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- By Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister
We cannot control global oil prices, and we cannot control conflict in the Middle East.
What we can control is how we respond – and it’s our responsibility as a Government to do so in a careful, deliberate, and measured way.
That’s why every decision we’re making is guided by a clear principle – support must be targeted, temporary, and timely.
It would be easy to turn on the firehose and splash cash around, but doing so would only drive inflation higher and leave the very households we’re trying to help worse off for years to come.
Responsible Government means helping now without creating bigger problems later. To ease the pressure of rising fuel costs, 143,000 families are receiving targeted fuel support for low- to middle-income working parents with a further $50 boost per week for up to a year.
From April 1, further increased payments kick in for 1.5 million New Zealanders.
That includes Superannuitants, veterans, students, main beneficiaries, and people who receive additional assistance despite not being on a benefit.
This is practical help aimed squarely at the cost-of-living challenges many are experiencing.
Home and community support workers will also receive a temporary mileage-rates increase by 30 per cent, from 63.5 cents to 82.5 cents per kilometre, to help ease the pressure of rising fuel costs.
This increase will remain in place for up to 12 months, or until the price of 91 octane petrol falls below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks.
Our focus is on dealing with the impacts of the conflict on New Zealanders and ensuring we minimise that as much as possible.
That means ensuring we maintain the fuel we need to keep the economy moving through our National Fuel Plan, and providing targeted, timely and temporary support for people most under pressure from rising fuel costs.
The months ahead may be unpredictable, but New Zealanders can be reassured this Government has a plan and is acting – carefully and decisively – to support people through and protect New Zealand’s future.
