ACT releases manifesto to unlock New Zealand’s potential

“The stakes could not be higher this election. The result will determine whether we have a productive, high-wage economy with growing businesses for years to come – or if it’s back to the future with higher taxes, higher spending, and higher inflation. ACT has a suite of policies that will deliver the former,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Every single other party vying for Parliament wants to spend more of your money. ACT alone is proposing to save your money. By reducing waste, we’re still able to invest in what matters. Our policies boost primary healthcare, ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens and provide more educational opportunities for future generations.

“We’ve resisted the temptation to announce sugar-hit policies that sound good in focus groups but do little to improve people’s lives. Decades of politicians chasing headlines instead of making hard choices has left New Zealand in a deep financial hole.

“ACT is the only party that has published a fully costed fiscal plan to balance the books sooner, pay down debt faster, and do it without introducing new taxes. Our plan ends wasteful spending, makes Government smaller and more accountable, and delivers $12.4 billion less debt by 2031 than currently forecast.

“When you’re paying over a million dollars an hour in interest on government debt, it’s not the time to spend more. Someone needs to make the choices now that will allow future generations to build a life here.

“We will make Government focused, effective and affordable, starting at the top with fewer Ministers and Department heads. The savings will fund policies such as removing tax on KiwiSaver investment earnings so New Zealanders can keep more of their money and build wealth for the future.

“We will boost primary healthcare by funding pharmacists to treat more common illnesses and investing an additional $400 million in general practice over four years, so more New Zealanders can get the care they need without adding to the pressure on overflowing hospitals.

“We will put law-abiding citizens first, putting repeat burglars behind bars with Three Strikes for Burglary. Offenders convicted of burglary for a third time will face at least three years in prison without parole.

“We will ensure one law for all and one future together, where every New Zealander has the same rights, responsibilities and protections under the law, regardless of their ancestry. We will ensure public services are based on need, not race.

“We will make farming fun again by letting farmers farm, protecting their property rights and cutting the red tape imposed from Wellington so farmers can spend more time and money improving their farms.

“Party Vote ACT to re-elect the Coalition and make it go further and faster on all of these issues.”

ACT's policy manifesto for the 2026 election is linked here.