March 07, 2023
Family Boost touted as Maori cost of living fix
National Party MP Shane Reti says the Family Boost package unveiled by leader Chris Luxon in his weekend state of the nation speech will be a big boost for Maori families.
The childcare tax rebate will save households up to $75 per week from child care, and will supposedly be paid for by a crackdown on the use of consultants by government departments.
Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood NZ says unless steps are taken to address the structure of early childhood education, it will just add to the $2.3 billion a year in taxpayer subsidies already going to for-profit-providers.
But Dr Reti says it’s what’s needed.
“Maori audiences are going to struggle the most to meet the cost of living and then to meet early childhood responsibilties, co-pays etc, so I think that is definitely the key benefit for Maori families struggling with the cost of living,” he says.
Dr Reti says soundings National is taking in the community indicate cost of living and crime are the two areas of greatest concern for voters going ion to the election.