In New Zealand, our representatives earn staggering amounts while many residents are living paycheck to paycheck. Currently, Members of Parliament earn between $160,000 and $180,000 a year. Ministers, with more responsibilities, can pull in between $250,000 and $300,000, and the Prime Minister's salary is nearing a half million dollars annually – all while the Adult Minimum Wage of $23.15 per hour amounts to just $48,152.00 per year before tax.

As citizens invested in the welfare of this country, we propose that all ministers, MPs, parliamentarians, and policy advisors be put on minimum wage until we are out of deficit.

They should then be given the living wage when the country is no longer in deficit. If these representatives cannot get the deficit below 3%, they will become ineligible for re-election, serving as a tangible motivator to create effective and responsible financial strategies for our country's growth.

To ensure they always have the people's best interest in mind, we also demand parliamentarians cannot trade, own stocks, shares, or be stakeholders whilst in service of the people.

 Furthermore, to maintain transparency between the government and its citizens, all wage increases must be approved by the people of New Zealand via a public vote.

Choosing to reduce the salaries of the most influential decision-makers to the lowest wage level is not merely a symbolic move, but a financial one. Reducing each parliamentarian’s pay would result in a minimum of $100,000 saved in public funds per parliamentarian per year. This substantial budget could be redirected to vital sectors such as health and education.

This is driven by the belief that the parliamentarians, who are here to serve, should operate with transparency and trade their exorbitant salaries for a clear reflection of the country's financial status.

It's time we put the people before politics and refocus on what matters most – the welfare and prosperity of all New Zealand.

Sign this petition to call for pay accountability in Parliament and herald a new era of government accountability.