All the cash boosts Kiwis will get from 1 April
The cost of living crisis has hit many New Zealanders hard, but some help is on the way. From the beginning of April, increases to the pension, benefit, student allowance and childcare subsidies will benefit 1.4 million Kiwis.
At the same time, the minimum wage will also increase by $1.50 to $22.70 per hour.
These increases are being touted as helping the New Zealanders struggling the most right now, Sense Partners economist Shamubeel Eaqub tells The Front Page podcast it will take more than this to solve the ongoing problem of poverty in this country.
“Every little bit helps,” says Eaqub.
“The cost of living has gone up and people who do very hard work on these fairly low-paid jobs are going to find that there’s a little bit more money, but the reality is that because there are just so many taxes, even for very poor people in New Zealaand, not a lot of that will end up in the family kitty.”
============================================
Here’s a rundown of all the changes coming on 1 April:
============================================
Superannuation will increase by over $100 for a couple per fortnight and nearly $70 for individuals.
Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children will receive an extra $40.86 a week and a sole parent will receive an extra $31.83 a week.
Student support rates will increase in line with inflation, with single students under 24 without children getting an extra $20.21 per week.
The minimum wage will increase by $1.50 to $22.70 per hour.
The income thresholds for the childcare subsidy will increase.
The latest figures show that 120,000 children are still living below the poverty line in New Zealand, barely decreasing from the figures released last year.
“This shows us we’ve got to do so much more,” says Eaqub.
“We cannot have policies that go thinly over too many people. We’ve got have courage and boldness and we’ve got to spend much more money if we’re actually going to deal with it. Poverty is entirely fixable. We know the kinds of policies that work, but it requires us to take money away policies that are spread too thin and give money to people who do not deserve it.
So what policies would make more sense? Do politicians have the appetite to drive that change? Could childcare subsidies simply lead to increase costs? And is it time to seriously think about changing our superannuation system?
========================================================
www.nzherald.co.nz...
========================================================
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
77.1% Yes
-
21.3% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Georgina's Rhubarb Crumble
Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Click read more for the recipe.
Loading…
