Western Star Column April 2022
Originally published as a column in the Western Star
I enjoyed a great visit to Western Southland recently, where I got to hear first-hand some of the issues that are affecting local people.
Naturally the cost of living is a big one with groceries, particularly fruit and vegetables, increasing dramatically. Thanks heavens for some of the locally grown produce to keep us all going.
Fuel prices are another major concern with people in rural areas like Riverton, Colac Bay, Orepuki and Tuatapere, having no choice but to use their farm vehicles and cars to keep their businesses and families running.
Despite what the Government says, we are dealing with a cost of living crisis - annual inflation is sitting at 5.9% and wage growth at only 2.6% - that means people in this province are worse off now than they were 12 months ago.
During my visit I also noticed how dry Western Southland farms were looking and I made a call to Government last week to declare a drought and acknowledge the trying conditions.
The Government responded by allocating $100,000 to support farmers, covering the whole Queenstown Lakes, Southland and South Otago districts.
This funding is expected to last until October and averages about $1000 per week, per province.
It’s a pittance when you think of the contribution that the rural sector and the South makes to New Zealand’s economy and it’s just another example that this Government doesn’t understand or value the people of the South.
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