Around the country, Labour MPs have been out meeting with communities to discuss the impact of National’s first Budget. Here in Auckland, people have shared concerns about cuts to key services – from public housing to universal free prescriptions and healthy school lunches to climate action.
Understandably, people are worried that the cost of living and inequality are on the rise. Rents, unemployment and child poverty are also projected to rise, while thousands lose their jobs and income as a direct result of the National Government’s choices.
We’ve heard from dozens of people whose tax cuts won’t cover the cost of their prescriptions, transport costs, or other supports that have been cut. As one person explained: “We’ll be getting tax back, but we won’t see it as it will now pay for my family’s medications. National has given with one hand and taken away with the other.”
National’s abrupt axing of the First Home Buyer Grant has left many in the lurch, with some families having to save for months longer than planned , or putting home ownership out of reach. National also cut more than $1.5 billion of support for public housing, including Māori housing development and youth transitional housing. Meanwhile, they’ve gifted $2.9 billion to landlords through changes to interest deductibility – a choice that won’t sit right with many Kiwis.
Teachers and principals are rightfully concerned that the National Government knew how harmful cutting funding for the Ka Ora, Ka Ako healthy school lunch program would be – and chose to whittle it down anyway. It’s been revealed that they ignored clear advice from educators, experts and multiple agencies who said changes to the program would risk achievement, attendance, nutrition, and children’s wellbeing.
Some schools have been forced to turn healthy, hot meals into a pre-packaged snack. The reduction in funding could also mean job losses, some of which are filled by parents. With unemployment set to rise, this could be a double whammy for household budgets during a cost-of-living crisis.
Reducing the program will have flow-on effects into our health system – the state of which has left people worried. National promised to fund new cancer treatments and then chose not to – a move described by many as “cruel”. We’ve heard from patients spending thousands each month to pay for these treatments. It’s time for the National Government to fulfill its promise to those who are most in need.
People also have been shocked to see funding for action and research on climate change slashed, leaving us all vulnerable. Meanwhile, thousands of people have written and marched to oppose National’s incredibly unpopular Fast Track legislation, which could put our native species and their habitats at risk.

Labour will continue listening to what matters most to New Zealanders and holding the National Government to account for the reckless decisions they’ve made in Budget 24. Feel free to reach out if there’s a local issue you would like to discuss. -by Ingrid Leary, Labour MP for Taieri and Spokesperson for Seniors and Mental Health,