John,

Before the election, Christopher Luxon told Kiwis that National’s tax promises were affordable, and that his government could balance the books by cutting supposed ‘wasteful spending’.

The problem is National’s numbers don’t add up. Here’s what you need to know:

1. National’s tax cuts will not help working people with the cost of living in the way that was promised. Before the election they admitted only 3000 households were getting the amount promised, and since taking office, they've brought in new taxes too.
2. Frontline services that Kiwis rely on are under threat as part of National’s plan for deep cuts to pay for tax cuts. Our police, firefighters, border protection, and health and education services are already in the firing line.
3. According to economists at Westpac and ANZ, National will have to borrow between $10 billion to $15 billion more than previously expected to help pay for $14.9 billion of tax cuts.

National’s decision to fund tax cuts through public service cuts, new taxes and increased borrowing is reckless and irresponsible, but it is also a choice. And it’s a choice that will see so many Kiwis worse off.

Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis have made this choice. They are missing in action on a plan to deliver meaningful cost of living support for New Zealanders, while removing the very things that make life more affordable like free and half price public transport and universal free prescriptions.

National’s focus needs to be on making everyday life easier for people like you.

We’ll keep holding them to account.

Thanks,
Chris