Opinion: Food Prices Put Southlanders Under Pressure

Some prices at the checkout these days are getting ridiculous and Southland families are feeling it, with the cost of a trolley full of groceries going through the roof.

I can’t imagine how large families are coping and the increased demand at local food banks is an indication that people are really hurting.

Food prices continue to rise each month with the basics, like eggs, chicken pieces, potatoes and onions, going up the most in recent times.

We paid 8 percent more for food in August, than at the same time last year, and that’s the biggest increase we’ve seen in 13 years.

People need help and the Labour Government has nothing to offer, with its poor economic management affecting us all.

Dismal annual economic growth (1 percent to June 30) and high inflation (7 percent) means Southland households are going backwards under Labour.

Effectively the economy is not growing enough to boost household incomes, meaning most people’s wages aren’t keeping up with rising prices.

New Zealand needs a real economic plan which will unleash enterprise and lift wages.

Labour’s only response to current economic woes is to spend, spend, spend – and increase taxes to pay for it.

A National Government would address the labour shortages that are contributing to rising prices, and we would adjust tax thresholds so that people keep more of the money they earn.