Over the past few months, I've spent time talking with many people across our electorate. The message I've heard more than any other is clear: the cost of living remains the number one concern for families and households. People are working hard, making careful choices, and wanting to see the economy heading in the right direction.
That's why this year's Budget matters.
This week was Budget Day in Parliament, and while it may not have had the biggest headlines, it was an important Budget for New Zealand's future. It focused on restoring economic stability, investing in frontline services, and helping New Zealand navigate an increasingly uncertain world.
We've come through some tough years — COVID-19, high inflation, rising costs, and ongoing global uncertainty. Against that backdrop, this Budget takes a careful and responsible approach.
Budget 2026: The Headlines
- The Government is on track to return to surplus in 2028/29, a year earlier than previously forecast.
- More people are expected to be in work over the coming years, with Treasury forecasting an additional 220,000 jobs nationwide by 2030.
- Wages are expected to keep rising faster than inflation, helping households get ahead as cost of living pressures ease.
- The Budget invests in the services and infrastructure we rely on, including health, education, transport and national resilience.
What it means for Maungakiekie
- Working families are receiving an extra $50 a week through the In-Work Tax Credit, helping with household costs and higher fuel prices.
- A record investment in health includes an additional $5.5 billion for frontline healthcare services – that’s timely and quality care for Maungakiekie families.
- More medicines funded, with an extra $54 million allocated to Pharmac.
- Bowel cancer screening will be expanded, allowing people to access screening from age 56.
- Schools will receive an additional $131 million to support reading, writing and maths achievement. Healthy School Lunches will also continue through to 2027, alongside $45 million for food support and breakfast programmes.
- More young people will have access to trades training, with high school Trades Academy places increasing to 20,000 – practical pathways for our local students.
- Support for housing includes 2,250 additional social homes and increased Accommodation Supplement assistance for renters.
- Funding has also been set aside to support safer communities, including Pasifika Wardens, Neighbourhood Support and Community Patrols – this will make a difference for our key crime prevention groups here in the electorate.
As cost of living pressures remain top of mind, I'll continue advocating for our community and making sure Maungakiekie's voice is heard in Wellington.
Upcoming community events
Lastly, thank you to everyone who continues to share their views, concerns and ideas with me. Whether it's the cost of living, health, jobs or local issues, those conversations help shape the work I do every day on your behalf.
As always, if there's something you'd like to chat about, please get in touch.
Minister Erica Stanford visits Maungakiekie
Earlier this month, we hosted Education Minister Erica Stanford and heard directly from our teachers shaping the schools our kids attend.
From hearing how Sylvia Park School is successfully increasing student attendance, to visiting Te Papapa School's new classroom block delivered under this Government, and hosting a principals' roundtable at Ellerslie School, it was a busy and informative day! We took away many valuable insights that we're now working on, including securing a new school hall for Ellerslie students!
Elevate Christian Disability Trust
I had an awesome time visiting Elevate Christian Disability Trust and speaking with a wonderful group about faith, public service and the importance of community. Thank you to the team for the warm welcome, thoughtful conversations and insights.
The Prime Minister visits Maungakiekie
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spent a day with us here in Maungakiekie, and what a busy day it was!
Between visiting TR Group in Penrose (which has one of the country's largest heavy vehicle fleets and is leading the way in hydrogen fuel cell trucks), Buckley Systems (which has been instrumental in advancing cancer treatment around the world), and hosting a morning tea with more than 350 local residents, it was wonderful to showcase the strength of Maungakiekie - both within our community and on the world stage.
Thank you for all your responses!
A big thank you to everyone who filled out and returned the recent survey delivered to letterboxes around the electorate. I've really enjoyed reading through your thoughtful feedback and hearing about your priorities. It's this kind of feedback that helps us understand what matters most to you and where we should be focusing our efforts next.
If there’s something on your mind, feel free to get in touch at Greg.Fleming@parliament.govt.nz.
A special investiture ceremony
I had the privilege of being the attending MP at my father-in-law's investiture at Government House, where he received an MNZM for services to the community and business.
David has had an extraordinary career of service, including as the founding CEO of Life Education Trust, Executive Chair of EIG Insurance (which paid out more than $1 billion towards the rebuild of Christchurch following the earthquakes), and Chair of numerous charities, companies, and government boards.
I'm incredibly proud to be his son-in-law and thrilled to see his contribution recognised in this way.
GET UPDATES
