Budget 2026 Disinvestment Hits Whānau Hard
“Budget 2026 shows a Government turning its back on its duty of care to iwi, community groups, and whānau facing hardship, child poverty, and rising social-housing rents”, says Patrick Gemmell, co-CEO of Hui E! speaking on behalf of the Community Constellation.
“A Budget is never just numbers”, says Katie Boxall, co-CEO of Hui E! “It is a statement of what we value and where our priorities lie as a country. This Government is asking those with the least to sacrifice the most, so it can avoid the hard choices. The privilege of setting a nation’s Budget carries the responsibility to protect the vulnerable and safeguard our collective stability and security.”
So what would a responsible Budget actually look like?
“It would guarantee every whānau access to the basics,” says Patrick. “It would invest in young people so they can build their futures here, not offshore. It would not cap tax credits on donations at the very moment we need to encourage generosity. It would resource the public sector to genuinely engage communities and embed their voices in decision-making. And it would make the smart, long-term investments our future depends on.”
“Tangata whenua and the community and voluntary sector are the first responders for whānau seeking tautoko,” explains Katie. “They are the backbone of resilient, connected, and inclusive communities. Yet this Budget makes them soft targets, just as the last two Budgets did, piling cut upon cut while those already struggling are left to carry the load. Where small increases to the community sector have been allocated, most roll-back only a fraction of previous cuts.”
“Right now, whānau are navigating these choppy waters alone, says Patrick. “This disinvestment is not abstract; it is deepening poverty, eroding resilience, and fraying the fabric of our communities.”
“Moments like these force us to ask what we truly care about,” says Katie. “If we believe in our collective future, we must reject a Budget that sacrifices people for spreadsheets. Our communities deserve better. Our whānau deserve better.”
Community groups are being asked to hold the country together
The Community Constellation is a collective of 25 community sector peak bodies and capability-building organisations committed to collaborating and working together towards a community-powered Aotearoa that gives effect to Te Tiriti. Hui E!, as a peak body across the sector, convenes this collaboration.
The tangata whenua, community and voluntary sector is the foundation stone of our economy – a core infrastructure of care, connection and contribution. We are connected in our commitment to a community-powered Aotearoa and in our responsibility to work together and to engage with decision-makers. Te Tiriti provides a foundation and a framework to guide this approach and the work that we do together, to the benefit of all people and communities.
