From today, more than 1.4 million New Zealanders are expected to receive a little extra to help with the cost of living as a result of changes made by the Government.

'Across the world inflation is causing costs to rise and New Zealand has not been immune. That's why the Government is focused on helping kiwi families with extra cost of living support,” says Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.

'In tough times, it's critical we support those who are struggling the most to make ends meet.

'Right now, people need our support more than ever and an inflation-adjusted lift in the minimum wage, superannuation, benefits, veteran's pensions and student supports will help more than a million New Zealanders.

'There is more to come, with the Best Start payment increasing, the Winter Energy Payment going to all beneficiaries and superannuitants from May 1, and Child Support will be passed on to Sole Parent Beneficiaries from July 1.

'From today, the nurses pay agreement worth $200 million annually will mean that nurses in aged residential care, hospices, home and community support services, along with those in Māori and Pacific healthcare, will have up to 15 per cent more in their take home pay.

'Changes to childcare also come in tomorrow. It means more than half of New Zealand families with kids are now eligible for subsidised childcare assistance and makes another 10,000 children eligible for the Childcare Subsidy who weren't before. It means more parents will be able to afford childcare and before and after school care.

Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni says changes coming in today include, the amount paid to a couple receiving Superannuation or the Veteran's Pension has increased by $326.68 total per fortnight since 2017, and the rate for a single person, living alone on Superannuation has increased by $212.34 per fortnight since 2017.

'A couple with children who are receiving a main benefit will be better off by $256 per week on average than they were in 2017. And a sole parent is better off by $180 per week.

'In addition during the winter months all those receiving Superannuation or other assistance get $20-$30 a week more with the Winter Energy Payment, making sure they can afford to have the heater on and stay warm and well.

'And the median wage has increased by nearly a quarter since we came into Government, by 23.85 per cent.”