Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni is avoiding accountability over the cost of living crisis, saying it's "not necessarily the Government's fault".
The election is right around the corner and the cost of living is on everyone's minds.
For two years the country has grappled with high inflation and subsequent high interest rates, slipping the country into a technical recession.
Sepuloni, who is also in charge of four ministerial portfolios, joined co-host Rebecca Wright on Newshub Nation to discuss the upcoming election.
"New Zealand has been through a lot over the past six years… It's tough for people at the moment and I think when we sit back and reflect it's not necessarily the Government's fault that we've got cost of living issues, that we've had weather events, that people's everyday experiences have been very difficult," she said.
"The way people are feeling is real and so they are looking around to think what can fix this for us."
The deputy Prime Minister said the Government has responded to the cost of living crisis by increasing benefits, superannuation, student allowances and minimum wage, as well as proposing a targetted cost of living relief plan.
Earlier this month, Labour released its cost of living package that will be implemented if the party is re-elected. It's a 10-point plan that includes free prescriptions, cheaper childcare, free or half-price public transport for children and young people, GST off fruit and vegetables and a $25 boost to Working for Families.
"It certainly cuts back when you add everything up, it certainly does help to address some of the pressures on the household budget," Sepuloni said.
But Wright questioned what there is for middle New Zealanders who don't have young children, other than removing the $5 prescription fee and cheaper public transport.
Sepuloni replied some middle families have children who attend schools with free lunches. She also said the Government is supporting schools to remove the donation system in place so parents don't have to pay that.
"These are the things… that are at stake if we are not re-elected and so the pressure that would have on the pockets of families would be huge."
Watch the full video for more.
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