Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to use his post-Cabinet press conference this afternoon to mark one year since the introduction of his Government’s tax changes.

Today’s press conference will be live-streamed at the top of this article from about 4pm.

Tax relief was a major part of National’s 2023 election campaign amid flaring inflation and a cost-of-living crisis.

The party campaigned on a series of policies aimed at helping the “squeezed middle”, including adjusting tax rates, increasing tax credits and FamilyBoost. These policies came into effect in July last year.

Today’s press conference is expected to be centred around the policies.

Meanwhile, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today she would review safety rules for scaffolding, saying she had received many complaints from the construction industry that current regulations were too complex and expensive.

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Van Velden was light on the details of what specifically would be reviewed, but said officials would consult on proposed new rules that would give people a selection of safety options depending on how dangerous the job was.

“If it’s not very risky, they will not need to use expensive scaffolding.

“For example, they will be considering whether a ladder could be used instead of scaffolding for a simple roof gutter repair or minor electrical maintenance when working at height.”

Van Velden is also reviewing prequalification requirements – a way for businesses to check if a contractor is appropriate for a job.

Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter. She joined the Herald in 2020 and has most recently focused on data journalism.