It’s a real stretch to believe this Labour Government’s claims of being kind and caring when you look at all the extra costs they’ve imposed on us. When you add up all the new taxes and take into account National’s cancelled tax relief, North Shore families are looking at paying around $7000 out of their own pockets over four years. More than halfway through their term, it’s clear we just can’t afford this Government’s broken promises to improve the wellbeing of families.

North Shore families will be on average $1750 a year worse off.  Fuel taxes have increased three times since Labour came to power and Auckland’s regional fuel taxes are starting to really bite for those of us who have to travel across the Harbour Bridge. Ring fencing losses on rental properties, the Amazon tax, GST on overseas roaming, extending the bright-line test and increasing Worksafe levies are also making a major dent in household and business finances.

For ideological reasons I find hard to fathom, Labour has cancelled the previous National Government’s planned tax cuts to remove some of the burden we are facing and put more money in our back pockets. The economy is continuing to weaken because of Labour’s poor policy decisions, and they are missing the point that the most effective way to achieve sustainable wellbeing is through a strong and growing economy.  A weaker economy means less money for health, education and infrastructure. 

In the depths of winter the cost of power is up and rents have increased by an average of $50 a week.  This will hit our low income North Shore residents, vulnerable families in poor quality housing, the elderly and those on benefits – essentially those who can least afford it.

Labour, propped up by NZ First and the Greens, continues its relentless forging ahead with policies that are neither kind nor caring. We are forking out more than $2 billion for fees-free education that has seen fewer students enrolled; $3 billion for Shane Jones’ regional slush fund; and $2 billion on the laughable (if it wasn’t so serious) KiwiBuild fiasco.

National has announced we will index tax thresholds to the cost of living. This means income taxes will be adjusted every three years in line with the cost of living, and we believe that’s a fair and kind way of ensuring that New Zealanders’ wellbeing is at the heart of the next Government. Labour thinks people living north of the bridge are all rich and can afford to keep paying for their extravagant failed policies. The truth is we just cannot afford this high taxing, big spending Labour government. 

As spokesperson for Seniors, I’d like to hear from older North Shore residents about the issues that matter to you at my next Seniors morning tea on Friday, 16 August from 10am to 11.30am at the Mairangi Bay Bowling Club.  Any changes to living costs can hit older people on fixed incomes even more significantly, and I have a guest speaker to give us some practical advice on how to identify and avoid financial abuse and scamming. To confirm for catering, please contact Miriam in my Electorate Office on 09 486 0005 or northshore@parliament.govt.nz 

I’m also looking forward to hosting a convivial lunch with our neighbouring Rodney MP Hon Mark Mitchell on Tuesday, 13 August at Aubergine in Takapuna from 12 noon to 2pm.  Mark is a lively and entertaining speaker, who will talk about some of his responsibilities including defence and the Pike River re-entry. Please confirm your lunch reservation with Fay on 09 489 1181 or email fay@freeman.co.nz.  I hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you there.