Willie Jackson: Government making it worse for families

Labour says the Government’s economic management is leaving families worse off, with new Salvation Army data highlighting rising unemployment and deepening cost of living pressures.

Cost of Living Pressures Continue

For the third year running, families are struggling to make ends meet due to the decisions Nicola Willis and Christopher Luxon have made.

“Christopher Luxon made big promises to fix the cost of living. Instead, all he has done is make things worse,” Labour’s social development spokesperson, Willie Jackson said.

What the Salvation Army Report Shows

“The State of the Nation report released by the Salvation Army today made it clear – unemployment is worse, housing remains a huge problem, and the cost of living is way too high, leaving more families unable to meet essential needs.

“All this Government appears to do is spin and distract while families continue to live in misery.

According to the Salvation Army report:

• Unemployment has risen

• Housing pressures remain severe

• Cost of living continues to climb

• More families cannot meet essential needs

Māori and Pacific Communities Hit Hardest

“For Māori and Pacific whānau, it’s even worse. Māori unemployment is at 11.2%, more than twice the national average and Pacific unemployment at a staggering 12.3%.

Youth Benefit Changes Under Fire

“The Government’s plan to kick 18 to 19-year-olds off the Jobseeker Support will only make it worse for the one in four Māori and Pacific youth that are already unemployed and unable to find work despite trying.

“This is simply not good enough.

“The reality is the Government has no credible plan, and their policies are making it harder for working people to survive, let alone get ahead.

Political Accountability Ahead of Election 2026

“The Government needs to get its head out of the sand and explain why they chose to support tobacco companies and property speculators over hard-working Kiwis who are struggling under their decision-making,” Willie Jackson said.

As Election 2026 approaches, the cost of living and unemployment are likely to remain central battleground issues for New Zealand voters.