--- title: "PF049 · 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/8e109cca-692b-4809-a3f5-aa7e37845a95/" --- # PF049 · Captured AI answers Edition 3 · answers collected 16 October 2026. [Read on NZBrands.ai](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/8e109cca-692b-4809-a3f5-aa7e37845a95/) ## 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 say about disability rights and fair treatment when dealing with government services? Question ID: 8e109cca-692b-4809-a3f5-aa7e37845a95. Report reference: PF049. Issue: Democratic institutions and rights. Voter: Person unable to work because of long-term illness. [Source record (JSON)](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/3/answers/8e109cca-692b-4809-a3f5-aa7e37845a95.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 They may contain errors or outdated claims.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: 9380ea23-3207-4797-9e8d-3a3591965569. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** # New Zealand 2026 election: disability rights, income support and fair treatment For someone living with a long-term health condition, relying on income support and attending regular medical appointments, three election issues are particularly relevant: - Financial security: whether benefits and disability-related assistance cover living costs and medical needs, and whether eligibility rules are fair. - Access to services: whether you can get the healthcare, disability support and practical assistance you need without excessive paperwork, delays or restrictions. - Fair treatment by government: whether decisions about your benefit or support are transparent, open to challenge, and made with respect for your rights and individual circumstances. New Zealand's general election is scheduled for 7 November 2026. Recent party policy coverage shows differences in how parties approach disability rights, welfare support, accessibility and government decision-making. Some have detailed disability commitments, while others have not published a dedicated disability policy for this election. [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/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) The comparison below focuses on publicly reported positions as of October 2026, rather than assuming that a party's stated intentions will necessarily become law. ## 1. What the main parties say ### Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand — rights, benefits and human decision-making Reported commitments for the 2026 election - Fair treatment by government: the Greens have pledged to stop using AI and automated decision-making to make welfare payment decisions, including suspending or reducing payments and imposing benefit sanctions. They say people should be able to speak directly to a human and receive support with dignity. [Green Party pledge to remove AI from welfare payment decisions](https://www.greens.org.nz/green_party_pledge_to_remove_ai_from_welfare_payment_decisions) - Income support: their disability policy calls for timely, accessible income support to meet disability-related living and medical costs, regardless of relationship status or the cause of disability. - Legal rights: they propose a disability rights law, enforceable accessibility standards and more accessible housing. - Practical access: they have promised to restore the Total Mobility taxi subsidy to 75%, from the reported 65% level. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Greens oppose rushed disability support law changes](https://www.greens.org.nz/greens_oppose_rushed_disability_support_law_changes) What to examine: how the proposed rights law would be enforced, what medical costs would qualify for support, and how benefit levels and eligibility would change in practice. [Green Party disability policy and announcements](https://www.greens.org.nz/) ### New Zealand Labour Party — rights-based legislation and involving disabled people - Fair treatment: Labour says disabled people and carers should help design the rules governing their support, rather than having decisions imposed without adequate consultation. - Disability support law: Labour has pledged to repeal the Disability Support Services Act and replace it with legislation developed alongside disabled people, with protections for rights, independence and choice. - Support and independence: Labour points to the Enabling Good Lives approach, which aims to give disabled people more choice and control over support. [Release: Labour will scrap harmful disability Bill](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-rules-out-social-housing-rent-increase/)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) What to examine: what safeguards the replacement law would contain, whether there would be independent review of funding decisions, and what Labour proposes for benefit adequacy and recurring medical costs. [Labour's disability legislation commitment](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-rules-out-social-housing-rent-increase) ### New Zealand National Party — consistent services and funding stability - Fair treatment: National says it is working toward more consistent assessments and fairer allocation of disability support across the country, rather than people receiving different outcomes depending on where they live. - Choice and control: the Government announced changes in 2026 to restore flexibility in how people use existing individualised disability funding. - Legal framework: National has supported the Disability Support Services Act, arguing that it provides a formal basis for the system and improves consistency, transparency and sustainability. Following public submissions, the Government said the legislation would better recognise choice, safety, dignity and consultation. [Disability support improvements begin](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260210-disability-support-improvements-begin)[Disability community informs improvements to DSS Bill](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260813-honlouiseupston) What to examine: whether you qualify for the particular support you need, how funding limits work, what happens when your health or circumstances change, and what review rights you have if a decision is wrong. National has not published a standalone disability manifesto for this election, according to the available policy comparison. Its position is therefore best understood through its actions in government and its wider commitments. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) [National's disability support announcements](https://www.national.org.nz/) ### ACT New Zealand — individual choice, simpler funding and accountability - Disability support: ACT's broader approach favours individualised funding, personal choice and reducing bureaucracy. - Welfare: ACT emphasises work participation, benefit obligations and controlling public spending. Its broader welfare approach does not propose large general increases to benefit levels, according to the disability policy comparison. - Fair treatment: the emphasis is on individual autonomy, simpler rules and accountability for how public money is used, rather than a new disability-specific rights framework. - Health and accessibility: no detailed standalone disability manifesto or specific new accessibility standards commitment was identified in the comparison. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) What to examine: how work-related obligations would apply to people whose health limits their capacity, and what protections would prevent administrative errors from interrupting their support. [ACT's official policies](https://www.act.org.nz/) ### New Zealand First — public services and continuity of support - The party emphasises reliable public services, including healthcare, and support for older people. - It has not published a detailed standalone disability policy for this election. - It introduced an Accessibility Standards Bill as a member's bill, proposing accessibility requirements for new schools, transport hubs and public buildings. The bill was not selected from the ballot, and it is unclear whether the party will reintroduce it. - There is limited published detail on disability-specific income reform or enforceable accessibility standards. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) What to examine: what concrete commitments it would make to working-age people on long-term benefits, and whether it would support stronger legal safeguards in government services. [New Zealand First's official website](https://www.nzfirst.nz/) ### Te Pāti Māori — self-determination and whānau-centred services - Fair treatment: its approach emphasises disabled people's authority over decisions affecting their lives, including Māori-led services and community control. - Income and poverty: the party supports broader income-guarantee approaches and reducing punitive welfare settings. - Health and support: it advocates Māori-led healthcare and holistic wellbeing, alongside accessible housing and stronger accessibility legislation. - Distinctive focus: tāngata whaikaha Māori (Māori disabled people) and whānau hauā (disabled Māori and their families) are central to its approach. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) What to examine: the detailed benefit proposals, funding arrangements and safeguards available to people who rely on mainstream rather than Māori-led services. [Te Pāti Māori's official website](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/) ### The Opportunities Party (TOP) — a different income-support model - Income support: TOP proposes a universal citizen's income of up to $370 a week for adults, replacing current benefits, including the Supported Living Payment, alongside a separate universal disability allowance projected at around $6,000 annually. - Additional costs: TOP says needs-based top-ups would be available and that the new income would not replace specific disability funding for transport or assistive technology. - Fair access: its wider approach focuses on reforming income and housing systems, with proposals to improve access to social services and accessibility. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) What to examine: whether the proposed income and disability allowance would leave you better or worse off overall, including any existing supplements, housing assistance and medical-cost support that could change under a replacement system. [TOP's official website](https://www.top.org.nz/) ## 2. Comparing the issues most relevant to you This table summarises the positions reported above. It is not a ranking of parties. | Issue | What the reported policies indicate | | --- | --- | | Human review of benefit decisions | The Greens have made an explicit pledge against automated welfare payment decisions. | | Disability rights protected in law | The Greens propose a disability rights law; Labour promises to replace the current disability support legislation through co-design. | | Consistent disability assessments | National has introduced a nationally consistent assessment approach. | | Higher or more secure income | The Greens propose higher income support; TOP proposes a citizen's income plus a disability allowance. | | Accessible healthcare and lower medical costs | The Greens explicitly address disability-related costs; other parties' healthcare policies need to be checked for specific commitments. | | Accessible transport and buildings | The Greens propose enforceable standards and a higher Total Mobility subsidy; NZ First has previously proposed accessibility standards in a member's bill. | Sources: [Green Party pledge to remove AI from welfare payment decisions](https://www.greens.org.nz/green_party_pledge_to_remove_ai_from_welfare_payment_decisions)[Release: Labour will scrap harmful disability Bill](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-rules-out-social-housing-rent-increase/)[Disability support improvements begin](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260210-disability-support-improvements-begin)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ## 3. What fair treatment by government should mean in practice Party promises are only one part of the picture. For your circumstances, it is worth checking whether policies would make a tangible difference in the following situations. Your benefit and living costs Would support reflect the actual extra costs of living with your condition? Would a change in your health, relationship status or ability to work leave you financially insecure? Regular medical appointments Would the party improve access to affordable appointments, prescriptions, transport to treatment and help with other disability-related costs? Decisions about your support Would you receive clear reasons for a refusal or reduction in support? Could you explain your circumstances to a person, correct an error and appeal the decision? Accessible public services Would government agencies, healthcare providers and digital services be required to accommodate your needs, with meaningful ways to challenge barriers or discrimination? These questions help distinguish broad statements about dignity and fairness from specific protections, funding commitments and enforceable rights. ## 4. How to check promises before you vote Three useful sources to compare are: - [The Spinoff's 2026 disability policy comparison](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues) — a summary of disability policies and recent records. - [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) — a broader party-by-party comparison, including areas where detailed policies have not been published. - [New Zealand Electoral Commission](https://vote.nz/) — official information about voting and the election. One particularly useful distinction is whether a party promises a new right or entitlement, a change in how an existing service is administered, or simply a review or strategy. These can have very different effects on your day-to-day life. ## 5. A useful next step Given that both income support and regular healthcare matter to you, I can narrow this comparison to the policies that most directly affect your circumstances, without recommending how you should vote. Which issue would you most like to examine first? **End captured answer** ## Gemini · asked nationally Answer ID: de1421c1-b6d1-40c8-bdbc-fa80540ed79b. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** When considering your vote in the **2026 New Zealand General Election**, the landscape features distinct philosophical and policy approaches from the political parties regarding disability rights, income support, and interactions with government agencies. For someone managing a long-term health condition, relying on income support, and navigating regular medical appointments, the main parties offer varying visions for reform and service delivery. --- ### 1. Income Support and Welfare How parties view welfare adequacy, benefit sanctions, and the rules governing income support directly impacts financial security for those unable to work. * **Green Party:** Focuses heavily on welfare reform. They advocate for significant increases to main benefits to reach a livable income, removing punitive sanctions, and reforming or eliminating partnered means-testing so that disabled individuals are not penalized financially for a partner's income. They also support exploring a Guaranteed Minimum Income and expanding ACC-style coverage to handle illness and disability regardless of origin. * **Te Pāti Māori:** Proposes a Citizens’ "Income and Disability Allowance" to ensure financial security, alongside removing GST from food and implementing a tax-free income threshold up to $30,000. They also support fair pay rules, including ending provisions that allow sub-minimum wages for disabled workers. * **Labour Party:** Generally aligns with rights-based approaches and strengthening support structures, emphasizing affordable access to health services (such as commitments to free doctor visits and prescriptions) to alleviate the indirect costs of living with a health condition. * **National Party / ACT:** Tend to focus on fiscal responsibility, maintaining stable welfare structures, and encouraging workforce participation where possible. ACT generally emphasizes stricter benefit obligations and work incentives, while National focuses on overall economic stability and streamlining administrative consistency. --- ### 2. Disability Support Services and Government Legislation The structure of disability support—including recent legislative changes around Disability Support Services (DSS)—is a major point of debate. * **Labour Party:** Has made a prominent 2026 commitment to **repeal the current Government’s recently introduced Disability Support Services legislation**, arguing that a rights-based framework grounded strictly in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and "Enabling Good Lives" principles should guide reform. They champion individualised funding and greater self-determination. * **National Party:** Emphasizes the financial stability and national consistency of the DSS system. Rather than a complete legislative overhaul, their approach centers on backing a refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy (2026–2030) and restoring localized flexibility and choice within existing funding pools. * **The Opportunities Party (TOP):** Supports improving direct access to social services, funding independent advocacy for disabled people, and cutting bureaucratic wait times for needs assessments and specialized pathways (such as neurodivergence or chronic condition support). --- ### 3. Healthcare Access and Medical Appointments Regular medical appointments mean that healthcare costs and primary care access are critical election issues. * **Labour & The Greens:** Both advocate strongly for lowering the cost barriers to healthcare. Labour’s 2026 platform highlights policies like free primary doctor visits and free prescriptions, which directly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for people managing chronic or long-term conditions. The Greens similarly target universal, free diagnosis and treatment, alongside removing structural barriers in the health system. * **National & ACT:** Focus on managing public health expenditure sustainably, targeting waitlist reductions within the public health system, and supporting general primary care infrastructure, though they generally favor targeted assistance rather than universal free healthcare models. --- ### 4. Accessibility and Broad Rights * **The Greens & TOP:** Strongly support passing or strengthening enforceable accessibility legislation (such as enhancements to the Accessibility for New Zealanders Act) with strict timelines and independent oversight for transport, public buildings, and digital services. * **Te Pāti Māori:** Emphasizes embedding accessibility comprehensively across housing, public spaces, and community infrastructure, alongside culturally safe, holistic health systems for *tāngata whaikaha* Māori. ### Summary for Your Decision * If your priority is **higher benefit baselines, removal of partnered-income penalties, and enforceable accessibility laws**, parties on the left (Green Party, Te Pāti Māori) align closely with those goals. * If your priority is **lower out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits and prescriptions**, Labour's platform directly targets primary healthcare expenses. * If your priority is **fiscal restraint combined with administrative consistency and targeted disability strategy reforms**, National's approach focuses on system stability and managed flexibility. Would you like to explore the specific policy details of a particular party regarding how they handle MSD or WINZ interactions? **End captured answer** ## Google AI Mode · asked nationally Answer ID: d67a028e-cb70-4151-826c-30fe6c0ea177. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** In the context of the 2026 New Zealand general election, political parties diverge significantly in how they approach disability rights, income support, and the treatment of individuals interacting with government welfare and support services. An overview of where the major and minor parties stand highlights these differing approaches: **The Green Party** * * **Rights & Approach:** Advocates for a Te Tiriti-based, rights-based disability framework and legally enforceable accessibility standards. * **Income Support & Services:** Supports major increases to main benefit levels toward a liveable income, and calls for timely, easily accessible income support to cover all disability-related and medical costs. They also propose reforming the Social Security Act to remove punitive measures, abolishing benefit sanctions, and reforming or removing partnered means-testing (which currently reduces support based on a partner’s income). * **The Labour Party** * * **Rights & Approach:** Centers a rights-based framework for disability services. Labour has pledged to repeal recent government disability support legislation and redraft it directly in partnership with the disabled community. * **Income Support & Services:** Focuses on rebuilding accessibility and community-led consultation, though their platform emphasizes structural re-engagement with disability sector leadership compared to market-driven models. * **The National Party** * * **Rights & Approach:** Focuses on administrative stability, funding flexibility, and consistency across regions rather than sweeping structural or legislative overhauls. They emphasize a refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy (2026–2030). * **Income Support & Services:** Generally emphasizes economic management, stabilizing the funding of disability support systems, and maintaining work-focused expectations or tiered support thresholds rather than broad-based benefit increases. [Disability Responsiveness New Zealand] * **The ACT Party** * * **Rights & Approach:** Emphasizes individual choice, personal agency, and streamlining bureaucratic structures. * **Income Support & Services:** Focuses on tightened benefit obligations, work incentives, and reducing reliance on state income support. They do not support large-scale benefit increases, preferring targeted, individualized funding models with fewer overarching state mandates. [Disability Responsiveness New Zealand] * **The Opportunities Party (TOP) & Te Pāti Māori** * * **The Opportunities Party (TOP):** Proposes replacing existing complex welfare and disability support payments with a universal or means-tested "citizen's income" / universal basic income framework coupled with a universal annual disability allowance. * **Te Pāti Māori:** Focuses on structural welfare reform aimed at eliminating poverty, advocating for guaranteed income models and removing punitive relationship-status and benefit constraints. * * * * **Key Issues at Stake in 2026** Disability sector advocacy groups (such as CCS Disability Action, IHC, and Blind Low Vision NZ) have heavily highlighted ongoing debates around: * * **The Partner/Spouse Income Test:** Debates on whether core disability supports (like the Disability Allowance, Community Services Card, and Supported Living Payment) should penalize recipients based on a partner’s earnings. * **Dignity in Service Delivery:** Moving toward human-rights-centered administration that minimizes administrative friction and stress for people managing chronic illness or permanent disability. * You can compare specific party manifestos and localized candidate positions directly on tools like Policy.nz. Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026 - Policy.nz **End captured answer** ## Google AI Overviews · asked nationally Answer ID: de8cc0c7-9f71-42d8-b977-3d3fa745c907. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** In the lead-up to the **7 November 2026 New Zealand general election** , disability support, welfare policy, and interaction with government agencies have become central debating points. A core point of tension is the Disability Support Services Act passed by the coalition government in September 2026. This legislation aims to provide financial stabilization and a nationally consistent needs assessment. However, it drew heavy protests from advocates because it gives ministers broader powers over funding criteria and limits the legal avenues for family carers seeking to be recognized as government employees. Here is how the main political parties position themselves regarding disability rights, income support, and government service treatment: National Party * **Welfare & Funding:** Focuses on the "financial sustainability" and long-term stability of the disability support system following independent reviews. National points to a $2.1 billion funding boost over consecutive budgets to shore up frontline care. * **Government Interaction:** Focuses on standardizing services nationally to eliminate what it called a "postcode lottery". The National Party implemented a single assessment process across Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) organizations to streamline how people qualify for assistance, arguing it makes the system fairer and more transparent. * **Platform:** It does not have a dedicated, standalone disability election manifesto, managing these issues through broader health and fiscal strategy. Learn more via the National Party News Portal . Disability-Related Party Policies BreakdownDisability Policies of New Zealand's Political Parties – 2026Bill to strengthen disability support | National Party Labour Party * **Welfare & Funding:** Has strongly condemned the coalition’s recent legislative changes. Labour has officially pledged that if elected, it will **repeal and replace the Disability Support Services legislation**. * **Government Interaction:** Labour promises a "rights-based" approach, vowing that any new legal framework will be drafted in direct partnership with disability communities under the principle of _"nothing about us without us"_. They argue that current laws hand the government too much power to alter thresholds and cut support behind closed doors. * **Platform:** Focuses on restoring individual choice, safeguarding self-determination, and ensuring funding is easier to navigate without structural barriers. Read their statements on the Labour Party News Hub . Green Party * **Welfare & Funding:** Advocates for the most structural change to welfare, supporting higher baseline income support and the **complete abolition of benefit sanctions**. They also propose expanding ACC into a universal scheme that covers income support and treatment for all disabilities and illnesses, regardless of whether they were caused by an accident. * **Government Interaction:** Strongly opposed the rushed passage of the 2026 disability bill, criticizing the lack of consultation. The Greens want to pass enforceable accessibility standards and introduce mandatory disability impact assessments for all government regulations. * **Platform:** A comprehensive, standalone disability policy centered on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), heavily emphasizing the _Enabling Good Lives_ approach. Review their platform on the Green Party Policy Page . Disability-Related Party Policies Breakdown ACT Party * **Welfare & Funding:** Promotes smaller government and strict fiscal management. ACT has proposed cutting disability benefit funding by **$653 million over four years** by implementing tighter independent medical checks. * **Government Interaction:** ACT argues that a "blowout" in sickness and mental health numbers points to a failure by government agencies to properly help people back into work. They want independent medical certification against strict, clear criteria to ensure support goes only to those who cannot work. * **Platform:** Favors highly individualized funding models that cut down on administrative bureaucracy, but does not focus on explicit disability rights frameworks. Te Pāti Māori * **Welfare & Funding:** Focuses heavily on _tino rangatiratanga_ (self-determination) for _tāngata whaikaha Māori_ (disabled Māori) and their _whānau_. * **Government Interaction:** Advocates for a shift away from mainstream, centralized government departments. They champion Māori-led, community-administered disability and health services to remove systemic biases and cultural barriers. The Opportunities Party (TOP) * **Welfare & Funding:** Proposes replacing current welfare benefits, including the Supported Living Payment, with a **Universal Basic Income (UBI)** of up to $370 a week. * **Government Interaction:** To cut down on invasive government assessments, TOP would pair the UBI with a universal, non-means-tested disability allowance of roughly $6,000 a year, while preserving separate funding for mobility and equipment. * * * Comparison of Key Party Stances on Disability and Government Services Party| Stance on 2026 Disability Support Legislation| Core Approach to Income Support / Welfare| Approach to Government Services ---|---|---|--- **National**| **Introduced it.** Focuses on keeping services financially sustainable.| Manages within current budget frameworks.| Standardized national assessment to remove regional inequalities. **Labour**| **Pledges to repeal it.** Wants a model co-designed by the community.| Focuses on protecting individual funding choices.| Rights-based service delivery centered on client dignity. **Greens**| **Opposed it.** Strongly criticized the lack of community consultation.| Abolish sanctions; expand ACC to cover all long-term illnesses.| Enforceable accessibility standards across all departments. **ACT**| Supported it as part of the governing coalition.| Reduce spending; introduce stricter independent medical reviews.| Less bureaucracy, but higher scrutiny on work capacity. **TOP**| Critical of complex, conditional welfare structures.| Replace current system with a $370/wk UBI + $6k disability allowance.| Reduce administrative hurdles via automated, universal payments. If you plan to vote, remember that you must **enrol by midnight on Sunday 25 October 2026**. Early voting begins on **26 October** , leading up to election day on **Saturday 7 November 2026**. If you would like to explore this further, let me know if you want to look into **accessible voting options** (like telephone dictation) or details on **specific policies regarding healthcare costs**. **End captured answer** ## Publication and corrections Published and funded by Onsomble Limited. NZBrands.ai takes no view on any party or policy. [Independence](https://nzbrands.ai/about/independence/) · [Corrections](https://nzbrands.ai/about/corrections/) · [Contact](https://nzbrands.ai/about/contact/)