Political direction
The party emphasises a market economy, lower taxes, public sector performance, infrastructure investment and results-focused public services.
Government coalition2026 policies still being released
National
The New Zealand National Party
Also known as: New Zealand National Party
A centre-right party. Its 2026 campaign priorities include public spending, retirement savings, education standards, health services and law and order.
The party in 60 seconds
Published policy claims
Economy and taxElection promise
What this means
The party promises that from 1 July 2028 all employees will be required to join KiwiSaver or an equivalent retirement savings scheme.
Evidence and checks
Economy and taxElection promise
What this means
By 1 April 2032 the default combined employee and employer contribution rate would rise in steps to 12%.
Evidence and checks
Family and social policyElection promise
What this means
From 1 July 2027 newborns would be enrolled in KiwiSaver automatically and receive a NZ$1,500 government contribution.
Evidence and checks
EducationElection promise
What this means
The party proposes replacing NCEA with a new national qualification, and adding teaching resources for maths, reading and writing.
HealthElection promise
What this means
The plan includes lowering the bowel screening age, supporting three days in hospital after birth, and more funding for children's palliative care and medicines.
Evidence and checks
Law, justice and rightsPolicy proposal
What this means
Supports restoring three strikes, capping sentence discounts at 40%, limiting repeat use of youth and remorse discounts, and widening police powers to deal with gangs.
Evidence and checks
Verification note: This material comes from National's own account of its record in office and its next steps, and does not by itself show that the measures have achieved the intended results.
Immigration and visasPolicy proposal
What this means
The Government proposes extending from 10 to 20 years the period in which a residence-class visa holder can become liable for deportation after serious criminal offending.
Evidence and checks
Verification note: As at 28 May 2026 the bill was still before Parliament and must not be described as law.
Sources
Immigration bill to hold people accountable for serious offendingTier 3Party sourceNew Zealand National PartyPublished 18 March 2026Opens in a new tabImmigration amendment bill to hold people accountable for serious offendingTier 2Government agencyNew Zealand GovernmentPublished 18 March 2026Opens in a new tab
Immigration and visasPolicy proposal
What this means
The bill would raise the maximum migrant exploitation sentence from seven to 10 years. Budget 2026 also provides NZ$18 million over four years and about 22 additional staff for three compliance, investigations and labour inspectorate teams.
Evidence and checks
Verification note: The higher maximum sentence is proposed. The funding and staffing are announced government measures.
Immigration and visasPolicy proposal
What this means
The Government created Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways with requirements for relevant experience, work in New Zealand, wage thresholds and eligible qualifications.
Evidence and checks
Verification note: The settings take effect on 24 August 2026 and include red and amber occupation lists that restrict eligibility.
Immigration and visasPolicy proposal
What this means
From the 10 November 2026 selection, 90% of expressions of interest will be selected by submission date and 10% by ballot. The annual cap stays at 2,500 and expressions of interest no longer expire after two years.
Evidence and checks
Verification note: The Government says the change does not increase visa places or remove waiting times.
Verified key people
Christopher Luxon
Party leader, Prime Minister
New Zealand Government, CC BY 4.0
Nicola Willis
Deputy leader, Minister of Finance
Office of the Governor-General, CC BY 4.0Role source
What happened, in date order
Party record
Ministers said Pharmac will expand medicine access for young cancer patients
On 1 October 2026, ministers said Pharmac will from 14 October 2026 enable eligible adolescents and young adults to access funded cancer medicines whether treated through paediatric or adult haematology or oncology services. Eligibility requires all 3 criteria.
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Party record
National announces economic plan
On 28 September 2026, National released an economic plan that includes a return to surplus in 2028/29 and said delivering the plan would allow it to commit to no new taxes. The plan also includes replacing the Resource Management Act and NCEA, and providing more trades training.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National Party says Mt Iron Junction housing scheme received fast-track approval
On 28 September 2026, the National Party said the Mt Iron Junction Housing Scheme received fast-track approval for 250 homes, a childcare centre and 2 recreational reserves on a 5.98-hectare site near Wānaka.
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Show 67 earlier records
Party record
National announces KiwiSaver, parental leave and education commitments if re-elected
On 27 September 2026, National said that, if re-elected, it would make KiwiSaver compulsory with higher contributions and a $1500 Baby Boost, extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks, and replace NCEA, bring in regular assessment and teach the basics well.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
Government announces second release of council performance data
On 25 September 2026, the Government announced a second release of council performance data, including new measures for asset management, service delivery and governance, plus updated council profiles and comparison tables.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National Party says government will fund bird flu surveillance
On 24 September 2026, the National Party said the government will provide one-off $150,000 funding to 6 accredited wildlife care facilities to support New Zealand's bird flu surveillance and response.
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Party record
New Zealand National Party reports Central region health target results
On 23 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said the latest health target results showed shorter waits for elective treatment and first specialist assessments in the Central region.
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Party record
Brown reports Midland health target results
On 23 September 2026, Health Minister Simeon Brown said the latest health target results showed improvements in waits for cancer treatment and other care in the Midland region.
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Party record
National announces 3-point firefighter support plan
On 23 September 2026, National announced a 3-point plan to strengthen New Zealand's fire and emergency services.
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Party record
National Party says bills replacing the RMA passed third reading
On 22 September 2026, the National Party said Chris Bishop and Simon Court stated that the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill had passed their third reading in Parliament to replace the Resource Management Act.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National Party announces Chatham Islands supply vessel construction start
On 19 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that steel cutting for the hull of a new Chatham Islands supply vessel began on 17 September 2026. The vessel is expected to be delivered in late 2027 to replace the Southern Tiare.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
Government announces earthquake-prone building reforms
On 19 September 2026, the Government announced it had unanimously passed legislation reforming the earthquake-prone building system.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National Party says Auckland city centre planning proposals are open for consultation
The New Zealand National Party said on 18 September 2026 that proposals to ease some Auckland city centre planning restrictions to support more housing, jobs and economic activity were open for public consultation.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
Government announces revised retirement village repayment protections
On 18 September 2026, the Government announced plans to shorten the maximum repayment period for retirement village residents to 9 months and require operators to pay 10% of net termination proceeds within 4 weeks.
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Party record
New Zealand National Party statement on police move-on orders
On 18 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith stated that Police could soon issue move-on orders to people behaving disorderly in public places.
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Party record
Government announces proposed change to hospitality transport rules
On 17 September 2026, Regulation Minister David Seymour and Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that the Government would accept a Ministry for Regulation Hospitality Sector Review recommendation to remove passenger service requirements for certain hospitality customer transport services.
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Party record
National Party says Government will support WOW exhibition
On 17 September 2026, the National Party said the Government will invest $880,000 from the Major Events Fund to support a World of WearableArt exhibition planned to premiere in Wellington in 2027.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
New Zealand National Party says F. Meth campaign launched
On 17 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said the F. Meth national methamphetamine prevention campaign had officially launched.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
Government says over 60 plumbers and drainlayers approved for self-certification
On 17 September 2026, the Government said more than 60 plumbers and drainlayers had been approved in the self-certification scheme's first week, allowing a wide range of work without waiting for a council inspection.
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Party record
Emergency alerts announced for government app
On 16 September 2026, Paul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell announced that emergency alerts and severe weather warnings were being added to a government app.
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Party record
Announcement of final 2 learning areas for updated Years 0-10 curriculum
On 15 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that Education Minister Erica Stanford released the final 2 learning areas of the updated Years 0-10 New Zealand Curriculum.
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Party record
National Party says amendments to Local Government bill were introduced
On 15 September 2026, the National Party published a statement saying further amendments to the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill had been introduced to the House.
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Party record
Government announced to have accepted Phillips Inquiry recommendations
On 15 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that the Government had accepted all recommendations from the Public Inquiry into the Disappearance of the Phillips Children.
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Party record
National Party announces Susan O’Regan's appointment as QEII National Trust Chair
On 14 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced Susan O’Regan's appointment as Chair of the QEII National Trust Board.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National announces conditional plan for Auckland Transport Police Team
On 13 September 2026, the National Party said that, if re-elected, it would establish an Auckland Transport Police Team.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National Party reports lower diagnostic waitlists
On 12 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said Health New Zealand delivered 89,039 additional diagnostic procedures, above the Government's target of 75,000, and said waitlists fell 21%.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National announced First Home Loan eligibility plan
On 11 September 2026, National announced a plan to widen access to 5% deposits under the First Home Loan scheme.
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Party record
National Party announces Auckland City Rail Link opening
On 11 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said Auckland's City Rail Link had officially opened and stated that stations and a new rail timetable would begin on 13 September 2026.
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Party record
National Party announces new DOC and Backcountry Trust MOU
On 11 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that DOC and the Backcountry Trust had signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to support backcountry huts and tracks.
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Party record
National Party says committee recommends passage of India FTA Bill
On 10 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee had recommended that Parliament pass the India Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill.
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Party record
National Party issues statement on KiwiSaver report
On 10 September 2026, the National Party issued a statement saying the Financial Markets Authority's KiwiSaver Annual Report showed an average member balance of $40,340 and referring to the introduction of the KiwiSaver (First Home or Farm) Amendment Bill.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National Party says tax Bill was introduced to Parliament
On 10 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said a tax Bill was introduced into the House, proposing to reduce compliance costs, simplify rules and remove unnecessary obligations.
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Party record
Ministers said they welcomed completion of hospitality review
On 9 September 2026, Minister for Regulation David Seymour and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston said they welcomed completion of the Ministry for Regulation's Hospitality Sector Review.
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Party record
Agreement announced for 50 Waiouru Defence Force homes
On 9 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that the New Zealand Defence Force and local iwi Ngāti Rangi had signed an agreement to begin building 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National Party reports government support for wool-bedding sleep study
On 9 September 2026, the National Party said the Government was supporting a 3-year, $2 million clinical sleep research programme led by Wisewool, including $800,000 from the Primary Sector Growth Fund, to test New Zealand strong-wool bedding against synthetic alternatives.
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Party record
Mark Mitchell announces $2.4 million for reducing child and youth offending
On 9 September 2026, Mark Mitchell announced that the Government would invest $2.4 million in 6 community programmes using sport and physical activity to support children and young people who may be at risk of offending or reoffending.
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Party record
Support announced for Auckland's 2028 PSA Squash World Championships
On 8 September 2026, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced a $1 million investment from the Government's Major Events Fund to support Auckland hosting the 2028 PSA Squash World Championships.
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Party record
New Zealand announces continued NZDF support for Ukraine
The New Zealand Government announced a renewed deployment of New Zealand Defence Force personnel in Europe to support Ukraine's self-defence.
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Party record
National Party announced fast-track approval for Stella Passage Development
On 7 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that the Stella Passage Development at the Port of Tauranga had received fast-track approval.
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Party record
National announces Jessica Rowe as Kaipara ki Mahurangi candidate
On 7 September 2026, National announced that Jessica Rowe had been selected as its candidate in Kaipara ki Mahurangi for the 2026 general election.
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Party record
New Zealand National Party publishes Aviation Action Plan update
On 7 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party published an update saying 15 of the Aviation Action Plan's 25 priorities had been completed.
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Party record
Government announces funding for 6 regional tourism campaigns
On 7 September 2026, the Government announced $5 million for 6 tourism campaigns intended to attract international visitors to regions across New Zealand.
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Party record
National proposes wider First Home Loan eligibility
On 6 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that, if re-elected, it would raise the First Home Loan scheme income cap to $300,000.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
National Party announces Pacific Forum leadership role
On 4 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that New Zealand had joined the Pacific Islands Forum Troika ahead of hosting the Forum meeting in Auckland in 2027.
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Party record
National Party announces settlement progress with Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui
On 4 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said a bill concerning historical Treaty of Waitangi claims by Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui had passed its final reading in Parliament.
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Party record
National Party announces lifejackets will need to be worn on small recreational craft
On 4 September 2026, the National Party announced that Shane Reti's bill had passed Parliament unanimously and lifejackets will need to be worn, rather than only carried, on recreational craft 6 metres or less.
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Party record
National Party says lifejacket bill passed
On 4 September 2026, the National Party said the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill had passed and would take effect 28 days after Royal Assent.
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Party record
New Zealand National Party reports legislative progress
On 4 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party reported progress on planning, environmental, emergency management, welfare, and serious fraud legislation in a weekly update.
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Party record
National Party announces work on Australia New Zealand Single Economic Market agenda
On 4 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that New Zealand and Australia were advancing a more ambitious Single Economic Market agenda.
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Party record
Announced Māori Development Fund investments for 3 Māori enterprises
On 4 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced more than $3.4 million in Government investment through the Māori Development Fund for 3 Māori enterprises.
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Party record
National Party publishes statement on North-West Rapid Transit approval
On 4 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party published Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop's statement that the North-West Rapid Transit project in Auckland had received fast-track approval.
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Party record
New Zealand National Party announces carers action plan
On 2 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party said the Government had launched the Mahi Aroha Carers' Strategy Action Plan to support unpaid or informal carers nationwide.
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Party record
National Party says legislation expanding SFO powers passed final reading
On 1 September 2026, the New Zealand National Party published a statement saying Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell said legislation giving the Serious Fraud Office greater powers had passed its final reading in Parliament.
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Party record
National Party says S&P affirmed New Zealand's AA+ rating
On 31 August 2026, the National Party said S&P affirmed New Zealand's AA+ foreign currency credit rating with a stable outlook.
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Party record
Support announced for apple productivity agritech project
On 28 August 2026, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced that the Government is backing a research programme intended to improve productivity and profits in the apple industry.
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Party record
National Party says emergency management legislation passed final reading
On 28 August 2026, the New Zealand National Party published a statement saying Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell said new legislation to strengthen New Zealand's emergency management system had passed its final reading in Parliament.
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Party record
National Party announces 10-year performance regulation for Tiaki Wai
On 28 August 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that the Government had accepted a Commerce Commission recommendation to impose performance requirement regulation on Tiaki Wai for 10 years.
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Party record
Government announces support for Marlborough winery lees programme
On 27 August 2026, the Government announced more than $2.79 million from the Primary Sector Growth Fund for a Bragato Research Institute-led programme on winery lees in Marlborough. Co-investors will contribute a further $4.19 million.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
$9.7 million IVL funding announced for wild goat and deer management
On 25 August 2026, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced 4 years of $9.7 million in International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy funding for wild goat and deer management in nationally significant conservation areas.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
Government announces council rates cap
On 25 August 2026, the Government announced an initial target range of 2% to 4% for annual council rates increases.
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Party record
Five Country Ministers meet on security challenges
On 24 August 2026, Mark Mitchell represented New Zealand at the annual Five Country Ministerial meeting in Sydney, Australia, to discuss shared national security challenges.
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Party record
Government announces bill to ban under-16s from social media
On 24 August 2026, the Government said it would introduce an Online Safety Bill to restrict social media use by under-16s and require technology companies to protect children online.
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Party record
National Party announces NZ Institute for Advanced Technology launch in Auckland
On 21 August 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology had launched in Auckland. The party said it is New Zealand's 4th Public Research Organisation, intended to accelerate the development and commercialisation of AI, quantum technologies and advanced materials.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Party record
Government announces retention of Clean Vehicle Standard
On 21 August 2026, the New Zealand National Party announced that the Government would retain the Clean Vehicle Standard for new and used vehicle imports and progress work to calibrate its settings.
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Party record
Matt Doocey announces reduction in Auckland children's dental surgery waitlist
On 21 August 2026, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said Auckland's children's dental surgery waitlist had fallen from 2,200 to 743, and said 340 children had been referred to a publicly funded dental sedation service since its pilot began.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Independent official finding
Official information handling by the Prime Minister's office reviewed
The Chief Ombudsman found the Prime Minister's office should have identified and released a climate briefing, and that the information had in effect been withheld. The office accepted the recommendation, and the record-keeping issue was referred to the Chief Archivist.
Party record
2026 State of the Nation speech delivered
The party leader used the speech to set out the party's direction on the economy, public services and the campaign. The speech is the party's own account and is not an independent assessment of results.
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Government record
KiwiRail concluded the iReX ferry project
KiwiRail published the final settlement for exiting the original ferry contracts, with a total project cost of NZ$671 million. The record sets out project costs and follow-up arrangements, and is not an independent performance audit.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Independent official finding
Fast-track conflict of interest arrangements audited
The Auditor-General examined how ministers declared and managed conflicts of interest when selecting fast-track projects, recording both where the system worked and where it needed to improve.
Government objective
The Fast-track Approvals Act is intended to shorten the time some projects take to obtain resource consents and other regulatory approvals.
Independent finding
The Auditor-General found the overall management system was sound and that political donations were recorded, but that ministers could have declared conflicts of interest earlier, and recommended reviewing the relevant Cabinet Manual rules.
Election
Became the largest party at the 2023 general election
After the 2023 general election National became the largest party in Parliament and formed a government with ACT and New Zealand First.