Mileage increase is not enough – Labour

When petrol spikes, it doesn’t just hit commuters — it hits the people keeping the health system running. The latest mileage increase for care and support workers was supposed to help. Instead, it’s exposed how far behind the system already is.

Today’s (3 April 2026) mileage increase for care and support workers falls well short of the cost of doing their jobs.

A pay rise that doesn’t keep up

“Mileage rates haven’t increased for care and support workers since 2022 but this increase doesn’t even cover the last month of petrol price hikes — let alone what’s coming,” Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said.

“After cutting women’s pay last year, Christopher Luxon has set these workers back – now they face huge increases in fuel costs simply to do their jobs.

“Care and support workers are struggling on or near the minimum wage going into this crisis, because of the Government’s bad decisions.

“The Government has been slow to recognise the reality for midwives, home help, physio’s, disability support workers and others, who are paying huge costs out of their own pockets just to do their jobs.

When workers can’t afford to do the job

“They must guarantee New Zealanders will continue to receive the services they depend on.

“It’s patients and clients who will pay the price, many of whom are vulnerable and rely on the support they get in their homes. Because when workers can’t afford to drive, care simply doesn’t arrive.

“Christopher Luxon promised to fix the cost of living, but he’s made it worse,” Ayesha Verrall said.