Rt Hon John Key: Good afternoon Ruslan Andy Chandra

Rt Hon John Key <newsletters@national.org.nz>
           

Tomorrow a number of important government policies come into effect that will benefit New Zealand families and children. From tomorrow, our new HomeStart programme


Good afternoon Ruslan Andy Chandra

Tomorrow a number of important government policies come into effect that will benefit New Zealand families and children.

From tomorrow, our new HomeStart programme will help an estimated 90,000 low and middle income first home buyers into their own home over the next five years.

This programme means New Zealanders will be able to withdraw more money from their KiwiSaver to put towards a deposit to buy their first home. We are also increasing the amount and eligibility for government grants - couples are now eligible to apply for up to $20,000 to put towards a deposit to buy a house.

Other changes that take effect tomorrow include:

    Paid parental leave increases by two weeks to 16 weeks – and will increase again by another two weeks from 1 April next year. Parental tax credits also increase.
    New Zealand Superannuation increases by another 2.07 per cent – meaning it has increased by 31 per cent since 2008 – double the rate of inflation.
    Average ACC levies paid by employers and self-employed people will fall from 95 cents per $100 of liable earnings to 90 cents. More cuts to ACC levies come into effect on 1 July.
    The adult minimum wage will increase by 3.5 per cent – up from $14.25 to $14.75. This increase strikes the right balance between supporting our lowest-paid workers and ensuring that wages are affordable for small businesses. It will increase wages throughout the economy by around $60 million per year.

It is only through a strong, growing economy that we are able to deliver important policies like these that will benefit New Zealand families. A strong economy also leads to more jobs and better wages.

To view a short video about the 1 April changes click here.

Kind regards,

Rt Hon John Key

Authorised by John Key MP, Executive Wing, Parliament, Molesworth Street, Wellington.