Proud to be part of a Govt tackling problems of poverty

New Zealanders have shown extraordinary resilience and compassion over the past year, and the Government is doing all it can to support Kiwi families through these uncertain times. This weekend gone many of our local kids and clubs kicked off their winter sports season. As parents we’ve spent many hours on the sideline in the cold and wet cheering on our local teams. We are so grateful to the team of 5 million for your efforts in helping to stamp Covid out so our school, clubs and sports teams can enjoy their winter sports season. May 1 also saw the resumption of the Winter Energy Payment, which was introduced as part of the Government’s Families Package, to help seniors and families with the cost of heating during the colder months. It’s simply about being able to run the heater when you need to. Too many Kiwis are hospitalised because of cold, damp homes. The payment sits alongside our Warmer Kiwi Homes insulation programme and new Healthy Homes Standards requiring the insulation of rental properties — all part of our plan to ensure every Kiwi home is warm and dry, and to keep people well. We have had many people in the Mana and O¯ taki electorates tell us what a difference the Winter Energy Payment makes, and who are grateful for the support with their power bills. Our Government is committed to boosting the incomes of Kiwi families, so everyone can afford the basics. Our Families Package and main benefit changes mean about 111,000 families with children are now on average $118 a week better off, rising to $150 with the energy payment. We know there is more to do to lift the incomes of hard-working New Zealanders. As the MPs for Mana and O¯ taki, we are proud to be part of a Government that’s tackling long-term challenges like this one.