Affordable housing, health food subsidies and mental health are the issues that should come out on top when the 2018 Budget is delivered, according to one Auckland family.
Kavita Upadhyay and her husband Alok live in Botany Downs and collectively earn around $120,000 a year. They have two daughters in their 20s.
Kavita used to own a laser clinic which she sold in March and was going to start a vegan meal delivery service.
Her husband, a former cameraman, was a warehouse co-ordinator for Oceania Productions.
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It seemed like a no-brainer, but a tougher stance on general well-being and food was a top priority for them in the Budget.
"One of the key things we want is a focus on health - we want fruit and vegetables to be cheaper. Alcohol and cigarettes and packet foods should become more expensive.
"It seems like a no-brainer. It would seriously benefit health and benefit everyone overall," Kavita said.
A greater focus on transport in the Auckland metro area was also a priority but options for the whole nation could help too.
With two daughter both in their 20s and still living at home, the couple also hope more steps could be made for housing affordability.
"Housing costs are astronomical.
"We are hoping something can be done - some sort of subsidy for first-home buyers."
Kavita hoped that if housing needs were tackled their daughters could reasonably budget for a first home in the next five years.
Bindi Norwell, REINZ chief executive, has called on the Government to address housing in the Budget.
"New Zealand currently has a significant housing shortage across the country, and the Auckland shortage is around 60,000 properties alone. Until we’re able to start to back-fill some of that shortage, houses are only going to continue to remain unaffordable for first time buyers and those on lower incomes. Therefore, it is essential that a solution is found to this problem in order to help reduce the shortage and drive housing developments forward," she says.
