New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon announced targeted cost‑of‑living support as global fuel prices rise due to Middle East conflicts. Measures include a temporary $50 weekly boost for low‑ and middle‑income families, higher Family Tax Credits, increased NZ Superannuation, and expanded support for students and households, aiming to ease pressure without fuelling inflation.

Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended his Government’s targeted cost‑of‑living support amid soaring fuel prices, saying that while New Zealand cannot control global energy markets, it must help those most affected.

In a post on X, Luxon said the conflict in the Middle East is directly leading to higher prices at the pump in New Zealand, putting pressure on households and businesses across the country. “That’s affecting households and businesses across the country, but the Government can’t afford to ease the pressure for everyone,” he wrote, adding that the Government must avoid repeating the “mistakes of Covid where excessive spending led to higher inflation and more debt.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's Tweet

Luxon stressed the need for “timely, temporary, and targeted support to those who need it most,” emphasising that blanket measures would risk fuelling inflation further.