NZ First vows to permanently raise Working for Families payments

<p>New Zealand First has announced a policy on Saturday making a temporary boost to the Working for Families in-work tax credits permanent, increasing the payments by $70 a week.</p> <p>The current $50 tax boost – in place from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 or until the price of 91 petrol is below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks – would change to $120, taking the total credit to $217 per week for families using the scheme.</p> <p>NZ First would also make the payments permanent, extending the one-year in-work tax credit indefinitely.</p> <p>It was estimated to cost between $500 million and $600 million per year, which the party said was worthwhile.</p> <p>"Parents are working hard and we need to ensure that they have enough to support their children and their families," the party said.</p> <p>"This policy will turn the temporary relief into a long-term pathway for hard working…