Government lifts incomes, making Easter easier

Easter weekend will have been a little easier for more than a million people after a suite of April 1 changes put a bit more money in their pockets to help with the cost of living.

The rising cost of living is being driven by lots of factors, like the war in Ukraine and the recent extreme weather, and I know it’s making things tough for many east Auckland families.

There’s no easy fix, but we’re delivering a range of measures to help ease the pressure.

Through increases to Working for Families and the Best Start payment, we’re providing more support for whānau. We’re also making childcare more affordable for many low and middle income families by expanding childcare assistance income thresholds. On top of that, main benefits will increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children will receive an extra $40.86 a week and

Naisi Chen

a sole parent will receive an extra $31.83 a week.

Tertiary students receiving student allowance or student loan living cost payments will see around $20 extra each payment. Thanks to our minimum wage boost, which kicks in from April 1, full-time minimum wage workers will earn an extra $60 a week too.

Seniors will also benefit from this week’s changes. Single people on Superannuation will receive an extra $66.86 each payment and a couple who are both aged over 65 will receive $102.84 more in total a fortnight.

In addition, from May 1, the Winter Energy Payment will kick in again, to assist more than a million New Zealanders with heating bills through the colder months.

Elm Park Opens New Playground

On March 31, dreams became a reality when the Elm Park School’s new junior playground was officially opened.

The new playground has been a few years in the making, however, last year the Board of Trustees decided to make it a priority as one of the big property investments they needed to make for the future of the infrastructure of Elm Park School.

Sarah Baleicakau, the new principal since term 3 of 2022, knew the school had been waiting a while for this playground and wanted to fulfil the vision for staff, students, and the community.

When deciding upon the design of this new playground, the school wanted to add a play value that includes the nurturing of physical development. The equipment builds body strength and provides challenge and social development which is age-appropriate.

The playground has been

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completely funded by the school which is a significant achievement and the money has come from various sources, such as income from the before and after school programme, PTA, and several fundraising schemes over the years.

“Elm Park School has a lot of property development taking place at present and is in a space of considerable change,” Mrs Baleicakau said. She said she’s excited for the next chapter in the school’s journey.

This package of support builds on the recent steps we’ve taken to help smaller budgets stretch further, including extending the fuel tax cut and public transport subsidies so it’s cheaper to get around. While these measures won’t fix everything, every bit counts when making ends meet.

I’d also want to again acknowledge Jacinda Ardern after her valedictory speech last week. Even in times of immense challenge and sorrow, her compassionate style of leadership shone through. Although it is sad to see her leave Parliament, I was delighted she will be a Special Envoy for the Christchurch Call. Addressing extremism on social media is essential for our community’s future.