Government Ideology Doesn't Fill Supermarket Trolleys

Monday 15 Oct 2001 Penny Webster Press Releases -- Commerce

New Zealand families are experiencing the effects of the largest jump in food prices in almost twenty years, ACT Consumer Affairs Spokesman Penny Webster said today.

"Food prices hiked by almost eight percent between September 2000 and September 2001. This is the highest climb since 1990.

"Is this the New Zealand that Jim Anderton yearns for, where it is becoming harder and harder for families to fill their supermarket trolleys?

"Meat, fish and poultry prices rose by almost 3 percent on top of the 12 percent hike the previous month. For many New Zealand families, it puts a healthy diet completely out of reach.

"This Government is only interested in capturing the vote of beneficiaries. Hardworking families are being hit time and time again. Four per cent inflation wasn't compensated by wage rises. The Government refused to adjust the Community Services Card. And now food prices are spiralling.

"Building a People's Bank and buying into Air New Zealand might be good for Ministers' egos, but it is time for this Government to realise that ideology doesn't fill supermarket trolleys," Penny Webster said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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