ACT's Cost of Living Policy
ACT proposes tax cuts funded by reducing government spending, removing regulations that inflate the cost of goods and services, and allowing more competition in markets like groceries. They support repealing the Grocery Industry (Improving Competition) Act and instead enforcing existing commerce law.
In simple terms
Cut taxes, reduce government spending, and make markets more competitive so businesses have to keep prices low.
Green Party's Cost of Living Policy
The Green Party proposes a wealth tax on individuals with assets over $2 million to fund a guaranteed minimum income, free public transport, free school lunches, and free GP visits. They argue addressing inequality is the key to reducing cost of living pressure.
In simple terms
Tax the wealthy to fund a guaranteed income for everyone, make public transport and healthcare free, and provide free meals in schools.
Labour's Cost of Living Policy
Labour introduced a Cost of Living Payment of $350 for low and middle income earners, extended free and half-price public transport, and maintained the fuel excise duty reduction. They also increased Working for Families and benefit rates and focused on building more affordable housing.
In simple terms
Give direct cash payments to low income earners, keep public transport cheap, and increase benefits and Working for Families payments to help families cope.
National's Cost of Living Policy
National focuses on reducing inflation through fiscal discipline, cutting wasteful government spending, and reducing regulatory costs passed on to consumers. They removed the fuel excise duty reduction and instead focus on long-term economic management to bring down living costs.
In simple terms
Cut government spending to reduce inflation, deregulate to lower business costs, and manage the economy carefully so prices stabilise.
NZ First's Cost of Living Policy
NZ First focuses on reducing fuel taxes, limiting immigration to ease wage competition, supporting NZ-made products, and opposing policies that increase energy costs. They also support superannuation increases tied to wages and oppose any changes to NZ Super eligibility.
In simple terms
Cut fuel taxes, limit immigration to protect wages, buy New Zealand products, and protect superannuation for older New Zealanders.
Te Pāti Māori's Cost of Living Policy
Te Pāti Māori proposes a universal basic income, removal of GST from food and basic necessities, free healthcare and education, and progressive wealth taxes. They argue Māori are disproportionately affected by cost of living pressures and that structural economic change is needed.
In simple terms
Give everyone a basic income, remove GST from food and essentials, make healthcare free, and tax wealth to fund it all.