US EditionFuel Crisis: Nicola Willis Slams Chris Hipkins’ ‘Unbased Claims’ over Govt’s Tax Take
The $50 weekly boost for 143,000 low-to-middle-income families with children will cost up to $373 million and aims to ease fuel-driven cost pressures without increasing debt.
- On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced Cabinet signed off on a targeted boost to the In‑Work Tax Credit, adding $50 weekly for about 143,000 families with payments starting April 7.
- The United States‑Israel attack on Iran has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, causing New Zealand fuel prices to reach $4 a litre with officials warning high prices may last 100 days.
- The package will cost up to $373 million, expand eligibility to around 14,000 additional working families, increase the IWTC by $50 to $147.50, and last up to one year or until 91 octane petrol falls below $3 for four consecutive weeks.
- Willis pushed back on claims by Labour leader Chris Hipkins, saying she was disappointed and had not been advised of windfall tax gains, while Hipkins argued higher fuel prices could yield $3m a day in GST revenue and cited a $300 million total over 100 days.
- Willis said support must be targeted, timely, and temporary, but critics like Swarbrick said it leaves out many, including those not in paid work, with no plan for public transport or vulnerable groups.
14 Articles
14 Articles
New Zealand to give cash payments to some families as US-Iran war deepens fuel crisis
New Zealand will start giving out cash payments to nearly 150,000 low-income families to ease the pressure caused by rising petrol prices since the start of the Israel-US war on Iran. Announcing the world’s first such fuel relief package, prime minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday said…
Government announces $50 per week for lower-income working families
Finance Minister Nicola Willis. File photo supplied The coalition Government says it’s moving quickly to provide extra support for low-to-middle-income working families as conflict in the Middle East drives up fuel prices and adds pressure to household budgets. From April 7, about 143,000 working families with children will get an extra $50 a week through a boost to the in-work tax credit. The boost will also expand eligibility to around 14,000 …
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