Act reveals 2026 election manifesto

Act has released its election manifesto today, pitching it as the party's "plan to unlock New Zealand's potential". 

The 17-page document summarises the policies that Act has proposed in the lead-up to the election, alongside changes it has advanced over the past three years in government, within the following points: 

• Bringing down the cost of living 
• Boosting jobs, opportunity and wages 
• A government New Zealand can afford 
• Healthcare when you need it 
• Safer homes and communities 
• One law for all, one future together 
• Education that unlocks potential 
• Backing farmers and growers 
• Building homes and infrastructure 
• Making immigration work for New Zealand 
• Balancing rights and responsibilities in welfare 
• Backing communities, volunteers and the great outdoors 

"People are frustrated with the cost of living and the Government’s finances are in a perilous situation. Opposition parties propose dramatic solutions that have been tried and failed before, so the stakes are high this election," Act leader David Seymour wrote in the foreword. 

"Every other political party, even National, 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." 

Ahead of revealing the manifesto, Seymour said Act's fiscal plan would deliver $12.4 billion less debt by 2031 than currently forecast, with the aim of balancing the books sooner, paying down debt faster, and doing it without introducing new taxes. 

Key initiatives previously announced and cited to achieve this include reducing the number of government ministries and departments, removing tax on KiwiSaver investment earnings, boosting funding for pharmacists and healthcare, cutting red tape and introducing the Three Strikes law for repeated burglary.