Tariana Turia: Throwing stones at Budget is too easy

I am under no illusions that times are tough for many families. I see this every day. But we need to keep things in context.It is Budget week and, while I can't talk about what is specifically in the Budget yet (more on that next week), what happens next is the opposition parties become the merchants of gloom.
Having been in opposition myself, I know how easy it is to throw stones and point out everything that is wrong. There is no doubt we are only just starting to emerge from a global recession and that some of the basic necessities have become a luxury for some people.
According to Statistics New Zealand's Food Price Index, between September 2010 and April, the price index for fruit and vegetables has fallen by 5.4 per cent (although there is likely to be some seasonal variation); milk, cheese and eggs has increased by 2.5 per cent and fresh milk has increased by 3.4 per cent; petrol has risen by 17.1 per cent. The rise in petrol prices indicates that we urgently need to establish renewable sources of energy and reduce our reliance on oil.
I am under no illusions that times are tough for many families. I see this every day. But we need to keep things in context. Food prices move around a lot, depending on things such as climate and international commodity prices.
The Maori Party argued for support for the most vulnerable in Budget 2010, and main benefits and superannuation payments were increased by 2.02per cent from October 1, 2010 to account for the rise in GST.
Between April 2010 and April 2011, main benefit rates increased by 3.75per cent (including the compensation from October 2010 of 2.02per cent).
Other costs of living also need to be put in context. Electricity prices rose 72per cent under Labour in nine years. That is 8 per cent a year. They've risen 9.5per cent in the two and a half years since National took office. This is less than 4 per cent a year.
We must focus on protecting the vulnerable: The elderly, the young, the disadvantaged, restoring whanau responsibility, to maintain social cohesion and mutual obligations - as well as progressive taxation (higher taxes on the wealthy).
We must also invest in the future. Education is not a cost but an investment in future prosperity. We must also invest in the expansion of Whanau Ora. The roll-out needs support and we need to see all departments being prepared to integrate contracts. We need a responsible budget, but we must still invest in our mokopuna.
I'm hoping this Budget will deliver on two areas we have been promoting with all our might: Protecting the vulnerable and investing in our future.