Budget provides no relief for struggling whānau
The 2026 Budget prioritises infrastructure, defence and law and order, but does nothing to ease the enormous cost pressures facing whānau and the community services that support them, warns social services national organisation Te Pai Ora SSPA.
“It is disheartening to see such large investment in infrastructure projects, without an investment in whānau – especially when we know so many children and families urgently need relief now to manage rising costs,” says Chief Executive Belinda Himiona.
“Surging fuel prices on top of cost-of-living pressures are causing immense pain and hardship for whānau and are also stretching many of our community-based providers to breaking point.
“From our recent survey on the impact of high fuel prices we know that whānau are making impossible choices about whether to pay for fuel or groceries or medical appointments, and that some providers are having to cut back on critical services as fuel price increases bite. This Budget does nothing to relieve those pressures.”
The Budget provides some fuel relief for Police and frontline health and education services, but nothing new has been outlined for the community sector.
“This lack of investment in the community sector leaves providers and staff in a very vulnerable position, which is troubling when children and whānau need their support more than ever. When you don’t help families early, then you will have greater costs down the line.” Belinda warns.
There are some positives in the Budget around improving child safety. Te Pai Ora SSPA welcomes the $77 million to implement recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi report and $184 million for Oranga Tamariki to better respond to reports of suspected harm and support for children with high and complex needs.
“Both these investments will help respond earlier and more effectively when a child’s safety is at risk,” Belinda says.
“While a Budget is about choices and trade-offs, this year the balance is off,” Belinda says. “Whānau and communities are not looking for sugar hits. Many cupboards are nearly empty. We are looking for the bare basics and they aren’t there.”
