--- title: "PF048 · Captured AI answers" publisher: "Onsomble Limited" publication: "NZBrands.ai" edition: 3 collected_on: "2026-10-16" html_url: "https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/10cc9db9-a3fd-4d0c-9dbb-4819c2338bee/" --- # PF048 · Captured AI answers Edition 3 · answers collected 16 October 2026. [Read on NZBrands.ai](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/10cc9db9-a3fd-4d0c-9dbb-4819c2338bee/) ## Question I have a long-term health condition that limits my ability to work. I rely on income support and need regular medical appointments. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What do parties propose about supported employment and flexible work for people with health conditions? Question ID: 10cc9db9-a3fd-4d0c-9dbb-4819c2338bee. Report reference: PF048. Issue: Jobs and unemployment. Voter: Person unable to work because of long-term illness. [Source record (JSON)](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/3/answers/10cc9db9-a3fd-4d0c-9dbb-4819c2338bee.json) ## How to read this evidence The answers below are shown as the assistants gave them, not a verified account or NZBrands.ai voting advice. They may contain errors or outdated claims. A recorded source association is not necessarily a link shown to the reader. Captured 16 October 2026. 4 answers were saved for this question. Missing answers have not been filled in. [Study methodology and limitations](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/method.md) ## ChatGPT · asked nationally Answer ID: 280ed820-8338-4f76-b258-ce9ea8610766. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** # New Zealand 2026 election: supported employment and flexible work For your situation, there are three connected policy questions worth looking at: whether you can work within your health limits, whether you can keep enough income support if you do work, and whether you can attend regular medical appointments without risking your job or financial security. The 2026 New Zealand general election is scheduled for 7 November. Parties' disability policies are not all equally detailed, and some are still being published. A useful starting point is to separate explicit election commitments from broader party positions and existing government programmes. [The main parties vying to form New Zealand's next government](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/main-parties-vying-form-new-zealands-next-government-2026-10-12/)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ## 1. What the main parties propose The comparison below draws on a disability-policy review prepared for the 2026 election, party policy pages and an October 2026 statement from the Opportunity Party. Where a party has not published a specific employment commitment, I have noted that rather than assuming it would introduce one. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/)[Opportunity Disability Position Statement - October 2026](https://www.opportunity.org.nz/disability_statement)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy) ![Green Party NZ (@NZGreens) on X](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/xwoeA3rTn5Pu0UL1uRc6X_g8ADsfUTe55rxQEjXC_rnFR_6TPTr_9eG0LsowNOdFRtax24qB8h-LRfUtZEf42T0CC5OclOZ5katbFJAYxs0cZRyqDBlGNgF_8AV_5WTCbYonGIqLGuK095lLGrkBVw3L8vdsA06tLHVNuCJquuc?purpose=inline) ## Green Party Income security, rights and removing barriers The Greens support higher income support, moving towards a Guaranteed Minimum Income, reforming partner-income testing and expanding individualised disability support. Their employment approach emphasises removing structural and workplace barriers, fair pay and supported employment pathways. Relevance to you: Their stated direction addresses both financial security and the barriers that can prevent people with health conditions from maintaining employment. Check the detail of any proposed benefit changes and how they would work in practice. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026) [Green Party 2026 manifesto](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026) ![South Island Election Conference 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/_spFKDBqOMVPoo8r35YLoGFwljs_-WWe4ur9fdZCfekzAxaUPGA75u8rI9uxOUTssI2hUZN1r4Zu1AeDrcNaxz3uHoFIyWjDpanT5s-KJ87QzxSu1uNjNL4MOHSuazRZuTy_TzC6aN4wxHHoyU_DhzMFuMCMjNBTtg2xRxOZL6c?purpose=inline) ## Labour Party Disability rights and redesigning support services Labour has pledged to repeal the Government's proposed disability support legislation and develop replacement legislation with disabled people and disability organisations. Its 2026 programme also includes three free GP visits per year and removing prescription charges from July 2027. Relevance to you: Co-designed disability support and lower healthcare costs could matter if you rely on regular appointments. However, the published material reviewed here does not establish a specific new guarantee of flexible hours, medical appointment leave or protection of benefit payments when working reduced hours. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)[Labour's Cost of Living Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/2026-election-policy-summary-pages/cost-of-living-plan/) [Labour's 2026 election policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy) ![Will National Party Finish 2nd in New Zealand's 2026 Election?](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/LCDs4P76HEgfCayafHeSga8GCw12Vxs2fPc3toeyLUZ-wmb6UiGRZY6bhdT1xRejtICfUd6GX2BWmI76EkpoWuffTU4g32bP_qUJp29rsfn5_Zvj5THHSYTLHSoo_5_YQyZ3zKE1WIpB4bu7raRltFl5TZFCgCcE0quf_GohkFI?purpose=inline) ## National Party Service stability and national consistency National's approach has focused on funding disability support services, making assessments more consistent across the country, and restoring some flexibility in disability support funding. The review found no specific disability employment package in its published platform at the time of assessment. Relevance to you: The flexibility of disability support funding may affect access to practical assistance, but it should not be confused with a promise of flexible employment arrangements or more generous income-support rules. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) [National Party website](https://www.national.org.nz/) ![POLICY TRACKER: TOP wants to fund cheaper doctor visits with junk-food tax | New Zealand Doctor](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/K1DpIS-dF4mtKrl0KIyfSnF_8RO2gnoDtATKXcH-ytfTo6cgmA_wwVhD8J5hW6OuytxDrAergQSGimCSsVKfunUK61RDtNU5GxwiaPB_cRB685VjK9FjkZErmrrvx_4zTP2h6GpckCQVzANm4LVdUE3kTNzzpmgwLxBt7L_7t70?purpose=inline) ## ACT New Zealand Individual choice, funding accountability and work participation ACT's broader approach favours individualised disability funding, less bureaucracy and stronger accountability for public spending. Its welfare policy emphasises employment participation and tighter benefit obligations. The review found no detailed standalone disability manifesto. Relevance to you: Individualised funding and simpler administration are relevant to support choices, but it is important to establish how any proposed work obligations would apply to people whose health limits their capacity or makes it fluctuate. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) [ACT New Zealand website](https://www.act.org.nz/) ![New Zealand legislative election winner? Predictions & Od... 2026 | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/UmXClDd76aKEk_XyXfEEacFBHXO18HFMG1Im-weRm7tb64uGzBsRK3vWPXuiFN2zaWaNznb7eSDIJucKOhlXtwb6Lq-BYR6oxisKzHsWTxF5AsiLmtcNGDNtwCsXzgIuSp2vW4pa6pAda-tTriG23zKX1ZuknQ81HGh411pqRkM?purpose=inline) ## New Zealand First General public services, with limited disability-specific detail The review found no standalone disability policy or specific programme for employment support for disabled working-age people. Its broader approach emphasises state-funded services and general health provision. Relevance to you: Seek clarification on whether the party would change supported employment, benefit eligibility or the ability to work part-time without losing essential support. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) [New Zealand First website](https://www.nzfirst.nz/) ![Te Pāti Māori (@Maori_Party) on X](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/C5Ox0A8wvQUsFP-VtrWHKeP6-Ic8fMiqzR6fwTgVCI89BKZ4qO15KWhfgO_hkPhb4uzHIlIf-m8iVIOtE_n3dpm6XeT-XUHl8WsSwbHDpd9cuMseVa0f8XdYoGqbDr3pWVTJaDg048Pdof6_HhRKAR523Vju5XF4tug9-I_6qlg?purpose=inline) ## Te Pāti Māori Self-determination and Māori-led support Its disability approach centres tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau hauā, tino rangatiratanga and Māori-led services. The review describes a strong overall vision but less technical detail on specific employment mechanisms. Relevance to you: The key questions are how its approach would translate into practical employment support, income security and flexible working arrangements for people with ongoing health conditions. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) [Te Pāti Māori website](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/) ![](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KZ1zP60v_ZeHHj3ij4DA2sVh6oX86DHN4x_RGhm63IEKbj8P_3phlgxON0_dzBqruxZt_piBvLSwWYOzxGtRjeiBIDJnBczyBauAihY7VhbFruy9Xq4tPeGbXtvfFHap7T9ZV_eOqtHyttigv_yv7jT6ibug6IoPJMJnJ8SLOeE?purpose=inline) ## The Opportunity Party (TOP) Working without losing support TOP's October 2026 disability position statement explicitly says it wants to explore ways to let disabled people work without unfair cuts to income support. It also proposes a Citizen's Income and Disability Allowance, ending rules that allow disabled workers to be paid below the minimum wage, and better support for employers hiring and retaining disabled staff. Relevance to you: These are direct proposals addressing the financial risk of trying to work while receiving support. The exact income thresholds, interaction between payments and eligibility rules need to be checked in the detailed policy. [Opportunity Disability Position Statement - October 2026](https://www.opportunity.org.nz/disability_statement)[Opportunity Disability Position Statement - October 2026](https://www.opportunity.org.nz/disability_statement) [TOP's October 2026 disability position statement](https://www.opportunity.org.nz/disability_statement) Important distinction: A party supporting flexible disability funding is not necessarily promising flexible work. Similarly, a promise to help people into employment does not automatically mean you could reduce your hours, take time off for treatment or retain your existing level of income support. ## 2. What to look for specifically in flexible work policies For someone who needs regular medical appointments and cannot necessarily work full-time, these are the policy details that could make a practical difference. | Policy question | What to check in each party's proposal | | --- | --- | | Flexible hours | Can you work shorter days, part-time hours or a variable schedule? | | Medical appointments | Would you have predictable access to paid or unpaid time off for treatment? | | Fluctuating health | Can you temporarily reduce your hours or take a break during a flare-up without losing your job? | | Income support | How much can you earn before your benefit or other assistance is reduced? | | Supported employment | Is there funding for job coaches, workplace adjustments, equipment and ongoing employer support? | | Employer incentives | Would employers receive practical assistance to recruit and retain workers with long-term health conditions? | These are questions to put to candidates directly, because a general commitment to employment does not answer all six. ## 3. Support that exists already You do not necessarily need to wait for the election to explore employment assistance. Work and Income currently offers an Employment Service for eligible people with disabilities or health conditions, including people whose condition affects their ability to find work. The service can help with: - Finding a suitable job and planning a return to work. - Negotiating flexible working arrangements with an employer. - Discussing workplace support and adjustments. - Providing ongoing assistance to you and your employer for up to one year. Eligibility includes having a condition expected to last at least six months, being ready to work, and meeting the service's other criteria. You do not have to be receiving a benefit to use this service. [Employment service for people with a disability or health condition](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/work/find-jobs/how-to-choose-the-right-job/employment-service)[Employment service for people with a disability or health condition](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/work/find-jobs/how-to-choose-the-right-job/employment-service) See [Work and Income's Employment Service](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/work/find-jobs/how-to-choose-the-right-job/employment-service). ## 4. A useful independent election resource The Disabled Persons Assembly, CCS Disability Action and Your Way Kia Roha have asked seven major parties questions on disability rights, income support and Job and Training Support Funds. Their planned election scorecard is particularly relevant because it asks whether parties would widen eligibility and increase funding for employment-related support. The scorecard responses had not yet been published on the page I checked. [Disability Scorecard for 2026 General Election » Disabled Persons Assembly NZ](https://www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-information/latest-news/disability-scorecard-for-2026-general-election/) You can follow the updates at [Disabled Persons Assembly NZ — 2026 Election Scorecard](https://www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-information/latest-news/disability-scorecard-for-2026-general-election/). ## 5. How to compare the proposals for your circumstances Based on the published material reviewed, the most useful distinction is between policies addressing income security while working and policies addressing the practical support needed to stay employed. - For income security, examine TOP's proposed Citizen's Income and Disability Allowance, the Greens' proposed income-support reforms, and the other parties' positions on benefit abatement and eligibility. - For workplace support, look for explicit commitments on job coaching, flexible hours, reasonable adjustments, and support for employers. - For medical needs, check healthcare affordability proposals separately from workplace leave entitlements. A policy making GP visits cheaper does not itself guarantee time off to attend them. Before deciding, check the final policies and their implementation details: several parties have not published a comprehensive disability-specific employment plan. One question that would help me make the comparison more relevant is: Are you mainly concerned about finding a suitable part-time job, keeping income support if you work some hours, or protecting the flexibility you need for medical appointments? You can choose more than one. **End captured answer** ## Gemini · asked nationally Answer ID: 294dcc05-daff-4978-88ab-205714b1ef95. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** As New Zealand voters head toward the **2026 General Election**, political parties have put forward distinct approaches regarding income support, supported employment, and flexible work options for people managing long-term health conditions or disabilities. The primary policy directions vary across the political spectrum, breaking down into distinct approaches: --- ### 1. The Left and Progressive Parties (Greens, Labour, Te Pāti Māori) These parties generally advocate for a **rights-based model** focused on systemic reform, removing workplace barriers, and strengthening income safety nets. * **Green Party:** Focuses heavily on structural and workplace barriers rather than requiring individuals to adapt. They support implementing enforceable accessibility standards, expanding supported employment pathways, and guaranteeing minimum wage increases aligned with inflation. Their welfare platform includes significant benefit increases, moving toward a guaranteed minimum income, and reforming or removing partnered means-testing so disabled or chronically ill individuals are not penalized by a partner's income. * **Labour Party:** Emphasizes individual choice, control, and the "Enabling Good Lives" framework. Labour's platforms center on increasing income security, expanding support for disabled and health-compromised workers, and revising benefit abatement thresholds so that people can undertake part-time or flexible work without facing sharp benefit reductions. * **Te Pāti Māori:** Focuses on eliminating inequities for *whānau hauā* (disabled Māori and those with health conditions/impairments). They champion removing discrimination in the workforce, ensuring fair pay, and providing accessible pathways into secure, meaningful employment. --- ### 2. The Center-Right and Right-Leaning Parties (National, ACT, New Zealand First) These parties tend to prioritize economic stability, administrative efficiency, individual responsibility, and targeted assistance rather than sweeping benefit overhauls. * **National Party:** Focuses on the fiscal sustainability and national consistency of disability and support services, alongside a refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy. Their approach to employment and health support leans toward restoring practical flexibility within existing funding streams and streamlining assessments to help people transition safely into work where possible, while maintaining strict economic management. * **ACT New Zealand:** Emphasizes smaller government, individual choice, and reduced bureaucracy. Their philosophy leans toward direct, individualized funding models and incentivizing workforce participation through obligations and work incentives rather than large-scale benefit expansions. * **New Zealand First:** Tends to address disability, health conditions, and employment support indirectly through broader senior citizen, health, and economic frameworks, focusing on cost-of-living pressures and strengthening core public service delivery. --- ### Common Themes Impacting Regular Medical Appointments & Flexible Work * **Abatement Thresholds & Part-Time Work:** Parties on the left propose raising or removing thresholds and abatement rates so that engaging in a few hours of flexible work does not immediately penalize your main income support. * **Healthcare Costs:** Because regular medical appointments add up, multiple parties have featured policies targeting health costs—such as funding more free GP visits, removing prescription charges, or expanding Pharmac's medicines budget—which directly impact individuals with long-term conditions. Are there specific aspects of these policies—such as benefit abatement rules or funding for medical costs—that you would like to explore further to help inform your vote? **End captured answer** ## Google AI Mode · asked nationally Answer ID: 13c71f8f-f7a4-4942-afc2-a0d2b05f1129. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** As _New Zealand _ voters head toward the **_November 2026 general election_** , the major political parties hold distinct approaches regarding income support, welfare obligations, and how the system interacts with people managing long-term health conditions or disabilities. While dedicated, standalone packages specifically targeting "supported employment" or mandated flexible workplace schemes vary significantly across party platforms, their broader policy directions shape how supported work and income security are approached: * * **Green Party** : Focuses heavily on overhauling the welfare and support framework. They propose abolishing benefit sanctions, ensuring timely and adequate baseline income support, and extending ACC-style comprehensive coverage to provide income support and treatment for injuries, disabilities, and illnesses regardless of origin. Their platform emphasizes rights-based, Te Tiriti-aligned disability legislation and enforceable accessibility standards. * **New Zealand Labour Party** : Focuses on repealing recent changes/legislation around disability support services to rewrite rights-based frameworks alongside the disability community. Their health and cost-of-living packages include specific relief measures—such as free prescriptions and targeted free GP visits (via initiatives like a "Medicard")—which aim to alleviate the indirect financial strains of managing chronic health conditions. * **New Zealand National Party** : Current approaches emphasize administrative consistency, stabilizing service access, and preserving flexible funding rules while managing broader fiscal baselines. Their focus is on navigating nationwide assessment consistency rather than introducing separate, expansive employment packages for beneficiaries with health conditions. * **ACT New Zealand** : Focuses strongly on tightening government spending and welfare controls. Their fiscal platform outlines stricter oversight on benefit categories and expenditure reductions, emphasizing mutual obligations and work-ready pathways for welfare recipients. * **The Opportunities Party (TOP)** : Proposes a universal basic income (UBI) model designed to replace standard benefit tiers, alongside a universal annual disability allowance to reduce structural complexity for people unable to work or facing recurring health costs. [The Spinoff] * To help narrow down which party platforms align best with your situation, would you like to explore: * The differences in **benefit sanctions and work obligations** proposed by the parties? * Specific **health-cost policies** (like GP visits or prescriptions) that affect regular medical appointments? **End captured answer** ## Google AI Overviews · asked nationally Answer ID: cb1515d9-7203-4c4f-845e-445c0fbd1e75. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** For the **2026 New Zealand general election** , major political parties hold contrasting visions regarding income support, welfare obligations, and supported employment for people with long-term health conditions. Under New Zealand law, all workers have a legal right to request flexible working arrangements (such as modified hours or remote work) from their first day on the job. The primary policy differences focus on income security, employment assistance, and the obligations tied to receiving state support. * * * Comparison of Party Policies Political Party| Income Support & Welfare Rules| Supported Employment & Workplace Accommodations ---|---|--- **National Party**| Focuses on **financial stabilization** of the Disability Support Services (DSS) system and aims for national consistency in how funding is managed. It supports a "firm but fair" welfare system, utilizing jobseeker obligations and sanctions for those deemed fit to work.| Emphasizes restoring **flexibility and choice** within individual funding models so individuals can choose the support structures that best enable them to work or participate in the community. **Labour Party**| Pledges to **repeal recent disability support legislation** to co-design a rights-based framework alongside the disability community. It proposes expanding healthcare access, including introducing a "Medicard" providing **three free GP visits a year** to ease the cost of regular medical appointments.| Commits to implementing the **Disability Employment Action Plan** aligned with Enabling Good Lives principles. Labour supports phasing out minimum wage exemptions for disabled workers, replacing them with wage supplements to ensure equitable pay. **Green Party**| Advocates for an **Income Guarantee** policy to ensure income support covers all essential living and medical costs, regardless of relationship status. It strongly opposes benefit sanctions, arguing they create undue hardship for people with health barriers.| Proposes a **Te Tiriti-based disability rights law** with enforceable accessibility standards. The party heavily emphasizes expanding workplace accommodations, removing systemic recruitment barriers, and funding flexible, hybrid, or remote work options. **ACT New Zealand**| Seeks to **mandate independent, MSD-approved designated doctors** to assess health and disability benefits using objective criteria. While targeting post-pandemic mental health grants for reassessment, it explicitly states it intends to protect those with enduring, long-term conditions.| Favours **individualized, cash-like direct funding** paid straight to individuals rather than through large service providers, aiming to cut bureaucracy and allow individuals to purchase the exact employment or personal care supports they need. **New Zealand First**| Addresses disability and health conditions indirectly through broader **health and seniors portfolios**.| Previously introduced an **Accessibility Standards Bill** to build structural accessibility directly into new public infrastructure and transport hubs. **The Opportunities Party (TOP)**| Proposes replacing parts of the current welfare system with a **Universal Citizens' Income** up to $370 weekly, paired with an additional **$6,000 annual universal disability allowance**.| Focuses on structural changes allowing individuals to work **without facing abrupt cuts to their income support** , alongside providing financial incentives for businesses to hire and retain staff with health conditions. * * * Your Rights Under Current Law Regardless of which party forms the government, the [Employment Relations Act 2000](https://www.employment.govt.nz/) guarantees the following protections: * **Right to Request Flexibility:** You can legally request changes to your hours, days, or place of work (such as working from home to manage fatigue or medical appointments). Employers must consider these requests in good faith. * **Reasonable Accommodations:** Under the Human Rights Act 1993, employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments—such as modified duties or specialized equipment—to support employees with long-term health conditions, provided it does not cause the business unreasonable disruption. If you would like to explore specific areas further, let me know if you want to look into: * How the **abatement thresholds** (how much you can earn before your benefit is reduced) differ between party proposals. * Specific **healthcare cost policies** (like prescription changes or GP subsidies) that might affect your regular appointments. * The operational details of the **Enabling Good Lives** funding model. **End captured answer** ## Publication and corrections Published and funded by Onsomble Limited. NZBrands.ai takes no view on any party or policy. 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