2341 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Auckland

2341 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Auckland: Has the cost of living decreased for the average Aucklander during the past year, and if so, what statistical evidence supports this?

Hon Simeon Brown: As the Member will be aware, 57.8 per cent of Auckland voters elected our Government to rebuild the economy and deliver cost of living relief. I am pleased to see that the Official Cash Rate (OCR) now sits at 4.25 per cent, down from 5.5 per cent in November 2023. This comes as welcome relief for Auckland families and businesses, and means that Aucklanders are paying less interest on their mortgage loans. Additionally, our Government axed the previous government's 11.5 cents per litre Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, and delivered Local Water Done Well for Auckland - avoiding a 25.8 per cent water rate hike. Taken together with our Government's tax relief package, Aucklanders are receiving much-needed cost of living relief.