New Zealand First has committed to raising the minimum wage by at least inflation levels annually for the next three years if it returns to government. The party also plans to make permanent the temporary boost to the Working for Families in-work tax credit, which was introduced earlier this year to support families affected by the fuel crisis. The current $50 weekly increase is set to expire in April, unless fuel prices drop below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announced these plans at a public meeting in Invercargill, emphasizing the need for workers to afford basic necessities without falling behind inflation.
Peters highlighted that the economic recovery must start with workers, describing them as the backbone of communities. The party estimates that increasing the in-work tax credit by an additional $70 a week, bringing the total to $120 a week, would cost between $500 million and $600 million annually. This pledge contrasts with ACT's campaign for a three-year minimum wage freeze and a reduction in the youth training rate. New Zealand First had previously secured minimum wage increases as part of a coalition agreement.