31 Aug 2026
1 month ago
502 views
The New Zealand Government has cancelled the planned fuel excise increase for 2027 to ease the cost of living pressures on Kiwis, postponing the next increase to January 2028 and spreading subsequent hikes over time for a fairer transition. Despite the freeze, rising transport project costs and the need to maintain infrastructure funding mean fuel tax increases will resume gradually from 2028, with the National Land Transport Fund being topped up to cover revenue shortfalls. This decision is supported by careful fiscal management, allowing the government to balance economic recovery, inflation control, and infrastructure investment while monitoring international uncertainties.
25 Aug 2026
2 months ago
497 views
The Government will cap council rates increases at 4 percent to keep rates affordable and ease cost-of-living pressures, requiring councils to limit annual increases within a 2-4 percent target range starting from July 2027 and fully effective by July 2029. Exemptions to the cap will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters or justified financial management needs, with councils required to consult their communities before setting rates. An independent regulator will oversee compliance, assess exemptions, advise on target ranges, and support councils during implementation, while water services remain regulated separately.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
1308 views
The Government will increase the Rates Rebate Scheme from July 2026, raising the maximum rebate and income thresholds to provide targeted support for low-income ratepayers and SuperGold Cardholders, helping seniors on fixed incomes manage rising rates. New application forms will be available through councils and online, ensuring eligible households receive assistance amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Additionally, a rates cap will be introduced to control council spending and prevent unsustainable rate increases, with details to be announced later this year.
07 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2094 views
Tens of thousands of households will be better off thanks to changes being made to FamilyBoost to help families with the cost of living, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “From the start of this month, families will get larger FamilyBoost rebates on the early childhood education fees they pay, with rebates increasing from 25 per cent to 40 per cent of weekly fees, and those with household incomes of up to $229,000 now eligible to apply. “This means for example that a family with early childhood fees of $100 a week could have their weekly FamilyBoost payment increased from $25 a week to $40 a week, meaning their annual payments would increase from $1,300 to $2,080 over the course of a year, making them hundreds of dollars better off.