Caritas has welcomed budget initiatives to assist low-income households but is calling for more urgent action on
reducing emissions.
"We need to prioritise the needs of the poor and vulnerable in Aotearoa New Zealand and the cost-of-living crisis cannot
be detached from the climate and social crises. They need to be dealt with together," said Roger Ellis, Caritas
spokesperson.
Climate Change
Climate Change remains the issue of this generation and more urgent action to address emissions reduction in New Zealand
is required now.
We are pleased to see the $1.9 billion that has been allocated to address climate issues through the Climate Emergency
Relief Fund. However, the root causes of climate change should be the priority and that means addressing emissions
reduction and mitigation in Aotearoa New Zealand. If major polluters continue to avoid paying their fair share of the
costs of the Emissions Trading Scheme, then the government has to either increase costs to taxpayers or borrow to cover
future costs. In effect, this is a subsidy at public expense for the benefit of highly profitable businesses.
Housing
Caritas welcomes the new investment of $3 billion for 3,000 additional new houses by mid-2025. The extension of the
Warmer Kiwi Homes project will also help to improve housing standards and contribute to mitigating climate change
through the funding of better heating and insulation, LED lighting, and home repairs for lower-income households.
"Every New Zealander should have access to an affordable, warm, dry home. This is another step towards that goal and
towards overcoming the housing crisis," said Ellis.
Tangata Whenua
Caritas welcomes the additional investment for Māori including the $200 million to build and repair more homes through
the Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme; $225 million for Māori education, including $10 million to help develop the local
content needed so schools and kura can work together with mana whenua; and $168 million over four years for Whānau Ora
to ensure immediate needs of communities are met and to meet the long term health aspirations of tangata whenua.
Overcoming Poverty
As the Bishops' agency for justice, peace, and development, Caritas longs to see further progress in reducing the extent
of family poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand and ensuring that communities, particularly the poor and marginalised, have
access to at least the essentials of life. In that context we welcome the extra funding to continue free lunches in
schools, the removal of the $5 co-payment for prescriptions and the increased investment of $1.8 billion into Early
Childhood Education. These measures will help those families who are struggling and will contribute to creating a fairer
and more just society, promoting the common good.