Barbara Edmonds

Labour’s finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, says she does not agree with all the findings in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.

Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Edmonds discussed the IMF’s assessment of New Zealand’s economy. While the IMF has forecast GDP growth of around 2 percent this year, she said many businesses continue to report sluggish trading conditions, suggesting the economic recovery is yet to be widely felt.

On fuel relief, Edmonds acknowledged the IMF’s view that the Government’s measures had been positive. However, she argued that Government's  targeted support was aimed at helping households  facing rising costs, with many forced to choose between paying for fuel or buying food.