5629 (2025). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

5629 (2025). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Whose cost of living was she referring to when she said, ‘If we’re serious, which we are, about dealing with the cost-of-living crisis we have to pull government spending back and one of the opportunities is to end the things that were created just for Covid?’

Hon Louise Upston: This government inherited a difficult economic situation from the previous government with high inflation fueled by countless examples of reckless spending. Inflation affects those with lowest incomes disproportionately. We are focused on getting the government books back in order to reduce the cost of living and alleviate financial pressure for New Zealanders.