as a result, the fundamentals of our economy are strong.
Record unemployment
We have a record low unemployment rate, economic activity that is higher than it was before Covid and debt lower than most comparable countries. Food and fibre export revenue is expected to reach a record $52.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2022, and international tourists are again enjoying our great community, boosting our region’s economy.
But we know that, despite these positive indicators, many families are finding things tough right now. To help with this, we have delivered a cost of living package to further ease the pressure on New Zealanders in the face of global inflation.
This package includes a new temporary cost of living payment, which will benefit more than two million people earning up to $70,000, including many here in Auckland. Alongside this payment, we are tackling transport costs by extending our fuel tax cut, reducing road user charges, and half-price public transport for a further two months and making half-price public transport permanent for community service card holders. We are also taking action on supermarkets to make sure Kiwis are paying a fair price at the checkout.
Our economic strength
All of these measures build on the steps that we have already taken to reduce cost pressures on New Zealanders, such as our Winter Energy Payment, cheaper doctor’s visits, and our 1 April changes which included a boost to Superannuation.
The strength of our economy means that not only are we able to provide further support for people, but we are also able to keep a lid on debt and continue investing to secure our future.
We are making sure New Zealanders can access world-class healthcare, growing a skilled workforce, accelerating our transition to a low emissions economy, and more.
Together, we have navigated Covid and the challenges of the past few years better than almost any other country in the world. We did that by pulling together and having a plan that puts people first.
As we take the next steps, we are striking a careful balance, supporting people through this tough period while ensuring that we are ready for whatever lies ahead.
Jacinda Ardern is Prime Minister of New Zealand.
