By Webfit News
As New Zealand looks ahead to the 2026 general election, concerns around the cost of living, housing affordability, infrastructure, migration pressures, crime and public trust in politics remain central issues for many families.
Webfit News sat down with Rima Nakhle, National MP for Takanini, for a wide-ranging conversation about what communities in Auckland and across New Zealand can expect from political leadership.
The interview covered economic pressure on households, South Auckland infrastructure, the reality facing migrants, housing affordability, New Zealand’s relationship with India, and the possible visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to New Zealand.
Below is an edited question-and-answer version of the interview.
“Cost of living is on everyone’s minds”
Webfit News: Many families are under pressure from rising living costs. What action is the National-led Government taking, and how do you see the situation?
Rima Nakhle: First, I want to thank Webfit News for the important work you do in making people like myself available to communities and asking questions that matter.
The cost of living is the most important thing on everyone’s minds. From a high-level perspective, our focus is on growing the economy so that it benefits everyone in New Zealand.
I want to acknowledge how hard it has been for families across New Zealand, including in South and East Auckland. Times have been very tough. We inherited what I would call a very difficult situation, including the worst recession in more than 30 years. Things do not turn around overnight.
She said the Government’s focus included infrastructure projects, roads, business confidence, education and health access.
“When we focus on infrastructure projects and road projects, that creates jobs. When we give businesses confidence to hire people, that helps. When we focus on education, it equips our youth with the skills they need to grow the country and benefit themselves.”
Nakhle also said reducing inflation had been one of the Government’s main economic priorities.
“Inflation reached a peak of 7.2 percent under the last Labour Government. We have brought it down to around the 3 percent mark, and interest rates have gone down as well.”
“Families are still feeling pressure”
Webfit News: Politicians often say inflation is improving, but ordinary families still feel financial stress every week. How do you respond to that?
Rima Nakhle: I completely understand that. Prices, once they go up, rarely come down, unless you are talking about seasonal fruit and vegetables. That is why the focus becomes how we make life more affordable.
She said it was difficult to see families making hard choices at supermarkets.
“It breaks my heart when I see mums and dads thinking twice before putting something in their trolley. Our finance minister is not sitting around laughing. She wants to make life easier for families, seniors and young people.”
Nakhle said trade deals and efforts to rebuild economic confidence were also part of the Government’s long-term response.
Is politics disconnected from ordinary people?
Webfit News: Some people say the political class is becoming disconnected from the real financial struggles people are facing. Do you agree?
Rima Nakhle: From our side, we are constantly out talking to families. We do that through door knocking, community events and making sure we are available.
She said direct contact with voters helps her stay grounded.
“To me, the polls are on the doorsteps. One-on-one conversations with neighbours in our electorate are what keep our ears on the ground.”
Nakhle said ministers also hold regular discussions with MPs to hear what communities are saying.
South Auckland and infrastructure
Webfit News: South Auckland contributes strongly to Auckland’s economy and workforce. Yet many residents feel the area receives less infrastructure, less investment and less attention than other parts of Auckland. What do you say to them?
Rima Nakhle: That is surprising to me because we have quite a few projects taking place. One of the major projects is grade separation, where railway lines cross roads. The Government has committed $200 million, alongside Auckland Council, to improve those conditions.
She said these changes would improve safety and traffic flow by replacing some level crossings.
Nakhle also pointed to Mill Road as one of the Government’s roads of national significance.
“When Mill Road opens, it will take a lot of pressure off surrounding roads.”
She also referred to local debate about cycle lanes on Great South Road, saying some lanes that were not being widely used were expected to be removed.
“There is a lot going on. Sometimes these things are not reported in the news, so not everyone knows they are happening.”
Migration expectations and reality
Webfit News: Many migrants come to New Zealand hoping for a more stable and affordable life. But many families are now struggling with rent, jobs and financial pressures. Do you think New Zealand has, in some ways, oversold the dream?
Rima Nakhle: New Zealand is still a dream country. Our natural beauty, our approach to how people should be treated, and the way many people feel respected here are very special.
Nakhle said New Zealand still had areas where it needed to improve.
“Can we grow and improve what we offer people here? One hundred percent. That is why our Prime Minister is focused on New Zealand’s potential.”
She said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had “big dreams” for New Zealand and was working internationally to build stronger economic relationships.
“Our Prime Minister goes out on the world stage and hustles for New Zealand.”
Nakhle referred to the Government’s focus on trade relationships, including with India, Singapore and countries in the Middle East.
“This is all done by good relationships.”
Labour’s credibility challenge
Webfit News: Some voters believe Labour communicates well in opposition but did not deliver enough when in government. Why should undecided voters trust Labour again heading into the 2026 election?
Rima Nakhle: Respectfully, nothing against people personally. Most people have good hearts and want the best. But collectively, in terms of effectiveness, we saw six years where spending got out of control.
She criticised the previous Labour Government’s record on inflation, crime, education and health.
“Crime was out of control. Gangs and drugs were out of control. Inflation was at 7.2 percent. Less than half our kids were attending school regularly.”
Nakhle said the National-led Government had focused on law and order, including stronger sentencing and changes for repeat offenders.
“We are an efficient government. We have a lot to do to fix up the situation we were left with.”
Housing affordability
Webfit News: Do you believe home ownership is becoming unrealistic for many young New Zealanders, especially in Auckland?
Rima Nakhle: One of the major issues has been getting building consents and the cost of building materials.
She said ministers Chris Bishop and Chris Penk had worked on changes designed to reduce barriers to building.
Nakhle pointed to allowing some granny flats of up to 70 square metres to be built without requiring full consent processes, and allowing overseas building products into New Zealand if they meet required standards.
“When there is more competition in the market, prices should naturally fall.”
She also said the Government would not introduce a capital gains tax on investment property.
What practical policy can improve housing affordability?
Webfit News: What is one practical policy that can genuinely improve housing affordability within the next five years?
Rima Nakhle: We have overhauled the Resource Management Act. What we are doing is cutting red tape and making it easier to build homes.
She said increasing housing supply remained central to affordability.
“When there is more supply in the market, prices should naturally come down. We have had a massive housing shortage.”
New Zealand and India ties
Webfit News: You recently visited India. What was your experience, and what does the New Zealand-India relationship mean for our communities?
Rima Nakhle: That ancient country of heart and art is mind-blowing.
Nakhle said she visited India as part of a delegation that included representatives from different parties, alongside Trade Minister Todd McClay.
“I remember landing in India during the day and looking out at the buildings. It just kept going and going. There are cities in India that have more people than our whole country.”
She said the scale of India highlighted the opportunity for New Zealand.
“New Zealand is a tiny country at the bottom of the world, but what this free trade agreement does for our businesses, farmers and growers is phenomenal. Now it is up to businesses to breathe life into it.”
Message ahead of a possible Modi visit
Webfit News: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit New Zealand. What message would you give to the Indian community and to him directly?
Rima Nakhle: We are looking forward, God willing, if it all plays out, to having Prime Minister Modi here and saying namaste and welcome.
She said New Zealand wanted to show its hospitality in return for the hospitality shown to the delegation in India.
“We want to show what our Indian community here, Indian Kiwis, contribute to New Zealand and how much they have enriched our beautiful country.”
Asked what she would say if Prime Minister Modi himself was watching, Nakhle said:
“Thank you so much for trusting our Prime Minister, taking him on as a friend, and please come to New Zealand because we would be absolutely thrilled to show you New Zealand hospitality and to say thank you for how much you are helping New Zealand grow as well.”
Rapid-fire questions
Webfit News: One thing New Zealand must urgently fix?
Rima Nakhle: Education, and that is what we are doing.
Webfit News: Biggest challenge facing Auckland?
Rima Nakhle: Affordability pressures.
Webfit News: One policy you strongly believe in?
Rima Nakhle: Stronger sentences for criminals.
Webfit News: What gives you hope about New Zealand?
Rima Nakhle: The people. We are very hopeful people, and we should be. There is a lot to be hopeful for.
Webfit News: What should voters demand more from politicians?
Rima Nakhle: If you want more answers, ask.
She encouraged people to contact MPs directly and seek clarification rather than relying only on one side of a story.
“It is better to get understanding than to just hear one side of the story.”
Webfit News Perspective
The conversation with Rima Nakhle reflected the issues many New Zealand families are discussing around dinner tables: cost of living, jobs, housing, migration reality, education, crime and the country’s long-term economic direction.
For Auckland’s Indian and wider migrant communities, the discussion also highlighted the growing importance of New Zealand’s relationship with India and the contribution of Indian Kiwis to the country’s cultural and economic life.
As the 2026 election approaches, voters will be looking not only for promises, but for evidence of delivery, accountability and practical solutions that can be felt in everyday life.
