Cost of living relief for parents
More cost-of-living relief kicks in from Tuesday, targeted at parents and caregivers with young kids in childcare.
Family Boost lets eligible families claim back up to 25 per cent of their childcare costs, to a maximum of $975 every three months. The first quarterly payments can start being claimed from October 1.
We know it’s tough for Kiwis right now and National is proud to be delivering relief for childcare costs, on top of the tax relief that started landing in Kiwis’ pockets from the end of July.
So if you or someone you know has young kids in childcare, make sure you check out the IRD website for details about eligibility and how to make a claim.
But we also know the only way we can afford to support Kiwis with the cost of living is by rebuilding the economy – with more opportunities for growth and investment.
That’s why it was so exciting that, after just four months of negotiations, National Party Minister Todd McClay signed the dotted line this week on a new trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
It’s a perfect example of what can be achieved when we go out and hustle on the world stage – unleashing new markets for trade and investment so Kiwis can do the business.
It’s awesome news for farmers and growers – the agreement will scrap duties on 98.5 per cent of our exports to the UAE immediately when it comes into effect: meaning more cash in their pocket, when their product moves offshore.
Federated Farmers summed it up well by saying "This agreement will take millions of dollars that would have been charged in tariffs and pump them directly into our rural communities.”
We promised to work at pace to rebuild our economy and completing New Zealand’s fastest-ever trade agreement negotiations is a great example of how we’re doing exactly that.
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NATIONAL party website
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Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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40.9% Yes
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33.9% Maybe?
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25.2% No
Auckland Transport----Free weekend travel for kids Making family outings easier
Did you know kids aged 5 to 15 can ride buses, trains, and ferries for FREE every weekend and public holiday with an AT HOP card?
But wait, there’s more! Load a child concession onto your child’s MyAT account and unlock 40% off weekday travel too. Managing their HOP card is super easy: create an AT HOP profile under your MyAT account, enter their birthday, and you’re good to go.
So, grab those HOP cards, tag on, and start exploring, because family adventures shouldn’t come with a price tag!
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Great news for Auckland’s tertiary students!
From 14 December, tertiary students will enjoy even bigger savings! The tertiary discount is increasing from 20% to 40% off AT HOP adult fares on buses, trains, and most ferries.
If you already have a tertiary concession loaded on your AT HOP card, there’s nothing you need to do, the increased discount will be applied automatically.
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Summer Rail Upgrades
27 December 2025 to 28 January 2026
We’re upgrading your rail network this summer as we get closer to more trains, more often, when City Rail Link opens up in 2026.
27 December – 18 January: Full rail network closure.
9 – 26 January: Partial rail network closure.
27 – 28 January: Full network closure for City Rail Link testing.
Rail replacement buses will be available throughout the summer rail upgrades to keep you moving.
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IKEA Sylvia Park – What to Expect Now That It’s Open
If you’re planning a visit to IKEA Sylvia Park, consider taking public transport.
Train: Eastern Line - it's about 19 minutes from Waitematā to Sylvia Park.
Bus: Six routes serve the area. Five stop directly at Sylvia Park shopping centre, and another stops on Carbine Road, close to IKEA.
For bulky purchases, home delivery is available to help reduce congestion and parking queues.
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Enjoy the festive season without the fuss.
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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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