The National Party leader says the Government is addicted to spending and is making inflation worse.
Another high quarterly inflation figure is expected to be released later this week - possibly around the 7 percent mark.
Christopher Luxon told Morning Report the Government has blamed offshore factors including Covid-19, supply chain issues and the Ukraine invasion for the increase in the cost of living.
But Luxon said the inflation rate half of New Zealand's in Australia, and less again in Singapore and Japan.
Luxon does not advocate cuts to Government spending, he says a ruler needs to be run over all outgoings to make sure there is no wasteful spending.
He does not see reason to adjust National's plan for tax cuts if it were in government though.
"If you can get $1600, to an average household in New Zealand, that would be helpful at this point in time, given what they're wrestling with."