Luxon Delays Relief For Regular People As Living Costs Increase 3.2%

28 Jul 2026, 18:24 by Green Party · SCOOP

Household living costs increased 3.2% over the past 12 months, yet this Government is choosing to delay real relief and instead dangle it as an election promise, says The Green Party.

“Luxon can talk about all they have done for the economy, but families can’t pay their bills with his empty words and promises,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.

According to the recent Consumers Price Index from Stats NZ, food costs increased 2.5% over the past 12 months, including a 6.2% rise in meat prices. Electricity costs rose 10.8%, while petrol remains 23.6% more expensive than this time last year.

“Families are struggling to get from A to B, heat their homes, and put food on the table.”

“There are things that the Government can do right now that would lower New Zealand’s cost of living. Yet they continue to hold those promises as a carrot to get votes instead of helping struggling families.”

“The Government is making policy decisions to keep people struggling.”

“There are many ways we could make life more affordable right now. We have offered the Coalition Government our 15 votes to pass a solar panel Ratepayer Assistance Scheme and for free public transport before the election. But our olive branch to provide relief for New Zealanders has been dismissed at every point.”

“There should be no reason why we can't progress cross-party agreements to ease the cost of living. Instead, Luxon has decided that everyday people’s struggles should be used as a political pawn, rather than solving it.”

“Every month waiting is another month families pay more than they need to for the basics. New Zealanders are hurting, and they need better, not just after the election, but right now,” says Davidson.

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