Following the 2023 general election on 14 October 2023, coalition negotiations between the three parties ended on 24 November,[1] and ministers of the new government were sworn in by the Governor-General on 27 November.[2]
The coalition government has agreed to a select committee with the possibility of amending the Treaty of Waitangi legislation, affirm local referendums on Māori wards, and prioritise English over the Māori language in Government departments. On broader issues, the government's plan includes restoring interest deductibility for rental properties, changes in housing policies, infrastructure investment, conservative law and justice reforms, and tax cuts.
In the 2023 general election held on 14 October, the National Party defeated the incumbent Labour Party,[3][4] winning 48 seats and 38.1% of the popular vote.[5] Labour won 27% of the popular with its share of parliamentary seats dropping from 64 to 34. Prime Minister and Labour leader Chris Hipkins conceded the election and congratulated National Party leader Christopher Luxon.[4]
Coalition negotiations
Following the 2023 general election, National entered into coalition negotiations with both the libertarianACT New Zealand and populistNew Zealand First parties.[6][7] Luxon said that he would be conducting the negotiations privately "and would not confirm [...] his stance on policies such as ACT's referendum on co-governance".[6]University of Otago law professor Andrew Geddis speculated that National's coalition talks with ACT would be influenced by NZ First leader Winston Peters' demands and history of playing a "kingmaker" role in previous elections. Peters had publicly criticised several National and ACT policies during the 2023 election campaign including National's proposal to ease the ban on foreign home purchases, tax cuts, agricultural emissions pricing, proposal to raise the retirement age from 65 to 67, and ACT's proposal to slash government expenditure and public service jobs.[7]
Coalition talks between the three parties was influenced by close results in several marginal seats including Te Atatū, Banks Peninsula, Nelson, Tāmaki Makaurau, and Te Tai Tokerau.[8]Nicola Willis was expected to be Finance Minister.[9] Following the release of final results on 3 November, National's parliamentary representation dropped from 50 to 48 seats. As National and ACT did not reach the 62-seat threshold for forming a government, a prospective National-led government needed to include New Zealand First.[5]
On 8 November, ACT and NZ First made first contact in their coalition talks with National during a meeting between ACT's chief of staff Andrew Ketels and NZ First's chief of staff Darroch Ball. This introductory meeting was meant "to establish a line of communication" between the two parties. Luxon and Peters, along with senior colleagues and chiefs of staff from National and NZ First, held talks in Wellington that same week. Peters' negotiation team included Ball and fellow NZ First MP Shane Jones while National's negotiation team included Chris Bishop.[10] Following the release of final results, Seymour had attempted to contact Peters via text message but the NZ First leader had dismissed it as a scam.[11] On 9 November, Seymour expressed a hope that coalition negotiations and government formation would be completed before an upcoming APEC meeting in mid-November 2023.[12] That same day, Peters criticised the law change by the previous Labour Government that had allowed voters to register on election day, thus delaying the Electoral Commission's publication of final results by one week. Peters had supported the law change in 2020.[13]
NZ First and ACT both expressed disagreement with National's proposed 15% tax on foreign house buyers, a key component of its tax policy which was estimated to raise NZ$740 million a year.[22]
On 13 November, Luxon said he was unlikely to go to the 2023 APEC summit in the United States due to prioritising a government coalition.[23] Instead, the outgoing Trade Minister Damien O'Connor represented New Zealand at the summit.[24]
On 15 November, Luxon, Seymour and Peters met at Pullman Hotel's boardroom in Auckland. It was the first time the three leaders had met in person since the election.[25][26]
On 20 November, Luxon said that National had reached an agreement on policy positions with ACT and New Zealand First, but Peters said that it was an "assumption" to say that a policy agreement had been reached,[27][28] and Seymour said "that Luxon had maybe had too many Weet-Bix that day". Seymour also opined that ACT as the second largest party in the coalition should hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister and have more ministerial portfolios than NZ First.[29] That same day, the three parties entered into talks about allocating cabinet ministerial positions.[28][29] On 21 November, Luxon met with Seymour to discuss ministerial portfolios.[30]
Coalition agreement
Coalition negotiations between the three parties concluded on the afternoon of 23 November. That same day Luxon, Seymour and Peters met in Wellington to finalise the agreement between National, ACT, and NZ First. Later that night, Luxon informed Governor-GeneralCindy Kiro that he had the numbers to form the incoming government. On the morning of 24 November, the leaders of the three parties signed the coalition agreement, which was subsequently released to the public.[31][32] Seymour welcomed the coalition deal and told The New Zealand Herald that the Government would announce a 100-day plan that could include repealing some legislation passed by the outgoing Labour government.[31]
The terms of National's two coalition agreements with NZ First and ACT were unveiled on 24 November 2023.[33] As part of National's agreement with NZ First, National would no longer proceed with its proposed foreign buyer tax but would instead fund tax cuts via reprioritisation and other forms of revenue gathering. The Government would also adopt ACT's policies of restoring interest deductibility for rental properties and pet bonds. In addition to adopting National's youth crime and gang policies, the new Government would adopt ACT's policies of rewriting firearms legislation and NZ First's policy of training 500 new Police officers. The new Government would also scrap the previous Labour Government's Fair Pay Agreements Act 2022, proposed hate speech legislation, co-governance policies, Auckland light rail, Three Waters reform programme, and Māori Health Authority. The Government would also establish a new regulatory agency answerable to Minister for Regulation Seymour that would review the quality of new and existing legislation. The Government would also adopt NZ First's policy of establishing $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund. In addition, fees-free tertiary education would be shifted from the first to last year of tertiary study.[33][34][35][36]
While the new Government would not support Act's proposed referendum on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Government would introduce a Treaty Principles Act and amend exiting Treaty of Waitangi legislation to focus on the "original intent of the legislation."[35][37] The Government also adopted NZ First's policy of legislating the English language as an official language of New Zealand and requiring all government departments to use English in their communications and keep their primary name in English, except for those dealing with Māori people. The Government also adopted NZ First's policy of halting all work related to the He Puapua report and confirming that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has no legal basis in New Zealand law. The Government would also restore the right to local referendum on the establishment or ongoing use of Māori wards.[35][38][39] In addition, the new Government would adopt most of National's fiscal, taxation, 100-day and 100-point economic plans, with exceptions specified in the agreements with ACT and NZ First.[35]
As part of National's agreement with New Zealand First, the Government agreed to end all remaining COVID-19 vaccine mandates and to hold an independent inquiry into how the COVID-19 pandemic was handled in New Zealand. This proposed independent inquiry would be conducted publicly by local and international experts and is expected to examine the use of multiple lockdowns, vaccine procurement and efficacy, social and economic impacts on both national and regional levels, and whether decisions and actions taken by the Government were justified.[40][41] While the outgoing Labour Government had commissioned a Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned, Peters claimed the inquiry's terms of reference were "too limited" during election campaigning. Luxon also stated that the Government supported broadening the inquiry's terms of reference.[41]
The new government was formally sworn into office on 27 November 2023.[2] On 29 November, the Government announced its 100-day plan which would focus on implementing 49 economic, law and order, and public service policies. Notable economic policies have included introducing legislation to limit the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's mandate to combating inflation, cancelling various fuel taxes including the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, repealing the Clean Car discount programme, reintroducing 90-day trials periods for all businesses, halting the Lake Onslow hydro scheme, and repealing the previous Labour Government's Water Services Entities Act 2022, Spatial Planning Act 2023 and Natural and Built Environment Act 2023. Notable law and order policies have included banning gang patches, preventing gang members from gathering in public and communicating with each other, ending taxpayer funding for Section 27 cultural reports, and extending rehabilitation programmes to remand prisoners. Notable public service policies have included beginning work on establishing a third medical school at the University of Waikato, banning cellphones in schools, testing new World Health Organization (WHO) regulations against a "national interest" test, and disestablishing Te Pukenga and the Māori Health Authority.[42] The government has been described by various observers as a very conservative government for New Zealand standards.[43][44][45][46]
On 7 December, Foreign Minister Winston Peters successfully moved a motion calling for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict. The motion also condemned Hamas' terror attack on 7 October 2023, called for the release of all hostages, recognised Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law, and called for civilians to be protected from armed conflict. The government's motion also incorporated an amendment by Labour MP Phil Twyford calling for the establishment of a State of Palestine in accordance with a two-state solution. Peter's motion was criticised as being insufficient by Labour MP Damien O'Connor and Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman.[47][48]
On 8 December, Minister of TransportSimeon Brown ordered Waka Kotahi (the New Zealand Transport Agency) to give primacy to its English name over its Māori name.[49] That same day, Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds confirmed that the mega polytechnic Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) would be dissolved and replaced by eight to ten institutions.[50] That same day, Luxon announced during an official visit to Hawke's Bay that the Government would pause work on restoring the Napier-Wairoa railway line and focus on repairing State Highway 2.[51]
On 11 December, Education MinisterErica Stanford announced that the Government would be delaying the previous Labour Government's plans to make online mathematics and literacy tests a prerequisite for National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) qualifications in 2026. Trial runs of the tests had recorded failure rates of more than 40% particularly among Māori, Pasifika students, and schools in poorer communities. Stanford said that the students had been let down by the education curriculum and that it would be unfair to make the tests the only way to achieve NCEA qualifications.[52]
On 13 December, the Government passed its first new law reversing the previous Labour Government's law change in 2018 giving the Reserve Bank of New Zealand the dual mandate of managing inflation and supporting maximum sustainable employment. The Government's law change ordered the Reserve Bank to focus solely on managing inflation. The Bill was introduced by Finance MinisterNicola Willis. Labour's finance spokesperson Grant Robertson criticised the National coalition government for reversing his party's financial reforms.[53] That same day, Willis declined KiwiRail's request for an additional NZ$1.47 billion to replace its ageing Interislander ferry fleet. The Government also cancelled the previous Labour Government's plans to buy new replacement ferries, with Willis stating that the Government would be looking at cheaper alternatives.[54]
On 14 December, the Government passed legislation repealing the previous Labour Government's Fair Pay Agreements Act 2022 under urgency. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties.[55] Several unions including Stand Up, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Post Primary Teachers' Association and Unite Union had also opposed the National-led government's plans to repeal fair pay agreements, staging protests outside the electorate office of ACT leader Seymour on 12 December.[56] By contrast, Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young welcomed the repeal of Fair Pay Agreements, claiming they were unnecessary and complicated employment laws.[57]
On 14 December, the Government passed the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Repeal) Amendment Act 2023 under urgency. This bill repealed the previous Labour Government's Clean Car Discount, which encouraged consumers to buy electrical and hybrid vehicles by imposing a tax on high-emissions vehicles such as utes. While the governing National, ACT and NZ First parties supported the Bill, it was opposed by the opposition Labour, Green and Māori parties.[58]
On 16 December Transport Minister Brown instructed the New Zealand Transport Agency to halt the Transport Choices Programme, which involved funding various local council projects to promote cycling, walking and public transportation. The Government's transport policy changes were criticised by Cycling Action Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan and Mayor of New Plymouth Neil Holdom but were supported welcomed by New Plymouth councillor Murray Cheong.[59] Notable projects affected by the Government's transportation policy change included the "Let's Get Wellington Moving" programme. Following negotiations with the Wellington City Council (WCC) and the Greater Wellington Regional Council, the three parties reached an agreement in which the Government would fund the Basin Reserve upgrade while the WCC would take over the Golden Mile project.[60]
On 20 December, the Government passed legislation repealing the Natural and Built Environment Act and the Spatial Planning Act as part of its plans to reform the Resource Management Act framework.[61] That same day, Finance Minister Willis released the Government's mini-budget, which delivered NZ$7.47 billion in operational savings.[62]
On 21 December, the Government passed legislation reinstating 90-day trials for all employers, a key campaign promise by National and Act. While the bill was supported by National, ACT, and NZ First, it was opposed by Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden argued the legislation would provide employers and employees with certainty and allow the removal of difficult employees. By contrast, Labour's Workplace Relations and Safety spokesperson Camilla Belich criticised the repeal as an attack on working people.[63][64] By further contrast, The Treasury published a review of the prior 90-day trial which started in 2009. The authors concluded that that the main benefit of the policy was a decrease in dismissal costs for firms, while many employees faced increased uncertainty about their job security for three months after being hired.[65] That same day, Reti announced that the Government would invest NZ$50 million over the two next years to help Māori health providers boost immunisation rates within the Māori community.[66]
On 14 January, Transport Minister Brown confirmed the cancellation of Auckland light rail, stating the projected NZ$29.2 billion cost of the project. He also criticised the previous Labour Government for spending NZ$228 million on the project over the past six years with little to show for it.[69]
On 23 January, the Government dispatched six New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel to the Middle East in response to the 2024 missile strikes in Yemen to help provide maritime security including "precision targeting."[70] The opposition Labour and Green parties criticised the deployment, citing the lack of a United Nations mandate and claiming it would inflame tensions respectively.[71] Though Foreign Minister Peters rejected any connection between New Zealand's Yemen military contribution and the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, University of Otago geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller opined that this development could mark the end of New Zealand's "independent" foreign policy due to the Government's support for the Anglo-American military actions in Yemen.[72]
On 26 January, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown confirmed that the Government would halt plans by the previous Labour Government to introduce legislation to lower the voting age to 16 years for local council elections.[73][74] Also on this day, Finance Minister Nicola Willis asked "all departments" to identify savings to cut annual public service spending by $1.5 billion. Agencies have been asked to identify savings options of either 6.5 or 7.5 percent.[75] As at 6 April, at least 845 job losses have been signalled, according to figures made public by ministries and the Public Service Association.[76] Some confusion was evident over whether the Suicide Prevention Office would close or not.[77]
On 30 January, Luxon announced that New Zealand would be suspending its annual NZ$1 million aid to UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East) in light of allegations that at least 12 UNRWA workers had participated in the 7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel.[78]
On 1 February 2024, Peters and Collins met with Australian Foreign MinisterPenny Wong and Defence MinisterRichard Marles in Melbourne to discuss New Zealand's involvement in the AUKUS Pillar Two developments. Marles confirmed that Australia would send officials to brief their New Zealand counterparts about Pillar Two, which would focus on advanced military technology including quantum computing and artificial intelligence. New Zealand is not expected to join AUKUS Pillar One due to its nuclear-free policy. The two governments also committed to reinforced security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and increased military integration between the Australian and New Zealand militaries.[79][80]
That same day, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden confirmed that the Government would raise the minimum wage by two percent to NZ$23.15 an hour from 1 April 2024.[81] On 2 February, the Government confirmed that it would expand the scope of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned to include lockdowns, vaccine procurement, the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-effectiveness of the Government's policies, social disruptions caused by the Government's policies, and whether the Government response was consistent with the rule of law.[82]
On 11 February 2024, Luxon and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced that the Government would contribute NZ$63 million to aid the removal of sediment and debris caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne District.[83] That same day, Social Development MinisterLouise Upston confirmed that the Government would introduce a "traffic light system" to combat "entrenched welfare dependency" including the use of sanctions and mandatory community work experience, a 2023 election campaign promise. In response, Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March claimed the Government's welfare policies were cruel and would reinforce the cycle of poverty.[84]
On 14 February, the Government passed legislation repealing the previous Labour Government's Three Waters reform programme under urgency. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties.[85] Local Government Minister Brown also announced that the Government would introduce two new laws in 2024 and 2025 rolling its own "Local Water Done Well" programme, which would emphasise local control over water infrastructure and services.[86] The Government also announced that the replacement legislation would allow local councils to voluntarily form their own water services groupings and council-controlled organisations similar to Wellington Water and Auckland's Watercare Services.[85]
On 19 February, Social Development Minister Louise Upston announced a ramping up of benefit sanctions from June 2024 including "work check-ins" for jobseekers who have been on a benefit for at least six months. Luxon confirmed the check-ins would not apply to those on a sole parent or supported living benefits.[87]
On 22 February, the Government extended the New Zealand Defence Force's Ukrainian training deployment to June 2025. Foreign Minister Peters also confirmed that New Zealand would contribute a NZ$25.9 million military, humanitarian and reconstruction aid package to Ukraine, bringing NZ's total aid contribution since the Russian invasion of Ukraine to over NZ$100 million.[88]
On 28 February 2024, the Government passed urgent legislation disestablishing Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority) and repealing the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022.[90][91] That same day, the Government designated the entire Hamas organisation as a terrorist entity. Previous governments had only designated the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. In addition, the Government barred entry to several extremist Israeli settlers who had attacked Palestinians in the West Bank. The Government also extended sanctions against Russia.[92]
On 7 March, the Government introduced legislation to fast-track the resource consent process for significant projects and allow overseas investors to invest in rental housing developments.[95][96] On 8 March, Reti announced that the Government would focus on meeting five health targets in the areas of cancer treatment, child immunisation, shorter stays in emergency departments, and shorter wait times for special assessments and treatments.[97]
On 10 March, Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced that the Government would restore interest deductions on residential investment properties.[98] The government has increased allocations for the landlord tax deductions by $800 million, from $2.1 billion to $2.9 billion. From 1 April 2024, landlords will be able to write off 80 percent of their mortgage interest on residential investment properties, and 100 percent from 1 April 2025.[99][100]
On 13 March, Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden confirmed that the Government was planning to overhaul health and safety regulations and amend the Holiday Act 2003. While Business NZ welcomed the proposed changes, First Union New Zealand denounced the proposed changes as an attack on workers.[101] That same day, the Government confirmed plans to upgrade Linton Military Camp's dilapidated barracks as the first project of its new flagship public-private infrastructure financing programme.[102]
On 14 March, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that the government would suspend the obligation for councils to impose Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) under the previous Labour Government's National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while the Resource Management Act 1991 is being replaced. Their protection was previously required under the Resource Management Act 1991.[103] On 15 March he released a statement saying his 14 March comment had been misunderstood and that there had been no changes to statutory and regulatory obligations for local council. University of Otago law Professor Andrew Geddis said the statement was "misleading at best, and borderline unlawful at worst. No minister can by mere announcement remove an existing legal obligation imposed by a parliamentary enactment."[104]
Between 10 and 16 March 2024, Peters undertook a tour of India, Indonesia and Singapore where he met with several foreign political and business leaders. Peters stated that the coalition government regarded South and Southeast Asia as a priority in "maintaining and building New Zealand's security and prosperity."[105] On 14 March, Peters attracted media attention after making remarks during an interview with the Indian media outlet The Indian Express that appeared to cast doubt on Canadian assertions that the Indian Government was responsible for assassinating Canadian Sikh independence activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. MFAT and Peters clarified that New Zealand's position on the matter remained unchanged during the course of the investigation.[106] On 18 March, Peters hosted Chinese Foreign MinisterWang Yi during his state visit to Wellington. The two leaders discussed a range of issues important to China-New Zealand relations including economic relations, people-to-people relations links, bilateral cooperation as well as differences on human rights issues and China's territorial claims to the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.[107][108]
On 18 March, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Finance Minister Nicola Willis ordered state housing provider Kāinga Ora to end the previous Government's "Sustainable Tenancies Framework" and take disciplinary action against unruly tenants and those with overdue rent including evictions and relocations.[109]
On 19 March Disabilities Minister Penny Simmonds announced the Government would eliminate respite care funding for families with disabled children due to budgetary reasons.[110] On 20 March, Simmonds said Ministry for Disabled People had done an inadequate job in conveying changes to disabled people's funding and suggested some families were wasting their funding on "massages, overseas travel and pedicures". The changes have caused widespread anguish within the disabled community with a petition opposing the changes attracting more than 10,000 signatures in 24 hours.[111] In response to criticism, Finance Minister Willis called officials and Simmonds for an urgent briefing, after families were blindsided by news of cuts to respite care.[112]
On 19 March, Transport Minister Simeon Brown confirmed that the Government would reduce the proposed road user charge on hybrid vehicles from NZ$53 per 1,000 km to NZ$38. Earlier, the Parliamentary transport select committee had adopted a Labour and Green proposal to reduce the road user charge for hybrid vehicles to NZ$38 against the wishes of committee chair and NZ First MP Andy Foster.[113] In mid January 2024, the Government had announced that it would implement road user charges on both electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids from 1 April 2024.[114]
On 20 March, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced that the Government would introduce legislation to ban disposable vapes, and increase the maximum fine from selling to under-18s from $10,000 to $100,000.[115] On 11 July, Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier took the rare step of forcing Costello to apologise to public broadcaster RNZ and to University of Otago Professor of Public Health Janet Hoek for her handling of OIA requests, and for trying to keep information about tobacco and vaping policy secret. In an interview on Newstalk ZB, Costello said the information was an "extraction of a whole lot of historical documents. She said. "I'm not sure who put it on my desk."[116] On 18 July, Casey Costello cut the excise rate on Heated tobacco products (HTPs) by 50 percent effective from 1 July. Costello said she aims to make them more attractive as an alternative to smoking. The Ministry of Health disagreed with the change saying "there is no evidence to support HTPs use as a quit smoking tool".[117] On 19 September, Casey Costello was again been reprimanded by the Chief Ombudsman for her handling of a mystery document containing tobacco-industry friendly ideas. He said he is "concerned the associate minister was unable to produce any records about the provenance of the notes". Costello also told the Chief Ombudsman "the likely source was a political party staffer or volunteer". When Costello released the mystery document to RNZ under the Official Information Act she made redactions under a clause of the OIA which protects the "confidentiality of advice tendered by ministers of the Crown and officials". Costello initially denied the document existed at all.[118]
On 27 March, the Government passed major tax legislation restoring interest deductibility for residential investment property, reducing the bright-line test for residential property to two years, and eliminating depreciation deductions for commercial and industrial buildings that were reinstated by the previous Labour government as part of its economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[119] On 28 March, the Government passed legislation requiring electric cars and plug-in hybrids to pay road user charges.[120] That same day, Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced the Government had halted work on legislation to create a 620,000sqkm ocean sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands.[121]
On 2 April, Luxon announced a 36-point full second quarter action plan for the next three months, focusing on the economy and cost of living, law and order, and public services. Notable policies and priorities have included reducing wasteful spending while investing in "frontline" services, legislating on income tax relief, childcare tax credit, improving the rental marketing, and reintroducing charter schools, keeping agriculture out of the Emissions Trading Scheme, reversing the ban on offshore gas and oil exploration, restoring three strikes legislation, reviewing the firearms registry, establishing a Youth Serious Offender Category, improving teacher training and school attendance, and taking steps to replace mega polytechnic Te Pūkenga.[122]
On 3 April, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the creation of an establishment board to introduce a new charter school model, that would be expected to launch by the start of the 2025 school year.[123] On 4 April, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced that local and regional councils that introduced Māori wards and constituencies without polling residents would have to hold referendums or dissolve the wards they had established.[124] On 7 April, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced that the Government would be revising the Accredited Employer Worker Visa program to address migrant exploitation and "unsustainable" net migration.[125][126] A new immigration rule requiring low-skilled immigrants to leave the country and apply for a new visa was criticised by Jagjeet Singh Sidhu, who said it would impact not only businesses but workers and their families. He organised a petition opposing the change.[127]
On 14 April, a plethora of "sensible, pro-tenant" changes were announced to help increase the supply of rental properties. The changes include re-introducing 90-day "no-cause" terminations for periodic tenancies, meaning landlords can end a periodic tenancy without giving any reason. For fixed-term tenancies, the ability for landlords to end a tenancy, without giving a specific reason will also be re-introduced. For periodic tenancies, landlords will now only need to give 42 days' notice for ending a tenancy.[129] Back in May 2023, Chris Bishop said a charity group working with homeless people told him to bring back "no-cause" evictions. Bishop didn't respond to a request for a hint as to the identity of the charities he talked to.[130]
On 15 April, the Government released its pet bond policy for tenants. The pet bond would be worth two weeks' rent and could be added to existing bonds. Tenants would be responsible for any damage caused by their pets and would have to seek their landlords' consent.[131] That same day, Luxon and Peters condemned Iranian airstrikes against Israel.[132]
On 16 April, Associate Education Minister Seymour announced several changes to the early childhood sector including easing qualification requirements for teachers, allowing the government to decide the location of early childhood centres, and introducing mandatory reporting of child abuse.[137] On 21 April, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced that the Government would ease lending policies to make it easier for people to obtain housing loans, revoke the previous Government's affordability regulations and revise dispute resolution rules.[138]
On 22 April, Luxon and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee confirmed that the Government would proceed with plans to reintroduce three strikes legislation, which had been repealed by the previous Labour Government.[139] On 23 April, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced that the Government would scrap or amend farming, mining and other industrial regulations as part of its planned overhaul of the Resource Management Act 1991.[140]
On 29 April, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the Government's top six educational priorities to mark the start of the second term. These included a clearer curriculum, a focus on literacy and numeracy, more consistent assessment and achievement reporting, better teacher training, targeted support for students with special needs and an evidence-based approach to improvement.[142] That same day, the Government's school cellphone ban came into force.[143] On 30 April, Energy Minister Simeon Brown confirmed that the Government would invest in 25 new high speed electric vehicle charging facilities along key routes between major urban centres.[144]
On 1 May, Seymour confirmed that the Government would continue to fund the free school lunches programme for a few years until the completion of a review into the programme.[145] In April 2024, Health Coalition Aotearoa organised a petition calling for the continuation of the free school lunch programme, which was received by Labour MP Jan Tinetti.[146] On 2 May, Education Minister Stanford confirmed that the Government would be instituted a structured literacy reading approach in all state schools from the first term of the 2025 school year.[147] Due to the planned shift towards a structured literacy approach, the Government also announced the termination of the existing reading recovery programme, which uses a "whole language" approach based on using pictures to help children guess words.[148]
On 2 May, in an interview on RNZ's Morning Report programme, Winston Peters criticised the former Australian senator Bob Carr's views on the security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, leading to the Carr-Peters scandal. RNZ has removed the comments from the interview online after Carr, who was Australia's foreign minister from 2012 to 2013, told RNZ he considered the remarks to be "entirely defamatory" and would commence legal action.[149][150] Lawyers for Bob Carr have confirmed they are looking to commence defamation proceedings against Foreign Minister Winston Peters. In a letter, Carr's lawyers said Peters' statements in an interview on RNZ this morning are "indefensibly defamatory" and have "no basis in fact". In the interview Peters criticised the former Australian senator's views on the AUKUS security partnership. He also made allegations concerning Carr's relationship with China.[151][152][153]
On 5 May Luxon, Brown and Mayor of AucklandWayne Brown jointly announced that Auckland would avoid a 25.8 percent rates increase as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well plan.[154] On 6 May Luxon and Police and Corrections Minister Mitchell announced that the Government would allocate NZ$1.9 billion from the upcoming 2024 New Zealand budget to training 470 new corrections officers and adding 810 beds to Waikeria Prison.[155]
On 8 May, Seymour announced the Government's modified school lunch programme. Under the revised scheme, 10,000 pre-schoolers in low-equity, non-profit early childhood centres would be eligible for free morning tea and lunch five days a week at a cost of NZ$4 million. While the school lunch programme would remained unchanged for primary school students in 2025, the school lunch programme for intermediate and high school students would be bulk-purchased by the Government and delivered to schools. During the press announcement, Seymour also said that the bulk-purchased food would consist of sandwiches and fruit rather than sushi, quinoa, couscous, and hummus.[156]
On 14 May, Police CommissionerAndrew Coster and Police Minister Mitchell confirmed that the Police would establish a national gang unit, with district units nationwide.[162] That same day, Seymour announced that the Government would allocate NZ$153 million from the 2024 Budget to convert 35 state schools into charter schools and create 15 new charter schools between 2025 and 2026.[163]
Following a critical review by Sir Bill English into housing provider Kāinga Ora's borrowing and spending practices, Luxon and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced on 20 May a multi-year revamp of the agency including replacing the leadership board, realigning contractual arrangements across Kāinga Ora and community housing providers, simplifying the agency's directive and requiring the new leadership board to develop a plan to improve financial performance and reduce losses.[164] On 21 May, Newshub reported that the Government would scrap Kāinga Ora's NZ$60 million first-home grant programme and redirect the money towards social housing as part of the 2024 Budget.[165] On 22 May, the Government confirmed that it would invest NZ$24 million into Mike King's I Am Hope's Gumboot Friday programme providing counselling to young people.[166]
On 26 May, Education Minister Stanford announced that the Government would invest NZ$53 million in education including in-school training for new teachers and recruiting, retaining and training 1,500 new teachers over the next four years.[167] On 30 May, Finance Minister Willis released the 2024 New Zealand budget, which delivered NZ$14 billion worth of tax cuts ranging from NZ$4 and NZ$40 a fortnight for all workers earning more than NZ$14,000.[168] While the incumbent National, ACT and New Zealand First parties supported the budget as "fiscally responsible," the opposition Labour, Green parties and Te Pāti Māori criticised the budget's tax cuts for hurting the poor and public service.[169][170] Te Pāti Māori and Toitū Te Tiriti (Honour the Treaty) movement also staged nationwide protests against the Government's policies towards Māori to coincide with the budget's release.[170]
In early June 2024, Luxon visited Niuean PremierDalton Tagelagi. On 5 June, Luxon announced an agreement to enhance the free association relationship between the two countries and that New Zealand would invest NZ$20.5 million into a new large-scale renewable energy project on Niue.[171] On 7 June, Foreign Minister Peters announced that New Zealand would resume its annual NZ$1 million funding to UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency) that month.[172] That same day, the Government discontinued funding for the Mongrel Mob's controversial drug rehabilitation programme Kahukura, which had been supported by the previous Labour Government.[173] On 9 June, Minister for Resources Shane Jones announced that the Government would introduce legislation to reverse the previous Labour Government's ban on oil and gas exploration in the second half of 2024.[174]
On 11 June, Housing Minister Chris Bishop confirmed that the Government would introduce legislation to amend the Overseas Amendment Act 2005 to better support the Government's "Build to Rent" housing development programme.[175] That same day, Agricultural Minister Todd McClay confirmed that the Government would exclude agriculture from the NZ emissions trading scheme (ETS).[176] On 14 June, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee confirmed that the Government would introduce new firearms legislation by 2026 to replace the Arms Act 1983.[177] That same day, the Government cancelled the annual service charges for forestry under the ETS, which amounts to NZ$30.25 per hectare.[178]
On 17 June, Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced that the Government would begin consultation on policy changes that would allow "granny flats" (or dwellings of 60 meters or less) to be built without undergoing the resource consent process.[179] On 20 June, Luxon signed a bilateral intelligence sharing agreement with Japanese Prime MinisterFumio Kishida during a state visit to Japan.[180] The visit was complicated by a breakdown on the RNZAF's Boeing 757 jet carrying Luxon and a business delegation during a refuelling stop in Papua New Guinea.[181]
On 23 June Luxon, Mitchell and Chhour announced that the Government would be introducing legislation to create a new Youth Serious Offender sentencing category, that would allow 14–17 year olds to be sent to military-style boot camps. A pilot military-style training programme is expected to launch in late July 2024. Mitchell and Police CommissionerAndrew Coster also announced that new community police teams would be established in major cities nationwide.[182]
On 24 June, Health Minister Reti announced that the Government would be investing NZ$604 million over the next four years in boosting Pharmac funding for 54 new medicines including 26 cancer treatments. He reiterated that the Government would be able to fulfill its election promise of funding 13 cancer drugs.[183] That same day, Luxon and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston confirmed that job seeker beneficiaries would be required to attend a job search seminar after six months, with the exception of those receiving disability and health condition payments.[184]
On 26 June, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the Government would encourage judges to hand down "cumulative" sentences for offences committed on parole, bail or in custody. Earlier, the Government had announced it would require "cumulative" sentences for such offenses but backtracked due to concerns about increasing the prison population.[187] On 27 June, Immigration Minister Stanford announced that low-skilled Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders would no longer be able to sponsor work, visitor or student visa applications for partners and dependent children. Changes to the AEWV scheme were prompted by the Government's desire to strike a balance between recruiting highly-skilled migrants and reducing pressure on infrastructure, health and education services.[188]
On 1 July, Luxon released the Government's 40 point "Q3 Action Plan," which included passing legislation requiring local councils to develop plans for "sustainable" water services, banning gang insignia, empowering police to confiscate firearms from criminals and launching a pilot boot camp programme for youth offenders.[189][190] On 2 July, the Government announced that it would progress the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, which had been introduced by the previous Labour Government. The Bill was supported by all parliamentary parties except the ACT party, which invoked the "agree to disagree" provision within its coalition agreement with National.[191] On 3 July, Luxon and Stanford confirmed that the Government would be introducing standardised testing for primary school students from 2026.[192] On 4 July, Luxon and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey released new mental health targets including ensuring that 80% of patients were seen within three weeks.[193] On 6 July, the Government contributed $3 million to flood recovery efforts in Wairoa following the 2024 East Coast floods.[194]
On 9 July, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced plans to make remote virtual inspections the default for building consents across New Zealand in an effort to boost the building process.[195] During the second week of July, Luxon attended the 2024 Washington summit where he represented New Zealand as an Indo-Pacific ally of the United States. Besides meeting both Democratic and Republican legislators, Luxon also met with United States PresidentJoe Biden at a White House dinner.[196][197] In addition, Luxon allocated NZ$16 million worth of aid to Ukraine prior to a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyy on 12 July.[198]
On 10 July, Climate Change MinisterSimon Watts released the Government's climate change strategy on 10 July 2024 and announced that the Government would seek consultation for its 2024–2030 emissions reduction plan.[199] On 11 July, Goldsmith and McKee announced the formation of a new retail crime advisory group to combat retail crime.[200] On 12 July, the Government extended the NZ Defence Force's deployment to US-led efforts to combat Houthi forces in the Red Sea from 31 July 2024 to 31 January 2025.[201]
As part of the Government's cost-cutting measures, the Ministry of Education halted 100 school building projects in late July 2024 in order to save NZ$2 billion. Several school leaders including Beach Haven School principal Stephanie Thompson, Burnside High School principal Scott Haines and Ashburton College principal Simon Coleman expressed concerns that these cutbacks would affect plans to upgrade dilapidated facilities and expand classroom space to accommodate more students.[202]
On 30 July, the Government set aside NZ$216 million in order to pay for tax cuts it might need to fund tax cuts for heated tobacco products.[203] That same day, Parliament passed legislation reinstating the requirement for local referenda on the establishment or "ongoing use" of Māori wards and constituencies. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties.[204] Councils that have already established a Māori ward without a referendum are now required to hold a binding poll alongside the 2025 local elections or to disestablish them.[204]
On 2 August, Attorney-General Judith Collins confirmed that the Government would not progress eight of the 44 recommendations of the "Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Mosques" including creating a new national intelligence and security agency, establishing an advisory group on counter-terrorism, instituting mandatory reporting of firearms injuries and amending the Crimes Act 1961 to criminalise inciting religious or racial disharmony.[205]
On 4 August, Stanford and Luxon announced a "Maths Action Plan" including a new mathematics curriculum from 2025, twice-annual maths assessments, funding for teaching professional development, and raising maths entry requirements for new teachers.[206] In response, the New Zealand Educational Institute expressed concerns that rapid changes to the maths and literacy curriculum and the short teaching training timeframe would strain the workforce without delivering on its goals.[207]
On 8 August, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced that council-controlled organisations would be able to borrow money for water infrastructure through the Local Government Funding Agency.[208] On 9 August, Immigration New Zealand announced that they would be raising a range of visa fees from 1 October in line with the National Government's policy of shifting the visa processing system towards a "user-pay system" in order to reduce taxes.[209] That same day, the Ministry of Social Development announced that it would tighten emergency housing eligibility criteria and obligations from 26 August as part of Government policy to reduce the usage of motels as emergency housing.[210]
On 12 August, Social Development Minister Louise Upston announced the introduction of the traffic light system for the Jobseeker Support benefit, effective immediately, with legislation to expand the system to be introduced in November and expected to come into force in early 2025. She promised that the rule of preventing sanctions from cutting benefit pay by more than 50 per cent of job seekers who had children would remain in place.[211] On 13 August, Crown–Māori Relations Minister Tama Potaka announced that Te Arawhiti's (the Office for Māori Crown Relations) monitoring and Treaty of Waitangi settlements compliance functions would be shifted to Te Puni Kōkiri (the Ministry for Māori Development).[212] That same day, the Minister of Science, Innovation and TechnologyJudith Collins announced plans to introduce legislation to end the ban on genetic modification and genetic engineering outside laboratories.[213] On 15 August, Upston announced that Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People would be restructured as a policy and advisory department and that its support service delivery functions would be assumed by the Ministry of Social Development.[214]
On 28 August, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced that a new National Infrastructure Agency would commence operations from 1 December as part of a restructuring of the government's various infrastructure agencies.[215] That same day, the Government passed legislation requiring local councils to develop plans for delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services. Under the new legislation, water services regulator Taumata Arowai would no longer have to consider Te Mana o te Wai and National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management when setting their wastewater standards.[216] On 29 August, Disabilities Minister Louis Upston announced that the Government would raise fines for illegally parking in disabled car parks from NZ$150 to NZ$750 effective 1 October 2024.[217]
On 2 September, Transport Minister Simeon Brown unveiled the Government's National Land Transport Programme, which would invest NZ$32.9 billion in building 17 "Roads of National Significance" over the next three years.[218] On 3 September, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey announced that the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) on most international tourists would be raised from NZ$35 to NZ$100 from 1 October 2024.[219]
On 11 September, Parliament passed a private member's bill amending the Fair Trading Act 1986 to ensure that gift cards have a minimum expiry date of three years from their initial purchase. The bill was supported by all parties except ACT.[220] On 13 September, the Cabinet Office issued a new directive that public services should be delivered based on "need" rather than "race," fulfilling a coalition agreement secured by ACT and NZ First. The Government also scrapped a Labour Government policy that government agencies should ensure that at least 8% of annual procurement contracts be awarded to Māori businesses.[221] Earlier in the week, Health Minister Reti had instructed Hawke's Bay health services to stop prioritising young Māori and Pasifika youths for free doctor and nurse visits
on the basis of ethnicity.[222]
On 19 September, the Government passed two new laws banning Gang patches and making gang membership an aggavating sentencing factor. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties.[223] That same day, Transport Minister Brown announced that the Government would roll out new data collection vans to assess the condition of New Zealand roads and prevent potholes.[224] On 20 September, RMA Reform Minister Bishop announced that the Government would introduce two new laws to replace the Resource Management Act 1991. One law would focus on managing the environmental effects of development activities while the second would enable urban development and infrastructure.[225] That same day, Luxon said that the coalition government planned to propose a referendum to extend the parliamentary term from three to four years at the 2026 general election.[226]
On 25 September, the Government passed legislation reviving charter schools.[227] On 26 September, Associate Education Minister Seymour announce the Government would prosecute parents for persistent truancy and remove teacher-only days during school term time.[228] In addition, Education Minister Stanford reallocated NZ$30 million from the "Te Ahu o te Reo Māori" teacher training programme to revamping the mathematics curriculum.[229] Health Minister Reti and Infrastructure Minister Bishop also confirmed that the Government would be scaling back Dunedin Hospital rebuild significantly, citing its projected NZ$3 billion cost and renovation projects at other regional hospitals.[230] That same day Science, Innovation and Techonology Minister Judith Collins announced plans to give the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) oversight over fellow weather forecaster and MetService to improve the national weather forecasting system.[231]
On 26 September, Trade MinisterTodd McClay announced that that New Zealand had signed a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates that would remove duties on 99% of New Zealand exports over the next three years.[232] On 30 September, the Government released its fourth-quarter action plan with 43 targets including passing the Fast-track Approvals Bill and the first RMA reform bill, establishing the National Infrastructure Agency, expanding free breast cancer screening and introducing legislation to combat foreign interference.[233] On 4 October, Education Minister Stanford and Infrastructure Minister Bishop announced that the Government would consider establishing a new government agency separate from the Education Ministry to manage school property and assets.[234]
On 5 October, Transport Minister Brown announced a NZ$226 million roads and highways resilience package to reduce the impact of severe weather events.[235] On 14 October Conservation MinisterTama Potaka announced 19 new marine protection areas in the Hauraki Gulf.[236]
On 21 October, Associate Health Minister Costello announced a NZ$21 million funding boost for ambulance provider Hato Hone St John.[237] On 22 October, Associate Education Minister Seymour released the Government's revised school meal programme, which he claimed would save $130 million.[238] That same day, the Government appointed a Crown observer to oversee the Wellington City Council in response to the Council's budgetary problems.[239] On 23 October, the Government passed new resource management legislation to ease the "regulatory burden" on the country's farming, mining and other primary industries.[240] On 31 October, Trade Minister McClay confirmed that New Zealand had reached a free trade agreement with the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). As part of the agreement, tariffs would be lifted on 51% of New Zealand exports to GCC member states while 99% of New Zealand exports to the GCC would become duty-free over a period of 10 years.[241]
On 10 November, the Government allocated NZ$20 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to building upgrades and repairs at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Rātana Pā.[242] On 12 November, Luxon delivered the Government's apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care at Parliament.[243] On the same day, the Government introduced legislation dealing with abuse in care including banning strip searches on children and strengthening security checks for people working with children.[244]
On 14 November, the ACT party's contentious Treaty Principles Bill passed its first reading with the support of National and NZ First. The bill has triggered much controversy and opposition.[245] On 19 November, the select committee started public submissions on the bill closing on 7 January 2025.
Election results
The following table shows the total party votes and seats in Parliament won by National, plus any parties in coalition with the National-led government.
Increase spending on wealth creation and infrastructure development.[33][s]
Reducing Core Crown expenditure as a proportion of the overall economy.[33][t]
Tax cuts will be funded by the reprioritisation of government expenditure and revenue gathering rather than a tax on foreign housing buyers.[34][35][u]
Transferring the firearms regulator to a different agency.[36][af]
Reviewing the national Firearms Registry.[36][33][ag]
Foreign affairs
Ensure a "National Interest Test" is undertaken before New Zealand accepts any agreements from the UN and WHO that limit national decision-making and reconfirm that New Zealand's domestic law holds primacy over any international agreements, and by 1 December 2023 reserve against proposed amendments to WHO health regulations.[251][ah]
Training 500 new police officers within two years.[36][bv]
Increase the number of Youth Aid officers.[33][bw]
Boosting funding for community policing including Māori and Pasifika Wardens, Community Patrol New Zealand, and Neighbourhood Watch.[33][bx]
Protect freedom of speech by ruling out the introduction of hate speech legislation and stop the Law Commission's work on hate speech legislation.[251][by]
Enshrining Treaty Principles legislation into law. [35][37][39][cg]
Amending Treaty of Waitangi legislation to "refocus the scope, purpose, and nature of its inquiries back to the original intent of that legislation."[35][37][38][39][ch]
Removing all mentions of Treaty principles with "specific words relating to the relevance and application of the Treaty, or repealing the references."[35][38][39][ci]
Requiring all government departments to have their primary name in English and to communicate in English "except for those specifically related to Māori."[35][38][39][cs]
Ensuring that government contracts are awarded based on value rather than race.[38][ct]
Amending legislation and the resource consent process to make it easier to build "grannie flats."[33][dd]
List of executive members
The Cabinet was announced on 24 November 2023 and consists of 20 members, 14 from the National Party, 3 from ACT and 3 from New Zealand First. Notable for being the first ever New Zealand government to have three parties in cabinet. A further five National MPs would sit outside of Cabinet, along with two ACT MPs and one NZ First MP.[263][264]
In a first for New Zealand, the Deputy Prime Minister role will be split for the term, with Winston Peters holding the office until 31 May 2025. David Seymour will then take on the office until the conclusion of the term.[265][34]
In 2024, Reuters reported that the National-led coalition government had reversed several environmental policies including lifting a ban on gas and oil exploration, delaying agricultural emission pricing by five years and encouraging mining in a bid to boost New Zealand's flailing economy and fulfill election promises. As part of its economic policies, the Government has also sought to boost mining and agricultural exports. In addition, national carrier Air New Zealand has dropped its 2030 emissions target due to delays in obtaining new aircraft and the high cost of environmentally-friendly fuel. The Climate Change Commission and the University of Otago Climate Change Research Network co-director Sara Walton have expressed concerns that the Government's reversal of environmental policies would undermine New Zealand's goals of reaching its 2030 and 2035 carbon emissions targets. Cindy Baxter, chair of environmental group Kiwis against Seabed Mining, has also expressed concerns about the resumption of seabed mining on the West Coast Region of the South Island.[266]
Several of the National-led coalition government's policies including a proposal to discontinue financial incentives for public servants to learn the Māori language, instructions for government departments to prioritise their English language names over their Māori names, a proposed Treaty Principles Bill, and the proposed dissolution of Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority) and the proposed repeal of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022 were controversial among the Māori community, who perceived them as hostile and harmful towards Māori language, culture, and well-being.[268][269][270][271]
On 12 December, a Tauranga-based iwi (tribe) Ngai Te Rangi Settlement Trust filed an urgent claim with the Waitangi Tribunal, claiming that the Government was breaching Article Two of the Treaty of Waitangi by plans to discontinue financial incentives for public servants to learn Māori and instructing government departments to give primacy to their English names. The plaintiffs also claimed that Government directives for Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) and Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) to use their English names breached Article One of the Bill of Rights by suspending the operation of the Treaty.[268]
On 14 December, Lady Tureiti Moxon and Janice Kuka filed a claim at the Waitangi Tribunal against the Government's plans to dissolve the Māori Health Authority, claiming that it breached the Treaty of Waitangi.[270] On 18 December, the Government filed a memorandum of counsel opposing Moxon and Kuka's claim. The Government also admitted that it had no alternative plan to address poor Māori health outcomes and that it had not consulted Māori according to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Government also conceded its policy to dissolve Te Aka Whai Ora had been motivated by political expediency during the 2023 election campaign.[275]
The Māori health organisation Hāpai Te Hauora and Health Coalition Aotearoa's co-chairwoman Professor Lisa Te Morenga also expressed concern that the proposed repeal of Smokefree legislation would have adverse health effects on New Zealanders including Māori.[271][276]
On 23 December, Te Tāwharau o Ngāti Pūkenga, the post settlement body for the Ngāti Pūkengaiwi (tribe) filed an urgent claim at the Waitangi Tribunal challenging the Government's plans to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. Section 7AA required Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry for Children) to prioritise a Māori child's ancestry or whakapapa (genealogy) when making uplifting decisions. Minister for ChildrenKaren Chhour had lobbied for the repeal of Section 7AA, arguing that the policy placed the Treaty of Waitangi and cultural needs over the well-being of at-risk Māori children.[277]
On 10 January 2024, the Waikato-Tainui iwi filed a legal challenge at the Wellington High Court against the Government's plans to roll back the use of the Māori language in the public sector, claiming that it breached the Crown's 1995 Raupata treaty settlement. The iwi also plans to file a separate legal challenge against the Government's changes to the Resource Management Act 1991. In response to Waikato-Tainui's legal challenges, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Paul Goldsmith reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.[278]
On 19 January, a leaked paper from the Ministry of Justice described the Government's proposed legislation to define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi as "highly contentious." The proposed Treaty Principles bill had three principles: that the New Zealand Government has the right to govern all New Zealanders; the New Zealand Government will honour all New Zealanders in the chieftainship of their land and all their property; and that all New Zealanders are equal under the law with the same rights and duties. The Ministry's paper expressed concerns that the proposed law would conflict with the rights and interests of Māori under the Treaty, that the Crown was trying to define Treaty principles without consulting with Māori, that the Bill breached international agreements such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and that it infringed on the Māori right to self determination.[279]
The leak came on the eve of a national hui (meeting) organised by Māori King Tūheitia on 20 January to unify Māori and discuss the potential impact of the Government's Treaty policies. In response, Goldsmith confirmed that the Justice ministry would investigate the leak and described the document as a draft that had not yet been considered by Cabinet. In addition, ACT party leader David Seymour, who had promoted the legislation, accused the Ministry of being part of a bureaucracy that was "resistant to change." Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi used the leak to rally opposition against the Government's proposed constitutional changes while co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer accused Seymour of seeking to undermine Māori rights enshrined in the Treaty.[279]
Prior to King Tūheitia's national hui, he met with Prime Minister Luxon and Minister for Māori DevelopmentTama Potaka on 15 January to discuss several of the Government's policies including the proposed Treaty Principles legislation and plans to roll back the use of Māori language in the public service. Tūheitia affirmed his commitment to speak Māori regardless of Government policy and direction.[280] The national hui was held at Tūrangawaewae Marae on 20 January and attended by 10,000 people. National MPs Potaka and Dan Bidois represented the government there.[281] Potaka defended the Government, disputing allegations that its policies were motivated by White supremacy.[282]
Following a long-standing tradition in New Zealand politics, several members of the National and New Zealand First parties including Luxon, Potaka, Winston Peters, Shane Jones, Casey Costello and Jenny Marcroft attended the special annual hui (meeting) at the Rātana Church's pā (village) near Whanganui. Breaking with tradition, the ACT party chose not to send a representative. Since the 1930s, the Rātana Church has maintained an alliance with the Labour Party, with the Te Tai Tonga seat being held by several Rātana candidates including Eruera Tirikatene, Adrian Rurawhe, and Soraya Peke-Mason.[283] Kīngitanga and Waikato-Tainui representative Rāhui Papa warned the Government that Māori would "not sit idly" if the Government meddled with the Treaty of Waitangi and affirmed the primacy of the Māori language version of the document. Luxon affirmed the Government's commitment to honouring the Treaty and said that National would only support ACT's Treaty Principles Bill to select committee level; which was questioned by Rātana representative Kamaka Manuel. Peters criticised the track record of the previous Labour Government towards Māori while Jones expressed support for reviewing the powers of the Waitangi Tribunal. Luxon, Peters and Jones' speech were booed by members of the audience.[284][285] Greens co-leader Marama Davidson criticised ACT leader David Seymour's decision not to attended the Rātana gathering as a "dishonour" to the Māori world. Seymour defended his decision not to attend, citing their past decision not to invite him and described Rātana festivities as a religious event.[284]
In early February 2024, Beverly Te Huia and the smokefree coalition Te Rōpū Tupeka Kore filed separate Waitangi Tribunal claims opposing the Government's proposed repeal of Smokefree legislation.[286][287] In response to the legal challenges, NZ First MP and cabinet minister Shane Jones reiterated his threat to review the Waitangi Tribunal's scope and claimed that voters had supported a reset.[288]
In early February, a delegation of government MPs led by Luxon, Peters and Seymour visited the Treaty House in Waitangi as part of the annual Waitangi Day gathering; a long-standing tradition for New Zealand's political leadership. Government figures faced a hostile reception from many of the attendees, with Peters and Seymours' speeches being booed and heckled.[289][290] On Waitangi Day (6 February), thousands including Māori activists Hone Harawira and Annette Sykes gathered outside Treaty House to protest against the Government's Māori language policies and proposed Treaty Principles legislation.[291][290] In response to criticism, NZ First Minister Jones rejected allegations that the Government's Treaty Principles legislation was degrading tino rangatiratanga (self determination). Seymour claimed that the Government believed in tino rangatiratanga, citing its plans to devolve decision-making power from the central government to Māori. Luxon also acknowledged that past governments had not upheld the promises of the Treaty but stated that "no other country has attempted to right its wrongs."[292]
On 17 March Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters made remarks comparing co-governance to Nazi Germany's race-based theories. He said "Some people's DNA made them, sadly, according to these people and condoned by their cultural fellow travelers, their DNA made them somehow better than others. I've seen that sort of philosophy before. I saw it in Nazi Germany. We all did. We've seen it elsewhere around the world in the horrors of history." During the speech, Peters spoke about removing gender and sexuality lessons from the school curriculum, and making English an official language of New Zealand.[293][294] Peters' remarks likening co-governance to Nazism and the Holocaust were criticised by the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand's spokesperson Ben Kepes, who described them as offensive to Holocaust victims and survivors. Labour leader Chris Hipkins accused Peters of "using racism and anti-media rhetoric to divide the country."[295] On 18 March, in an interview with Radio New Zealand, Peters doubled down on his comparison of co-governance with Nazi Germany's race-based theories.[296] On 19 March, Peters refused to back down despite Prime Minister Luxon telling Peters his comments were unhelpful and reinforced the importance of politicians refraining from using divisive language.[297] On 20 March, Peters claims Luxon's understanding of the situation was "misinformed" by the media. Peters told TVNZ Breakfast show "[Luxon] said to me, 'I was told this, this, and this,' and I said to him, 'By who? Did you hear my speech?' No. And then I realised, like most New Zealanders, all the way at the top, he's been misinformed by you media people, who think that your shill leftie biased message is going to triumph."[298]
On 4 April 2024, the National Iwi Chairs Forum withdrew from the working group for the Ministry of Justice's National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR) due to their disagreement with the Government's plan to reduce the focus on colonial racism against Māori. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith defended the decision, saying that he had directed NAPAR to focus on racism against all groups. Acting Race Relations Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Dr Karanina Sumeo expressed concern at Goldsmith's plan to reduce references to Māori experiences of racism, saying that "racism in Aotearoa has deep historical economic, cultural, social, political and spiritual roots, enabled by individuals and within institutions. The ongoing harms to and losses for Māori must therefore be addressed in NAPAR if we truly want to eliminate racism."[299]
In mid-April 2024, the Waitangi Tribunal summoned Minister for Children Karen Chhour to attend an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The Tribunal wanted the Minister to provide figures on the number of caregivers who had expressed concern about the impact of Section 7AA and examples of children being placed into unsafe conditions as a result of Section 7AA. On 17 April, Crown lawyers filed judicial proceedings in the High Court seeking to block the Tribunal's summons. ACT leader David Seymour criticised the Waitangi Tribunal's summons, saying that "they're buying a fight with someone with much greater mana."[300] On 18 April, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones said: "The Waitangi Tribunal has no business running its operation like some sort of star chamber delivering peremptory summons for ministers to rock up and be either cross-examined or grilled in some type of wannabe, star chamber, American, Pulp Fiction gig." The Māori Law Society wrote a critical letter to Prime Minister Luxon and Attorney-General Judith Collins, saying that Jones' comments had the effect of undermining both the tribunal and its processes regarding a current case. They asked the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Office to investigate whether there had been a breach of the Cabinet manual, called on the Attorney-General to uphold the integrity of the judicial branch, and sought a meeting with Luxon and Collins to discuss the matter.[301] Seymour also issued a press statement accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of "racial fanaticism" and defending Chhour's efforts to repeal Section 7AA. In response to media coverage, Luxon described Jones and Seymour's remarks as "ill-considered," adding "we expect all ministers to exercise good judgment on matters like this."[302] On evening of 24 April, the High Court overturned the Waitangi Tribunal's subpoena to Chhour. Annette Sykes, a high profile Treaty rights activist and lawyer, has confirmed that she will be appealing the High Court's ruling. Crown Law has indicated Chhour plans to introduce her bill to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act in mid-May. Once Parliament has the bill, the Tribunal must cease its investigation into the issue.[303] On 29 April, the Tribunal released an interim report on the Government's proposal to scrap Section 7AA, saying that "that the arbitrary and sudden nature of the repeal could pose a risk of harm to vulnerable children." The Tribunal is expected to release its report by 12 May 2024.[304]
On 8 May 2024 Pita Tipene, the chairperson for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine, challenged the Government's decision to reinstate referenda on Māori wards and constituencies in local government bodies as an attack on their efforts to uphold their Treaty of Waitangi obligations. The Tribunal will hold an urgent inquiry prior to the scheduled introduction of the Government's Māori wards referenda legislation on 20 May.[305] On 9 May, the Waitangi Tribunal heard a sixth claim filed by several individuals including NgāpuhiKaumātua (tribal elder) Hone Sadler who argued that ACT's Treaty Principle Bill's interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi was "inaccurate and misleading," and that Māori never ceded sovereignty to the New Zealand Crown.[306] On 11 May, the Waitangi Tribunal ruled that the Government's proposed repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act breached the Treaty's guarantee of Māori self-determination and the Treaty principles of partnership and active protection. They urged the Government to stop work on repealing the legislation. Chhour responded to the Tribunal, saying "section 7AA was a measure introduced to address Treaty obligations. My concern is that it has taken the focus away from the best interests of the child."[307]
On 13 May, the New Zealand Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the Waitangi Tribunal, overturning the High Court ruling. That same day, the Government's Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill was introduced into Parliament.[308] On 15 May, the Waitangi Tribunal heard testimony from University of Auckland Māori Studies Professor Margaret Mutu, who argued that ACT's Co-Government Policy Paper misinterpreted the Treaty of Waitangi. In addition, Northland iwi Ngāti Kahu submitted a letter to King Charles III, calling on him to stop what they called a "violent attack" on the Treaty.[309] That same day, several Māori health providers including Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, the Ngāti Hine Health Trust, Te Kohao Health and Papakura Marae challenged the Government's decision to abolish the Māori Health Authority in the High Court, alleging breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.[310] On 17 May, the Tribunal ruled that the Government's plans to reinstate referenda requirements for Māori wards violated the Treaty.[311]
In late May 2024, Te Pāti Māori and the Toitu Te Tiriti movement called for a nationwide day of protest known as "Toitū Te Tiriti National Day of Action" timed to coincide with the release of the 2024 New Zealand budget on 30 May. The protest was in opposition to the Government's perceived assault on Tangata whenua (indigenous status of Māori) and the Treaty of Waitangi. The party urged all Māori to strike and attend hīkoi (protests) and "car-koi" activation rallies near their location.[312][313] Te Pāti Māori claimed that 100,000 people attended their protest events and advocated the establishment of a Māori parliament.[314]
On 6 June, 1News reported that Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell had sought cabinet approval to scrap several Treaty of Waitangi provisions from the proposed Corrections Amendment Bill, which would have compelled the Department of Corrections to improve Māori outcomes in the prison system. Key provisions included equitable rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes for Māori, giving Māori prisoners access to cultural activities and consulting with whānau (family), hapū (sub-groups) and iwi on decisions made about prisoners. This legislation had been introduced by the previous Labour Government, with Māori and iwi experts being involved in the development of the provisions. Green Party justice spokesperson Tamatha Paul defended the provisions and criticised the high Māori incarceration rate as an abuse of the Treaty. In response, Mitchell defended the Corrections Department's engagement with Māori families and hapū.[317]
On 25 July, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed that the Government would amend section 58 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 to require those seeking Customary Marine Title to prove they had continual exclusive use and ownership of the area since 1840. This law change disregarded a 2023 Court of Appeal ruling which lowered the threshold for proving customary marine title claims. This proposed amendment was also part of National's coalition agreement with NZ First.[318] In response, Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris accused the Government of taking away Māori rights and warned that the Government should expect protests.[319] The Government's legislation reinstating referenda for Māori wards and constituencies in local councils drew criticism from opposition parties including Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, who described it as an attempt to silence Māori and an "assault" on the Treaty of Waitangi.[320]
On 2 August, leaders of the Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manuhiri and Te Roroa tribes walked out of an Iwi Chairs Forum meeting with several government ministers including Luxon to protest several perceived anti-Māori government policies including the rollback of the Māori Health Authority and Māori wards and constituencies, plans to overturn a 2023 Court of Appeal judgement which lowered the threshold for marine title claims, the proposed removal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and the forthcoming Treaty Principles Bill.[321][322]
On 20 August, a 1News-Verian poll found that 46% of voters believed that racial tensions in New Zealand had worsened as a result of the Coalition government's policies. By contrast, 37% said there had been no difference, 10% said that tensions had reduced, and 7% said that they did not know. The poll surveyed 1,001 voters between 10 and 14 August 2024. It was released on the same day that Prime Minister Luxon and other senior ministers attended Māori King Tūheitia Paki's coronation anniversary celebrations. In response to the survey, Luxon said that the 2024 survey's results were little different from a similar 2023 survey which found that 43% of respondents thought racial tensions in New Zealand had worsened. Luxon reiterated that his Government was interested in improving outcomes for both Māori and non-Māori children.[323]
In late September 2024, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced that the Government would divert NZ$30 million from the Te Ahu o te Reo Māori teacher training programme to revamp the mathematics curriculum. Flat Bush Primary principal Banapa Avatea and Post Primary Teachers' Association president Chris Abercrombie described the Government's decision as "disappointing and short-sighted" and undermining efforts to improve Māori language and cultural competence among teachers. Te Pāti Māori condemned the decision, saying that the Government would risk "the wrath of a million Mori."[324] Stanford stated "an evaluation of the programme found no evidence it directly impacted progress and achievement for students", along with prime minister Luxon calling it a "crisis" and a "total system failure".[325]
In November 2024, the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti protests occurred in response to the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill.
Public sector job cuts
As part of budgetary cutting measures, the Government had asked the public service in 2024 to find savings of NZ$1.5 billion through job cuts. Affected departments and agencies have included the Department of Conservation, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and Crown Law Office.[326][327][328][329] By 10 April, 1News reported that 1,275 public sector jobs had been lost, including 366 actual redundancies and 909 proposed redundancies.[326]RNZ reported 1,959 redundancies and vacancies, citing ministerial and Public Service Association (PSA) statements.[327] On 11 April, the PSA national secretary Kerry Davies expressed concern that women were disproportionately represented in the 28 redundancies at the TEC.[329] By 19 April, Public Sector Job cuts had reached 3,042.[330] Minister for Regulation David Seymour previously indicated the number of layoffs could eventually hit 7,500.[331]
By 2 May the total number of public sector job cuts had reached 3,745, and all Stats NZ staff had been offered voluntary redundancy, according to the Public Service Association.[332] By 23 May, the total number of public sector job cuts had reached 4,975.[333]
On 18 July, the Employment Relations Authority ruled in favour of the Public Service Association's challenge against the Ministry of Education for cutting nearly 600 jobs. The Authority ruled that the Ministry should have consulted the union over the job cuts.[334]
Sex education curriculum changes
As part of National's coalition agreement with New Zealand First, the Government has committed to removing gender, sexuality and relationship-based guidelines from the education curriculum with a stated goal of refocusing the education curriculum on "academic achievement" rather than "ideology". These guidelines had been developed by a team led by University of Auckland education professor Katie Fitzpatrick and introduced in 2020 by then NZ First MP and Associate Education Minister Tracey Martin. These guidelines consisted of two documents for primary and secondary pupils, and focused on teaching young people how to handle social media, pornography and sexual content online.[335][336] Education Minister Erica Stanford stated that the Government was committed to rewriting sex education-related guidelines due to concerns from parents regarding their "age-appropriateness" as part of the National-NZ First coalition agreement.[337]
Several educators including Fitzpatrick, sexual harm prevention expert and Ngā Kaitiaki Mauri Taumata TOAH-NNEST representative Russell Smith, and Post Primary Teachers' Association acting president Chris Abercrombie expressed concerns about the implications of the Government's plans to remove sex education-related guidelines for young people.[335][337] Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson accused the Government of appealing to what she described as "a small very conservative section of the community who are up in arms about this being taught in schools."[337]Cambridge Middle School Principal Daryl Gibbs stated there were some "grey areas" in the relationships and sexuality education guidelines that needed clarification but expressed concerns that eliminating them would alienate or isolate some sectors of the community.[336]
By contrast, Emeritus Professor Sue Middleton supported replacing the guidelines since she disagreed with their definition that gender could be understood as "a continuum of masculinities and femininities" and that a person's gender is "not fixed or immutable." Middleton has argued that gender is not predicated on identity but rather biological sex.[335] Deputy Prime Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters defended plans to revise the guidelines, stating that parents had a "right to know what their child is being taught before, not after, the event and the replacement of current guidelines is about transparency."[336]
Speed limits changes
During the 2023 New Zealand general election, the National Party campaigned on reversing the previous Sixth Labour Government's "blanket" speed limit reductions.[338] In July 2019, the Labour-led coalition government had released its "Road to Zero" 2020–2030 road safety strategy, which was modelled after the global Vision Zero movement. The Road to Zero strategy aimed to reduce road deaths by 40% by 2030 throuh reducing speed limits and installing more road safety features such as roundabouts and median barriers.[339] This policy was adopted in 2020. By February 2022, Waka Kotahi had announced a review of speed limits and imposed stricter speed limit rules would be implemented around schools.[340]
In March 2024, the National Government confirmed that it would be fulfilling its pre-election promise of reversing speed limit reductions. Its proposed new rules include raising 30km/h limits back to 50km/h, 80km/h limits back 100km/h and allowing maximum speed limits of 120km/h on some roads. All school zones would have a variable speed limit of 30km/h during drop-off and pick up times instead of a constant 30km/h limit. Speed limit changes would require a cost benefit analysis that considers both safety and "economic impacts." Transport Minister Simeon Brown said that the public was dissatisfied with the previous Labour Government's speed limits reductions and that the National Government would adopt a more balanced approach.[338] In response, several local councils, academics, health professionals and safety experts including the Horowhenua District Council, Timaru District Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, Global Road Safety Partnership CEO David Cliff and University of CanterburyProfessor Simon Kingham expressed concern that reversing speed limit reductions would lead to increased road fatalities, safety risks and pollution.[338][341]
On 21 December 2023, The New Zealand Herald reported that the Government was threatening to withhold public funding from sporting bodies if they did not comply with a policy to "ensure publicly funded sporting bodies support fair competition that is not compromised by rules relating to gender." This policy was promoted by New Zealand First, whose sports and recreation spokesperson Andy Foster said would promote fairness and safety for female athletes. Transgender athlete and national champion mountain biker Kate Weatherly claimed that the Government's new policy would force transgender women to compete in men's competitions or be sidelined completely.[342]
During the 2023 election, NZ First had campaigned about transgender people in bathrooms and sports; which included introducing legislation requiring public bodies to have "clearly demarcated" unisex and single-sex toilets, restricting toilet access to individuals from the opposite sex, and requiring sporting bodies to have an "exclusive biological female category."[343]
On 9 October 2024, Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop directed national sporting body Sport New Zealand to review and update its 2022 Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport. He said that the Guiding Principles were supposed to be voluntary rather than mandatory in accordance with the National-NZ First coalition agreement which "committed the Government to ensure that publicly funded sporting bodies support fair competition that is not compromised by rules relating to gender."[344]
Tenancy policies
As part of National's coalition agreement with ACT, the Government restored "no-cause" evictions, reducing the notice period that tenants and landlords have to give for moving or selling property, gradually reintroducing mortgage interest deductibility on rental properties and establishing pet bonds for renters.[33] While Renters' United criticised the Government for favouring landlords over tenants, the Property Investors Federation welcomed the new policies for alleviating the pressure on landlords, and stopping "tenants' tax".[345] Meanwhile, Greyhound as Pets (GAP) NZ spokesperson Daniel Bohan welcomed the introduction of a pet bond, saying that it would make it easier for tenants to own pets.[346]
Use of parliamentary urgency
On 15 March 2024, the New Zealand Free Speech Union (FSU) criticised the Government's repeated use of "urgency" in passing legislation during its first 100 days in power. The Government had passed 14 laws under urgency over a period of 17 weeks compared with average of 10 across a whole term. The FSU advised that bills passed under urgency get less scrutiny from MPs and the public, and can become law without going through the full Select Committee process. They also wrote that the Government was not mandated explicitly to pass legislation which was not included in the policy manifestos of any of the three governing parties. In response, Leader of the HouseChris Bishop criticised the FSU's assertion that the frequent use of parliamentary urgency amounted to a free speech issue and cancelled his Free Speech Union membership.[347]
^Collins, Judith; Peters, Winston (12 January 2024). "NZ support for strikes against Houthis". Beehive.govt.nz (Press release). New Zealand Government. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
