Do people earning $200,000 need help with childcare?
Government “choices” mean some of the families now receiving Family Boost payments for their early childhood education are among the 10% wealthiest in the country, an economist says.
A revamp to the Family Boost programme means those with household incomes up to $229,100 a year are now eligible for support with their childcare fees.
The available rebate is also increasing to 40% of fees paid, or a maximum of $1560 a quarter.
The change applies to fees paid in the September quarter, and from then on.
But Craig Renney, policy director of the Council of Trade Unions and an economist who was previously a senior economic adviser to then-Finance Minister Grant Robertson, said there were “choices” being made.
He said those on the highest incomes, in the top 10% according to the Stats NZ Household Expenditure Survey, were benefiting the most from the change.
“If your household earns $60,000 a year, you can get up to an extra $2340 annually in new support. If your household earns three times that, $180,000 – you will get an extra $3440 annually. That’s 47% more. For exactly the same thing – having children in early childhood education.”
The difference was because the higher earners were previously not eligible at all.
Renney said data also showed higher-earning households tended to spend more on early childhood education anyway, which meant they would have larger fees to claim rebates on.
Most were already spending the money without the Government’s assistance, he said.
It could have been better used to help make early childhood education more affordable or accessible to low or middle-income earners, he said.
“Instead of having a 40% cap across the piece that could be claimed, you could have said for very-low-income households we’ll make it 50, 60 or 100%.
“Because this is a rebate scheme, those on low incomes don’t have the money to be able to afford it in the first place to then get the rebate.
“I’m not saying these families don’t need the money but I’m saying if you were making choices about where to spend, for a Government that’s focused on value for money – you may get better outcomes for your dollar if you were actually spending it on expanding ECE provision in low-income communities.”
Asked whether the adjustment would affect the number of families who could receive the full $250-a-fortnight relief that National campaigned on before the last election, as a combination of the Family Boost package and tax cuts, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said that data was not available.
“The National Party campaigned on a tax relief plan that included multiple elements – shifting tax brackets to compensate for inflation, expanding tax credits to reach more modest income earners, increasing Working for Families tax credits and introducing the FamilyBoost childcare tax credit.
“We delivered on these policies in our first Budget. We made clear that the impact of these policies would vary according to family circumstances and encouraged people to use our tax calculator so they could find out what it would mean for them.”
She said the $250 example was a family with a household income of $120,000 split across two earners spending at least $300 a week on childcare.
“We did not model how many families would match that scenario.
“Inland Revenue is not geared up to calculate how many people would have matched that scenario in the past 12 months or will match it in the coming years. This is because some elements of the tax plan are calculated on an individual basis while others, including FamilyBoost, are calculated according to household income. Inland Revenue does not routinely collect information on household incomes.”
She said about 60,000 families had received the full FamilyBoost payment they were entitled to.
With the scheme expansion, she said, about 16,000 more families would probably benefit.
“The amount of rebate they receive will vary according to the fees they pay and the income they earn each quarter. The maximum a family can now receive from FamilyBoost is $240, an increase on the $150 that National campaigned on.
“To receive that amount, a family would have to be spending at least $300 a week on childcare and have a combined family income of less than $140,000 a year. Inland Revenue does not calculate how many families find themselves in that circumstance.”
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Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.6% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.3% Critical thinking
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30.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.8% Other - I will share below!
Assistant Manager - Restaurant
Date posted: February 20, 2026
Pay: NZ$25.00 - NZ$30.00 per hour
Job description:
Date posted: February 20, 2026
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Job description:
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Restaurant Managers to help lead operations at our popular Indian restaurant located in the vibrant heart of Milford, Auckland. These full-time, permanent position is ideal for hospitality professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments and take pride in delivering outstanding dining experiences.
About the Role
As an Assistant Restaurant Manager, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Restaurant Manager in the smooth day-to-day running of the business. You’ll assist in maintaining high standards of food quality, customer service, and operational efficiency while mentoring a diverse and energetic team. You will also contribute to building a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the warmth and authenticity of Indian hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Restaurant Manager and business owner in planning, coordinating, and monitoring daily restaurant operations to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
Collaborate with Chefs to plan seasonal and promotional menus, ensuring dishes remain true to traditional Indian flavours while appealing to a broad customer base.
Supervise and actively participate in front-of-house operations, including guest greetings, reservations, service flow, and complaint resolution.
Oversee stock management, cost control, and supplier relationships, ensure accurate ordering, inventory tracking, and waste minimisation within budgetary parameters.
Organise and coordinate special events, functions, and catering services in collaboration with the Restaurant Manager.
Maintain compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards in accordance with New Zealand food regulations.
Recruit, train, roster, and coach staff members to foster a motivated and customer-focused team culture.
Review customer feedback and identify opportunities for service improvement.
Assist with administrative duties such as cash handling, daily reconciliation, and performance reporting.
Monitor Delivery App side of business, co-ordinate with the service providers to increase the sale.
Skills and Requirements
Minimum 4 year of relevant management or supervisory experience in a busy hospitality environment, or a relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or a related field.
Availability to work 30 – 35 hours per week on a 7-day roster, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff in a team-oriented environment.
Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities, capable of staying calm under pressure.
Solid understanding of food cost management, stock control, and basic financial reporting.
Genuine passion for Indian cuisine and hospitality, with an eye for detail and customer satisfaction.
A proactive, hands-on attitude and willingness to assist in all areas of service when required.
What We Offer
Competitive pay based on experience and performance.
A friendly, multicultural work environment with opportunities for career development and advancement.
The chance to contribute to restaurant's improvement with loyal customer followings and strong community ties.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens, Permanent Residents, or credentials to seek work visa in New Zealand.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
Free food
Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
⚠️Cereulide toxin risk in Nestlé brand Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) recalled due to the possible presence of the toxin cereulide
Nestlé Milo Dipped Snack Bars
BC Hot Water Bottles sold at Bargain Chemist
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Nature Baby Sleeping Gown
Product Recalls: Toys
Sensory Game Controller - sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Mineral Primer (2 batches)
Anessa and Shiseido Anessa sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Biore and Kao Biore sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Kose Sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Mentholatum sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Pigeon sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Rohto sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Product Recalls: Electronics
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer HRFDSBKP-PP sold at Costco
Product Recalls: Other
Michelin X Multi Z and X Line Energy Z, size: 355/50R22.5, load/speed index:156K
UPDATED GASGAS Motorcycles: GASGAS Cross Country and Motocross model motorcycles with BRAKTEC brake system. New VINS added
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
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