9 June 2005

Reduced Poverty A Farce

New Zealand First spokesperson for family affairs Barbara Stewart is warning the public not to fall for Labour's attempt to conceal the true picture of poverty in New Zealand.

This follows the release of Statistics New Zealand's 2004 Household Economic Survey which indicates that real incomes have risen for lower income families since 2001.

“While this current government boasts of its economic success, it attempts to conceal the true impact of its failed economic and social policies,” said Mrs Stewart.

“Over one million New Zealanders continue to rely on a Community Services Card and over 400,000 receive income support.

“The statistics also fail to account for the increase in strikes from disgruntled workers seeking better wages and working conditions.

“Skyrocketing electricity and petrol prices and countless tax increases are hitting families hard. I doubt that the latest statistics are a true indication of the real situation lower income families are finding themselves in,” said Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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