Initiatives which come into force tomorrow will make a significant difference to the lives of New Zealand families, Prime Minister Helen Clark says.
Miss Clark, accompanied by a number of Labour MPs, is today visiting the Mangere Town Centre market, to promote the full rollout of the Working
for Families programme, four weeks annual leave for workers, an increase in the minimum wage and a boost to National Superannuation.
Working for Families is one of the Government's flagship policies, giving tax credits to working families with children.
"The policies coming into force on Sunday show that the Labour-led government is serious about delivering real gains to families."
Miss Clark said the $10 a week, per child boost to family tax credits would benefit around three out of every four families with children.
The Government had also delivered on its promise of a minimum of four weeks annual leave, she said.
Pensioners, veterans and low wage earners will all get some more money in their pockets from Sunday.
The adult minimum wage increases from $10.25 an hour to $11.25 -- $450 a week for a 40-hour week.
At the same time the minimum youth rate for 16 and 17-year-olds goes up to $9.00 an hour from $8.20.
The Government intends raising the adult minimum wage to $12 an hour by the end of 2008.
Superannuation and veterans' pensions go up 5 percent. Single superannuitants living alone get an extra $13.16 a week and couples get $20.24.
As well these initiatives there was more to come, on July 1, with the launch of Kiwisaver and changes to primary health care, the Prime Minister said.
- NZPA
