Oral Questions for Wednesday 1 April 2026
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This episode of Parliament's Oral Questions on 1 April 2026 centers on the escalating fuel crisis driven by global tensions in the Middle East, with ministers repeatedly emphasizing that New Zealand currently has sufficient fuel supplies and is in 'Phase One' of its National Fuel Response Plan. The Prime Minister and Finance Minister defend the government’s cautious fiscal approach, rejecting broad tax cuts or large-scale borrowing, citing lessons from the COVID-19 era to avoid inflating inflation and debt. They justify targeted, temporary support—such as a $50 weekly boost to 143,000 working families—while facing criticism over eligibility exclusions for low-income workers without children and care workers. Questions from opposition members highlight growing concern over fuel costs impacting essential services, homelessness, and rural communities, with ministers acknowledging the strain but stressing economic responsibility. The session also covers infrastructure recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle, new health infrastructure in South Auckland, and emergency preparedness, including fuel prioritization for civil defence. Tensions rise over accountability for past fuel policy decisions, particularly regarding the decommissioning of the Marsden Point refinery and the use of surplus levy funds.
New Zealand currently has sufficient fuel stocks (58.7 days of petrol, 52.2 days of diesel), and the government remains in Phase One of its National Fuel Response Plan.
The government is providing $50/week to 143,000 working families but has excluded low-income workers without children and care workers from this support.
Fuel prices have surged—petrol up 34%, diesel up 86%—driving inflation concerns and prompting warnings of higher inflation forecasts in May.
The government refuses to cut fuel excise taxes or freeze road user charges, citing risks of inflation and increased consumption.
Care and support workers are facing severe hardship due to fuel costs, with reports of missed shifts and reduced visits, but the government says it will announce support tomorrow.
…and 5 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Fuel Crisis and Government Response
“We are doing everything we can to secure fuel. Without it that is the thing that can do the most damage to incomes and jobs.”
Economic Impact and Fiscal Responsibility
“New Zealand is poorer because of these global events. And how big that impact is depends on how the conflict evolves and how it gets resolved.”
Support for Vulnerable Workers and Families
“We are not going to repeat the mistakes of COVID that led to 32-year high inflation and $180 billion worth of debt.”
Welfare and Cost of Living Adjustments
The Minister for Social Development announces automatic annual adjustments benefiting over 1.5 million New Zealanders, including students, seniors, beneficiaries, and non-beneficiaries. Increases range from $22/fortnight for students to over $50/fortnight for superannuitants, though critics question whether this constitutes a new cost-of-living measure.
Care Workers and Emergency Preparedness
“We will make an announcement on that tomorrow.”
“New Zealand is poorer because of these global events. And how big that impact is depends on how the conflict evolves and how it gets resolved.”
“We are doing everything we can to secure fuel. Without it that is the thing that can do the most damage to incomes and jobs.”
“We are not going to repeat the mistakes of COVID that led to 32-year high inflation and $180 billion worth of debt.”
Host
Guests
The Right Honourable Prime Minister
person
Honourable Nicola Willis
person
Middle East Conflict
other
Honourable Shane Jones
person
National Fuel Response Plan
other
Cyclone Gabrielle
other
Honourable Louise Hubster
person
Petroleum or Engine Fuels Monitoring Levy Fund
other
NEMA
organization
Marsden Point Refinery
other
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