Maori will eat more cheap junk food and their health will take a backward step if GST rises, predicts Maori Party MP Rahui Katene who will be putting a bill in the ballot today to make healthy food tax-free.

"International research proves that there is a link between poverty and bad nutrition and guess who is going to suffer - everyone in this country on very low incomes, most of whom are Maori," Mrs Katene said.

"If one banana is going to cost the same as a big packet of potato chips and a mother needs to feed three children on a measly budget, she'll likely chose the chips."

The Goods and Services Tax (Exemption of Healthy Food) Amendment Bill will address rising food prices and the impact this has on the ability of those in low income households to purchase healthy food, Mrs Katene said.

"Despite the Government's announcement yesterday that GST will be increased to 15 per cent, I invite Minister English to place my bill on the Government's Order Paper if he's really serious about helping families get ahead.

"The people of this country need this bill for the sake of their pockets, for the sake of keeping good health."

Food prices, particularly those for staples of a nutritional diet, have risen more than 20% in the last three years.

The bill defines healthy food as fruit and vegetables (including fresh, frozen, canned and dried), breads and cereals (including all bread, grains, rice and pasta), milk and milk products (including cheese, yoghurt and plain milk, but excluding ice cream, cream products, condensed and flavoured milk) and lean meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes.