Stagnation, not inequality, is squeezing Kiwis

Responding to reports from RNZ on Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa polling suggesting people were feeling the pinch from rising inequality, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said “Kiwis are certainly feeling the pinch, but not because of supposed rising inequality."

“In fact, the data shows the opposite. A Treasury analytical note shows that by all four measures, income inequality in New Zealand has fallen between 2007 and 2023, not risen."

“What Kiwis are actually dealing with is stagnant wage growth, a prolonged per-capita recession, and a cost-of-living crisis driven by years of persistent government overspending.”

“If Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa are serious about lifting living standards, we look forward to their support for policies that would actually grow the economy. That means slashing red tape, introducing full expensing, and removing the third of public servants needed to trim government bloat back to 2017 levels.”