Annual inflation in New Zealand jumped from 3.1 percent in the March quarter to 4.1 percent in the June quarter, its highest level in more than two years. Seventy percent of students were considering moving overseas to find work due to the lack of jobs in New Zealand. Labour suffered a crushing defeat in the 2023 election as it oversaw rising living costs and child poverty and a deepening housing crisis. Whatever the outcome of the November 7 general election, the assault on workers’ living standards will continue. Both the National and Labour Parties are committed to doubling military spending and further integrating New Zealand into the ever-expanding world war led by US imperialism.