Policies
Every party's position on every issue - sourced from official party websites.
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Economy & Tax
New Zealand's economy has been through a period of high inflation (which peaked at 7.3% in 2022) and elevated interest rates. Inflation fell back to around 3% by early 2026 but is now rising again — forecast to exceed 4% in the June 2026 quarter, driven partly by Middle East conflict oil-price effects. The Official Cash Rate sits at 2.25% (held since November 2025, down from a 5.50% peak), and with inflation climbing the RBNZ split 3–3 on a hike in May 2026 and has signalled the next move is likely up. GDP growth remains sluggish. Tax brackets have not been substantively reformed since 2010 aside from National's 2024 adjustments. GST sits at 15%. There is no capital gains tax (excluding the bright-line test on property). Government debt has risen significantly post-COVID.
ACT New Zealand
Estimated cost
Tax cuts (flatter structure) would reduce revenue by $5-10 billion/year depending on design. 90-day trials and regulatory rollback have minimal direct fiscal cost.
How this changes NZ
Significantly smaller government with lower taxes. Businesses find it easier and cheaper to hire and operate. Less regulation but also fewer government services.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Wealth tax estimated to raise $10-15 billion per term. Expanded income support ~$5-10 billion/year. Recognition of unpaid work - cost depends on implementation.
How this changes NZ
Fundamental economic restructuring away from GDP growth as the primary measure. Wealth redistribution through taxation. Unpaid work (caregiving, volunteering) valued in economic policy.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Tax-free threshold ($14k) costs ~$3-4 billion/year in lost revenue. Bank/supermarket/power investigations ~$50 million. GST off fresh food (if implemented) ~$2-3 billion/year.
How this changes NZ
Tax relief targeted at the lowest earners through a tax-free threshold. Breaks up market concentration in banking, supermarkets and energy. Could reduce grocery and power prices if monopoly investigations lead to reform.
New Zealand Labour Party
Estimated cost
Labour's published CGT forecast is $100 million in the first year, $385 million in the second, $965 million in the third and $1.35 billion by 2030 - an average of about $700 million a year across the forecast period, or roughly $2.8 billion over four years. The tax applies from July 2027 and is not retrospective: only gains on property sold after that date are captured. Labour says nine in ten New Zealanders will not pay it. NZ Future Fund - initial capitalisation built up over time.
How this changes NZ
Fundamental shift in NZ's tax structure. Property investment becomes less attractive relative to business investment. Creates a long-term sovereign wealth fund for future generations. Higher tax burden on property investors. Small business support package eases compliance and cash flow for 97% of NZ businesses.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
Income tax cuts cost ~$14.7 billion over 4 years. Investment Boost costs ~$680 million/year. FamilyBoost ~$250 million/year.
How this changes NZ
Aims to stimulate growth through lower taxes and reduced regulation, encouraging business investment and exports. GDP growth targeted through trade expansion and construction activity rather than public spending.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
Estimated cost
Rebuilding Marsden Point refinery estimated at $1-2 billion. Establishing a Futures Commission estimated at $10-20 million/year.
How this changes NZ
Shifts economic focus toward localised, self-sufficient communities with environmental guardrails.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Progressive tax reform - revenue increase depends on rates chosen (potentially $5-10 billion). Māori economic institutions ~$1-2 billion in seed funding.
How this changes NZ
Wealth redistribution through progressive taxation. Māori economic self-determination through dedicated institutions. Data and knowledge protections prevent corporate exploitation of indigenous knowledge.
The Opportunities Party
Estimated cost
Land Value Tax raises ~$7-10 billion/year. Citizen's Income ~$15-20 billion/year. Compulsory KiwiSaver - transition costs ~$2-3 billion. R&D boost to 2% GDP ~$3 billion/year.
How this changes NZ
Fundamental tax system redesign. Property becomes less attractive as an investment. Universal basic income provides a floor. NZ becomes more attractive for skilled workers and researchers.
Housing
New Zealand remains one of the least affordable housing markets in the developed world. The median house price is roughly 7-8x median household income. The social housing register stood at 19,704 applicants as at March 2026, down from a peak above 25,000 in 2022. Homelessness remains a persistent issue. Building consent numbers have slowed. The bright-line test was reduced from 10 to 2 years by the current government. The Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) allowed up to three homes on most residential sites; councils have been able to opt out since the 2024 RMA amendment.
ACT New Zealand
How this changes NZ
Housing supply increased through deregulation and infrastructure funding reform. MDRS replaced with neighbourhood-sensitive alternatives. Councils incentivised to approve housing through GST sharing.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Massive public housing build ~$10-20 billion over a term. Māori housing investment ~$2-3 billion.
How this changes NZ
Government becomes a major direct builder of housing. Renters gain significant new protections including capped rent increases and quality standards. Landlord accountability increases through registration and WoF.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Housing Commission ~$20 million/year to operate. Interest deductibility restoration ~$1-2 billion in foregone tax revenue. Seniors housing plan ~$500 million.
How this changes NZ
Depoliticises housing through an independent commission. Increases rental supply through tax incentives for landlords. Pushes back against density rules imposed without community consent.
New Zealand Labour Party
Estimated cost
Not yet costed - no dedicated 2026 housing policy released.
How this changes NZ
Combines demand-side measures (CGT reducing speculation) with supply-side investment (state housing builds). Tenant protections improve renter security. First home buyer support eases entry.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
Infrastructure funding reforms are largely regulatory (low direct cost). Social housing investment ~$1-2 billion over the parliamentary term.
How this changes NZ
Focuses on unlocking land supply and reducing building costs rather than demand-side intervention. Would likely increase new housing starts in greenfield areas and reduce consent delays.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
Estimated cost
Decentralising government departments estimated at $200-500 million in relocation costs. Rural land access programmes not costed.
How this changes NZ
Tackles housing demand by redistributing population rather than building more in cities.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Public and affordable housing programme ~$5-10 billion. Enabling Māori land development - regulatory reform plus ~$1 billion in infrastructure support.
How this changes NZ
Increases housing supply through both public building and unlocking Māori land. Speculation crackdown would reduce investor-driven price inflation.
The Opportunities Party
Estimated cost
Land Value Tax is designed to lower house prices by 10-15% over time by taxing land values directly. No direct housing spend - tax reform does the work.
How this changes NZ
Land Value Tax makes property hoarding and land-banking expensive. House prices projected to fall 10-15%. Citizen's Income provides housing affordability support. Capital redirected from property into productive economy.
Health
New Zealand's public health system faces significant pressures: long emergency department wait times, a GP shortage (particularly in rural areas), growing surgical waitlists, and workforce retention challenges. Pharmac's budget has been criticised as insufficient. The Māori Health Authority was disestablished by the current government. GP visit fees have been rising, with some exceeding $60-70. COVID-era free prescriptions were reversed (now $5 per item).
ACT New Zealand
Estimated cost
Abolishing the Māori Health Authority saves ~$50-100 million in administration. The August 2026 national cancer centre commitment is ACT's first large health spending pledge at $2 billion across two campuses, targeted for 2035. Other health measures aim to save through efficiency rather than add new spending; ACT has said it will release a fiscal plan showing a faster return to surplus with no new taxes.
How this changes NZ
Health system restructured around individual need rather than population-based equity targets. Private sector plays larger role. Faster access to new medicines.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Comprehensive free healthcare - multi-billion dollar expansion beyond current funding. Drug policy reform (health-based approach) ~$500 million for treatment services.
How this changes NZ
Major expansion of free healthcare including dental and GP visits. Mental health services significantly expanded especially for young people. Drug use treated as health issue. Financial barriers to healthcare removed.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Replacing Pharmac + $1.3 billion extra for medicines. Waitlist Reduction Fund $925 million/year. Recruiting 2,000 doctors - immigration fast-track costs ~$100 million.
How this changes NZ
Radical overhaul of medicine funding and access. Dramatically shorter wait times if the waitlist fund works. More medicines available faster through mutual recognition. Major GP workforce boost through fast-tracked immigration. Seniors get free primary care access.
New Zealand Labour Party
Estimated cost
The Medicard package costs $393.3 million in 2027/28, rising to about $553 million a year once fully in place. That covers the three free GP visits plus the Medicard app, AI scribe technology and an Independent Pricing Authority. Free prescriptions ~$150 million/year. Free maternity scans are funded from the same CGT revenue, with $3 million for workforce coming from Health New Zealand baseline funding.
How this changes NZ
Major expansion of free primary healthcare. Removes financial barriers to seeing a doctor. More GPs in communities through loan incentives. Preventive care increases as cost barriers drop.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
Health budget increased by ~$3.6 billion in Budget 2026. Cancer screening expansion ~$200 million. Hospital builds multi-billion dollar programme.
How this changes NZ
Increases healthcare workforce and capacity within the existing public system. More people would get diagnosed earlier through expanded screening. Rural access improves through digital clinics.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
Estimated cost
Integrating complementary medicine into public health not independently costed. Ending fluoridation would save councils an estimated $5-10 million/year. 1080 ban would require $50-100 million/year for alternative pest control.
How this changes NZ
Would integrate natural medicine alongside conventional care. Ending fluoridation and 1080 would reverse longstanding public health policies.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Restoring Māori Health Authority ~$100-200 million/year. Prevention-focused system requires upfront investment but saves long-term.
How this changes NZ
Reverses disestablishment of Māori Health Authority. Health services redesigned to be culturally appropriate and prevention-focused rather than reactive.
The Opportunities Party
How this changes NZ
Health not a primary policy focus. Citizen's Income expected to indirectly improve health by reducing poverty-related illness.
Education
Student achievement in literacy and numeracy has declined in international assessments (PISA). Truancy rates are at record highs. The government has reintroduced structured literacy and numeracy programmes. Teacher shortages persist, particularly in STEM and te reo Māori. First-year fees-free study (introduced 2018) was moved to the final year of study by the coalition in 2025, then scrapped entirely in Budget 2026. Charter/partnership schools have been reintroduced.
ACT New Zealand
Estimated cost
Charter schools ~$100-200 million/year in additional funding. Core curriculum refocus minimal direct cost (curriculum change).
How this changes NZ
Education system becomes more market-driven with greater parental choice. Schools compete for students. Curriculum refocused on core academic subjects.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Free education at all levels - ~$1-2 billion/year additional (extending fees-free, reducing other costs). Cultural competence training ~$200 million.
How this changes NZ
Tertiary education becomes fully free again with significantly higher student support. School lunches restored. Education system becomes more inclusive and culturally diverse.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Fees-free restructure (year 3 instead of year 1) is cost-neutral or saves money. Free apprenticeships ~$200-300 million/year. Truancy enforcement ~$50 million.
How this changes NZ
Back-to-basics curriculum with stricter attendance enforcement. Tertiary incentive restructured to reward completion rather than enrollment. Trade skills pipeline strengthened.
New Zealand Labour Party
How this changes NZ
Restores access to free tertiary education and properly funded school meals. Curriculum changes reversed in favour of broader, culturally inclusive approach. Teacher workforce strengthened through better pay.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
Structured literacy rollout ~$100 million. School builds programme multi-billion dollar. Charter school funding ~$100-150 million/year.
How this changes NZ
Shifts teaching methods toward evidence-based structured literacy. More school infrastructure. Greater school choice for parents through charter schools.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
How this changes NZ
Shifts emphasis toward outdoor learning and environmental stewardship.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Māori-led education authority ~$200-500 million. Embedding mātauranga Māori - curriculum development ~$100 million. Barrier removal (transport, childcare) ~$500 million.
How this changes NZ
Education system transformed to centre Māori knowledge and governance. Barriers to participation (cost, transport, childcare) addressed directly.
The Opportunities Party
How this changes NZ
Education investment shifted toward early childhood where evidence shows greatest impact. Teaching methods driven by research. Financial barriers to education reduced through Citizen's Income.
Climate & Environment
New Zealand has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 under the Climate Change Response Act. Agriculture accounts for roughly 50% of gross emissions (primarily methane). The ETS price has been volatile. Renewable electricity generation is around 88% (2024, MBIE). Native biodiversity continues to decline. Freshwater quality in many rivers and lakes remains poor. The current government removed agriculture from the ETS and slowed some climate policies.
ACT New Zealand
Estimated cost
Minimal government cost - primarily removes regulation rather than spending. Savings to farmers from reduced compliance estimated at hundreds of millions/year.
How this changes NZ
Reduces regulatory burden on farming. Environmental management becomes more localised and outcome-focused. Climate policy deprioritised relative to economic growth.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
100% renewable energy transition - tens of billions in public and private investment over decades. Agricultural diversification support ~$2-3 billion. Marine protection enforcement ~$500 million.
How this changes NZ
Most aggressive climate action of any party. Would fundamentally reshape agriculture and energy sectors. Significant new environmental protections for oceans and waterways.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Ministry of Energy establishment ~$50 million. Electricity market restructure (generator divestment) - no direct cost to government. Marsden Point refinery investigation ~$20 million study.
How this changes NZ
Restructures the electricity market to reduce power prices. Re-establishes domestic fuel refining capability. Environmental regulation becomes more practical and locally managed.
New Zealand Labour Party
How this changes NZ
Positions climate policy as economic opportunity. Renewable energy investment lowers long-term energy costs. Communities better prepared for severe weather. Agriculture supported to reduce emissions without pricing farmers out. Data centres required to grow the grid, not strain it.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
Electrify NZ (renewable energy investment) ~$2-3 billion public contribution alongside private investment. EV infrastructure ~$200 million. Farm plans minimal cost to government (compliance cost on farmers reduced).
How this changes NZ
Maintains farming profitability while pursuing emissions reductions through technology rather than carbon pricing. Energy transition accelerated through renewable investment but timeline is less aggressive. Data centre rules aim to grow the grid rather than strain it. Schools programme delivers real-world renewable energy education alongside cost savings.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
Estimated cost
Transition to regenerative farming not independently costed but industry estimates suggest $500 million-$1 billion over 10 years. GE-free protection estimated to preserve $1+ billion in premium export value.
How this changes NZ
Strong environmental protectionism focused on banning specific interventions rather than emissions targets.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Seabed mining ban - zero cost (prevents future activity). Climate resilience investment ~$1-2 billion. Freshwater authority ~$200 million.
How this changes NZ
Strong environmental protections grounded in indigenous guardianship (kaitiakitanga). Māori authority over natural resources (especially water) significantly expanded. Extractive industries curtailed.
The Opportunities Party
Estimated cost
30% marine reserves - enforcement and management ~$500 million - $1 billion over a decade. Energy transition (household electrification, generation investment) - tens of billions in public-private investment.
How this changes NZ
Dramatic expansion of marine protection (from 0.5% to 30%). Fishing industry restructured for sustainability. Energy transition creates thousands of jobs while reducing household costs.
Law & Order / Justice
Reported crime rates, particularly ram raids, retail crime, and youth offending, rose significantly in 2022-2023. The government responded with tougher sentencing, gang legislation, and increased police powers. New Zealand's prison population reached a record 11,255 in March 2026, with June 2026 Justice Sector Projections forecasting around 15,200 by 2036. Māori are disproportionately represented in the justice system (over 50% of the prison population). Youth offending and fleeing driver incidents remain significant public concerns.
ACT New Zealand
Estimated cost
More police and longer sentences ~$500 million - $1 billion over a term (including prison capacity).
How this changes NZ
Justice system shifts further toward punishment and deterrence. Prison population likely to increase. Stronger police presence.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Restorative justice programmes ~$500 million. Addressing root causes (housing, poverty, mental health) - cost is part of other policy areas. Potential prison savings of $1 billion+ if incarceration reduced.
How this changes NZ
Fundamental shift from punishment to prevention and restoration. Prison population would likely decrease over time. More investment in social services to prevent crime.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
500 new police ~$300-400 million over 18 months. Doubling youth aid officers ~$100 million. Prison capacity expansion if needed ~$1 billion+.
How this changes NZ
Significant expansion of police numbers and tougher sentencing. Youth crime addressed through both deterrence (demerit system) and practical support (driver licensing). Prison population would likely increase.
New Zealand Labour Party
How this changes NZ
Justice system balances public safety with rehabilitation. Root-cause approach targets the drivers of crime rather than relying solely on punishment. Reoffending rates targeted for reduction over time.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
More police ~$500 million over 4 years. Gang legislation and enforcement ~$200 million. New prison capacity if needed ~$1 billion+.
How this changes NZ
Shifts justice system toward deterrence and punishment. Gang activity disrupted through financial penalties. More police presence in communities.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
How this changes NZ
Focuses on individual rights and freedoms rather than traditional policing or sentencing.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Māori-led justice programmes ~$500 million - $1 billion. Reduced imprisonment saves ~$1-2 billion over time (at $120k per prisoner per year).
How this changes NZ
Justice system fundamentally restructured with Māori-led alternatives to prison. Decriminalisation of poverty-related offending. Focus on addressing root causes.
The Opportunities Party
How this changes NZ
Justice policy driven by evidence on what reduces crime and reoffending. Citizen's Income addresses poverty as a driver of crime. Drug policy shifts toward health-based treatment.
Immigration
Net migration surged to record levels in 2023-2024 (over 130,000 in one year) before moderating. The Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme has been criticised for enabling exploitation. Skilled worker shortages persist in healthcare, construction, and tech. The government has been tightening immigration settings and raising salary thresholds for work visas. The parent visa category remains heavily oversubscribed.
ACT New Zealand
How this changes NZ
Immigration becomes more restrictive with financial and language barriers for entry. Welfare access delayed for new migrants. Overstayers actively pursued. Employers face verification requirements.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Expanded refugee quota and support services ~$200-500 million/year.
How this changes NZ
Immigration becomes more welcoming with significantly higher refugee intake. Migrant worker exploitation addressed through decoupled visas and equal pay requirements. Climate refugees gain new pathways.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Critical Skill Visa restructure is largely regulatory (minimal cost). Worker exploitation enforcement ~$50 million.
How this changes NZ
Immigration becomes more restrictive and targeted. Only genuinely needed workers admitted. Exploitation crackdown protects vulnerable migrants.
New Zealand Labour Party
How this changes NZ
Immigration focused on filling genuine skill shortages while protecting workers from exploitation. Pacific labour mobility maintained. Migrant worker rights strengthened.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
Parent visa expansion is minimal cost (sponsors must fund). Immigration policy largely revenue-neutral (visa fees cover processing).
How this changes NZ
Targeted immigration to fill workforce gaps. Parent visas help retain skilled migrants who want family nearby.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
How this changes NZ
Focus on tax fairness and redirecting population growth to smaller communities.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
How this changes NZ
Immigration policy reframed through a Treaty lens with Māori having genuine input into settings. Pacific access maintained through cultural connections.
The Opportunities Party
How this changes NZ
Immigration set at sustainable levels matched to infrastructure and housing capacity. Skills-based selection ensures genuine economic contribution. Population growth planned rather than reactive.
Welfare & Cost of Living
Cost of living pressures remain a top voter concern despite inflation moderating. Food prices, rents, and insurance costs have risen significantly. Around 216,000 people receive Jobseeker Support (MSD, 2025 — including both the Work Ready and Health Condition/Disability categories). Superannuation is set at 65 with NZ Super paid universally. Childcare costs are a barrier to workforce participation. The government introduced the FamilyBoost childcare subsidy and income tax cuts in 2024.
ACT New Zealand
How this changes NZ
Welfare system becomes more conditional with stronger work expectations. Tax cuts prioritised over benefit increases. Working families supported through in-work tax credits rather than universal welfare.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Raising core benefits to liveable levels ~$3-5 billion/year. Universal services (free dental, etc.) - multi-billion dollar. Child poverty measures ~$2-3 billion.
How this changes NZ
Welfare system becomes more generous and less punitive. Focus shifts from getting people off benefits to ensuring everyone has enough. Child poverty targeted through direct support.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Seniors rates rebate (50%) ~$1-1.2 billion/year. Supermarket duopoly investigation ~$20 million. Two-year benefit limit saves ~$500 million+ over time.
How this changes NZ
Welfare becomes time-limited, pushing recipients toward employment. Seniors get significant rates relief. Grocery prices targeted through market competition reform.
New Zealand Labour Party
How this changes NZ
Direct intervention on key cost pressures - energy, healthcare, childcare. Working families supported through tax credits. Minimum wage increases lift the floor for lowest-paid workers.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
FamilyBoost ~$250 million/year. Rates rebates for seniors ~$100 million/year. Tax cuts (already implemented) ~$3.7 billion/year.
How this changes NZ
Targets specific cost pressures (childcare, rates) rather than broad welfare increases. Relies on economic growth and low inflation to improve living standards over time.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
How this changes NZ
Addresses cost of living through energy sovereignty and food self-sufficiency rather than welfare payments.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Lifting incomes and reforming welfare ~$3-5 billion/year. Oranga Tamariki reform ~$500 million (investment in whānau support instead of removal).
How this changes NZ
Welfare becomes more generous and less punitive. Oranga Tamariki practices reformed to keep children with whānau. Direct cost-of-living relief measures.
The Opportunities Party
Estimated cost
Citizen's Income provides ~$250-350/week to every adult. Total cost ~$15-20 billion/year.
How this changes NZ
Radical welfare transformation. Every adult receives a guaranteed income floor. Eliminates benefit traps where people lose money by working more. Welfare stigma removed through universality.
Māori / Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi issues are a major political fault line. The current government has pursued policies to limit race-based policy distinctions, including disestablishing the Māori Health Authority and proposing a Treaty Principles Bill (which was defeated). The Waitangi Tribunal continues to hear historical and contemporary claims. Māori socioeconomic outcomes remain below national averages across most indicators. Te reo Māori revitalisation efforts continue but face funding pressures.
ACT New Zealand
Estimated cost
Removing race-based programmes may save hundreds of millions in targeted funding. Implementation of equal-treatment approach is largely regulatory/legislative.
How this changes NZ
Fundamentally changes how government services are designed - from equity-based targeting to universal provision. Māori-specific programmes and governance structures would be removed or reformed.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Constitutional transformation - process costs (assemblies, consultation) ~$100-500 million. Implementation depends on outcomes of transformation process.
How this changes NZ
NZ's constitutional framework would be reshaped around a genuine Treaty partnership. Māori governance and decision-making authority significantly expanded.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Largely legislative/regulatory - minimal direct fiscal cost. UNDRIP withdrawal is a diplomatic action with no direct cost.
How this changes NZ
Major rollback of Treaty-based policy framework. English language prioritised in all government communication. NZ withdraws from international indigenous rights commitments.
New Zealand Labour Party
How this changes NZ
Maintains the existing Treaty settlement framework and Māori representation in governance. Opposes rollback of Māori rights by the current government. Te reo Māori supported in public life.
New Zealand National Party
How this changes NZ
Shifts away from Treaty-based co-governance toward a universal service model. Māori-specific governance structures removed or wound down. Public sector use of te reo reduced.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
How this changes NZ
Would remove Treaty-based co-governance in favour of universal citizenship governance.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Constitutional transformation process ~$200-500 million. Land return - value depends on scope. Te reo investment ~$500 million - $1 billion.
How this changes NZ
The most comprehensive Treaty transformation agenda. Would fundamentally reshape NZ's constitutional arrangements to embed Māori co-governance at all levels. Te reo Māori normalised across public life.
The Opportunities Party
How this changes NZ
Addresses Māori disadvantage through universal policies (Citizen's Income, LVT) that disproportionately benefit those with less wealth. Focuses on outcomes rather than governance structures.
Infrastructure & Transport
New Zealand faces a significant infrastructure deficit estimated in the tens of billions. Roads, public transport, water infrastructure (three waters reform was reversed), and housing infrastructure all require major investment. The government has prioritised road building and fast-tracked major projects. Public transport usage grew post-COVID in major centres but remains underfunded. The 30-year National Infrastructure Plan was released in 2025.
ACT New Zealand
Estimated cost
Fast-tracking reduces costs by cutting consent delays (estimated billions in avoided holding costs). Road investment multi-billion dollar.
How this changes NZ
Infrastructure built faster with less bureaucracy. Roads prioritised. Private sector plays a bigger funding role. User-pays may increase costs for some services.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Public transport and cycling investment ~$5-10 billion over a term. Urban redesign - varies by city.
How this changes NZ
Major shift from car-dependent infrastructure to public and active transport. Cities redesigned for density, walkability and environmental outcomes.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
NZ Infrastructure Bank - initial capitalisation of $5-10 billion. Port of Auckland relocation ~$3-5 billion. Marsden Point dry dock ~$1-2 billion.
How this changes NZ
Creates permanent institutional infrastructure for long-term planning and funding. Major Northland economic development through port relocation and dry dock.
New Zealand Labour Party
Estimated cost
$20 fare cap estimated at ~$300-500 million/year in subsidies to public transport operators.
How this changes NZ
Makes public transport significantly cheaper for regular users. Encourages mode shift from cars to buses and trains, reducing congestion and emissions.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
$7 billion+ in fast-tracked infrastructure projects. Roads of National Significance multi-billion dollar programme.
How this changes NZ
Accelerates infrastructure delivery by cutting planning and consent timeframes. Roads and highways prioritised. Water infrastructure kept under local council control.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
Estimated cost
Rebuilding Marsden Point refinery: $1-2 billion. Establishing physical fuel reserves: $200-500 million. Tourist levy revenue estimated at $50-100 million/year.
How this changes NZ
Infrastructure policy focused on energy sovereignty and rural resilience.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
How this changes NZ
Public transport becomes free progressively, removing cost as a barrier to mobility. Active transport infrastructure expanded. Rural communities gain better transport options.
The Opportunities Party
How this changes NZ
Free public transport encourages mode shift and reduces emissions. Energy infrastructure dramatically expanded. Infrastructure planning depoliticised for long-term consistency.
Foreign Affairs & Defence
New Zealand maintains its nuclear-free stance and independent foreign policy. Defence spending has historically sat around 1.3% of GDP, below the NATO 2% benchmark, but the April 2025 Defence Capability Plan committed roughly $12 billion over four years and set a path toward around 2% of GDP by the early 2030s. Geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific have increased focus on defence capabilities. New Zealand is part of Five Eyes. Relations with China (NZ's largest trading partner) require careful balancing. The AUKUS security pact (which NZ is not part of) has reshaped regional dynamics. New Zealand has free trade agreements with China, the EU, and the UK.
ACT New Zealand
How this changes NZ
NZ becomes a more active and capable security partner. Defence spending increases. Closer integration with Five Eyes and AUKUS allies. Trade agreements pursued for economic benefit.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
Disarmament advocacy has minimal cost. Fair trade enforcement ~$50-100 million.
How this changes NZ
NZ positions itself as a peace advocate internationally. Trade agreements scrutinised for environmental and social impacts, not just economic gains.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Border Protection Force restructure ~$100-200 million (consolidation savings expected). Biosecurity investment ~$200 million.
How this changes NZ
Consolidates border agencies into a single force. More assertive trade diplomacy. Stronger biosecurity protection.
New Zealand Labour Party
How this changes NZ
NZ maintains strategic independence while deepening Pacific partnerships. No AUKUS engagement under Labour. Aid focused on Pacific resilience and development.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
Defence spending has sat around 1.3% of GDP (~$6 billion). The April 2025 Defence Capability Plan committed ~$12 billion over four years, targeting ~2% of GDP by the early 2030s — an increase of roughly $4-5 billion extra per year at the upper end.
How this changes NZ
NZ would be a more active security partner in the region while pursuing trade diversification. Defence spending likely to increase gradually.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
How this changes NZ
Sovereignty-focused foreign policy emphasising self-sufficiency.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Declaring neutrality - minimal direct cost. Refocusing Defence toward disaster response - budget restructure rather than increase.
How this changes NZ
NZ withdraws from military alliances and declares neutrality. Defence Force repurposed for disaster response and Pacific support rather than military operations. Foreign policy centred on indigenous solidarity.
The Opportunities Party
How this changes NZ
Foreign affairs and defence not a policy priority. Existing relationships maintained. Focus remains on domestic economic transformation through tax and welfare reform.
Other / Party-specific
Various policy areas that don't fit neatly into the main categories, including hunting and fishing regulation, paid parental leave, animal welfare, democratic reform, arts and culture, and disaster recovery frameworks.
ACT New Zealand
How this changes NZ
Dramatically smaller government with fewer ministries and ministers. Public service consolidated. Some communities lose dedicated ministerial advocacy.
Green Party of Aotearoa NZ
Estimated cost
End factory farming transition support ~$500 million - $1 billion. Gender equity programmes ~$200 million.
How this changes NZ
Animal welfare standards significantly tightened. Gender equity embedded across policy.
New Zealand First
Most positions shown are from this party's 2023 manifesto; its 2026 manifesto had not been released as at July 2026.
Estimated cost
Four-year term referendum ~$100 million (election cost). COVID inquiry ~$30-50 million.
How this changes NZ
Democratic reform through longer parliamentary terms (more policy stability). COVID response accountability. Withdrawal from some international forums.
New Zealand Labour Party
How this changes NZ
Focus on domestic economic development and restoring public services. Support for local industry and job creation.
New Zealand National Party
Estimated cost
Varies by initiative. Social Investment Fund ~$500 million.
How this changes NZ
Various quality-of-life improvements. Social investment approach uses data to direct funding where it has most impact.
NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
How this changes NZ
Distinctive freedom policies: media reform, 5G caution and cannabis legalisation.
Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party)
Estimated cost
Minimal - primarily protections and inclusion measures.
How this changes NZ
Specific protections for takatāpui Māori within public services. Sport as a vehicle for youth development and community connection.
The Opportunities Party
Estimated cost
Citizens' Assemblies ~$20-50 million per major assembly. Cannabis regulation expected to generate ~$500 million+ in tax revenue.
How this changes NZ
Democratic innovation - everyday people directly influence major policy decisions through structured deliberation. Political polarisation reduced through consensus-building.