# PF114: I migrated to New Zealand, have recently become a citizen and am eligible to vote. I work here, use English as a second language and want to understand both my options and the system. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What are parties proposing about everyday living costs for working households? Collected 19 October 2026 [NZ Election 2026 · Edition 4 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4) ## ChatGPT Answer ID: 8777e68e-036e-4435-986f-b3fbd01658d9 # New Zealand election 2026: What parties are proposing for everyday living costs As a new New Zealand citizen, you can use your vote to help shape decisions about wages, tax, rent, food prices, transport, healthcare and savings. You do not need to know every political term to compare the parties. The general election is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026, with advance voting from 26 October. The central question for working households is: Which policies could leave me with more money after essential expenses, and which could improve my financial security over time? [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/incomes-and-employment)[New Zealand election scheduled for Nov. 7 with the costs of living and housing the top issues](https://apnews.com/article/fd1e99077c9c494a5f9381c4c918d462) The overview below compares the major parties' published proposals as of October 2026. It focuses on practical effects rather than recommending a party. Policies are promises, not guaranteed outcomes, and some details may change during the campaign. ## 1. The main parties at a glance These are simplified summaries of published policies. The details and conditions matter. ![South Island Election Conference 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/_spFKDBqOMVPoo8r35YLoGFwljs_-WWe4ur9fdZCfekzAxaUPGA75u8rI9uxOUTssI2hUZN1r4Zu1AeDrcNaxz3uHoFIyWjDpanT5s-KJ87QzxSu1uNjNL4MOHSuazRZuTy_TzC6aN4wxHHoyU_DhzMFuMCMjNBTtg2xRxOZL6c?purpose=inline) ### Labour Party Focuses on reducing everyday bills through cheaper public transport, free GP visits, action against excessive prices and changes to supermarket competition. It also proposes freezing fuel tax for three years. [Labour's Cost of Living Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/2026-election-policy-summary-pages/cost-of-living-plan/)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) ![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 Emphasises economic stability, investment and changes intended to improve competition and home ownership. Its published proposals include splitting PAK'nSAVE from New World if the Commerce Commission determines shoppers would benefit, and expanding access to low-deposit home loans. [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/)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) ![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 Proposes stronger direct help with essential costs, including free public transport, more food support and a publicly owned supermarket chain. It also advocates changes to taxation and housing policy. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/economy)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing) ![New Zealand Legislative Election Winner 2026 Odds | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/jofoEEdOXv6HOQzupGnQLgXlZKKPYTzvN6g4IUMlN6xdqX4l_qH5-Y0A3to5ytO5w95eGsg-WLInlnku5FmW0VEyKqhTiAqcZSbr_Z1e_uNyqacdq4zniDKhRNRugVUCsz1-CYpZeG4nO7sLuQKEQlQMBgJCAoyH3nC76yYHd6E?purpose=inline) ### ACT New Zealand Generally emphasises lower taxes, smaller government, individual choice and reducing regulatory costs. To assess the household impact, check its specific tax, employment and spending proposals against your own circumstances. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[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/) ![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 Highlights structural changes to reduce market concentration, including breaking up major power companies and the supermarket duopoly. The intended benefit is more competition and pressure on prices. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[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/) ![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 Includes housing and health reform among its priorities. To understand the direct effect on your household, check its detailed proposals for housing, incomes, services and eligibility. [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/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing) ![](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KZ1zP60v_ZeHHj3ij4DA2sVh6oX86DHN4x_RGhm63IEKbj8P_3phlgxON0_dzBqruxZt_piBvLSwWYOzxGtRjeiBIDJnBczyBauAihY7VhbFruy9Xq4tPeGbXtvfFHap7T9ZV_eOqtHyttigv_yv7jT6ibug6IoPJMJnJ8SLOeE?purpose=inline) ### The Opportunities Party (TOP) Proposes major changes to the tax and income-support system, including a land-value tax and a universal income for citizens of up to $370 a week. The funding arrangements and eligibility conditions are important to understand before estimating any benefit. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/economy)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing) For a fuller, regularly updated policy comparison, see [Policy.nz's 2026 election guide](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and [The Conversation's election policy tracker](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/incomes-and-employment)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) ## 2. Compare the policies against your household bills The party summaries are a starting point. These are the main differences to look at when deciding which promises could affect your weekly budget. ![National leader Christopher Luxon’s $60 per week grocery shop: How much does it buy? - NZ Herald](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/OCDIpB9-3FBhUrLj8TdJkKpLiI8tt-p87POaBSidxSP4L11haiMWV1Cgng7xSFy7BpZtcUp-IdMbKxN4W4fE1Az4PRRLH4fcgSi5jad_HHL3pVOfdb4EuAg00Sbt-kqDUG6DsUhZbi4FwkfssAsozz92TRvzCpbBCWeOc1zdUf4?purpose=inline) ### Food and supermarket prices - Labour: Require major supermarkets to supply smaller competitors on fair terms and make excessive prices for essential goods illegal. - National: Proposes separating PAK'nSAVE from New World, subject to a Commerce Commission assessment. - Greens: Proposes a publicly owned KiwiMart supermarket chain. - NZ First: Proposes breaking up the supermarket duopoly. The key difference is whether a party relies on stronger competition, legal controls or public ownership to influence grocery prices. None guarantees a particular reduction in your bill. [Labour's Cost of Living Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/2026-election-policy-summary-pages/cost-of-living-plan/)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) ![303 Roscommon road, Clendon Park, Manukau City, Auckland](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/SmCeuckt88WokafGIfCAVwdG79PJMtg6TS-7aKe9Ff28cRmT1wjWZVL0ixrBjKTGOZ1q8afA4CuT40h35DG1Kd7B5gGcK7-rk7ZlrNVQiZCD5M7jRj6bfxyApQee2QjF2a_rz-VycHoZERFd51EBrQCnbdrASVR6wVtcz1XFfKc?purpose=inline) ### Rent and housing - National: Proposes widening access to 5% deposits through the First Home Loan scheme. - Labour: Includes additional social housing construction in its investment plans. - Greens: Supports stronger renter protections and expanded public housing. - TOP: Proposes a land-value tax, intended to change incentives around land ownership and use. If you rent, look closely at rent-increase rules and housing supply. If you hope to buy, examine deposit eligibility, mortgage costs and the effect of proposed taxes. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/economy) ![Do I Need A Car In New Zealand? The Honest Answer By Traveler Type - The Aotearoa Archive](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/i14bMwJw4Y4Di0rvbYQ3x7FahSv5BoMzS3OY3B_-cQL7Dhj706AAIMZowh5T2KFj4EpXjFmv5D9k0HPv959J4WU7GHPQur_outsVZzgnAnPtyhP3FyFIzVo0aQvc5rtqCTyJ6k8raazDSg1urasWn4Kapvmyg27r3uKAzUcIQLE?purpose=inline) ### Transport and petrol - Labour: Proposes weekly public-transport fare caps of $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 elsewhere, from July 2027. It also proposes freezing fuel excise tax for three years. - Greens: Proposes free public transport. - Other parties: Compare their transport funding, fuel-tax and infrastructure plans in the election policy tracker. A fare cap matters more if you commute frequently by bus or train. A fuel-tax freeze is more relevant if you drive. Labour's estimated savings are its own projections, not guaranteed results. [Labour's Cost of Living Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/2026-election-policy-summary-pages/cost-of-living-plan/)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) ![The impact of electric homes | EECA](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/eti6ycNgsiKhPGa2V_gIcQh3gDDams-ZKaZBwL9CY7I6sZGQ-RpMW9un8cwCnOVd3SQOInuivcRFY4Jdzf4pKvbuvUTxvN3_R3yVmVGZ3e_qcQpEhE43iuUIrB85aTnZYB7OOd1C2mzXG98Tj8hCqwTgQB4fFnP4zbQ3nvzJtpQ?purpose=inline) ### Electricity and healthcare - Labour: Proposes low-interest loans for household solar, extra support for eligible lower- and middle-income households, three free GP visits annually and removing the $5 prescription charge. - Greens and NZ First: Propose structural changes to electricity markets or power-company ownership intended to reduce costs. Check whether you could access any solar assistance, whether you regularly pay for GP visits or prescriptions, and when each proposed change would start. [Labour's Cost of Living Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/2026-election-policy-summary-pages/cost-of-living-plan/)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) ## 3. What about take-home pay, tax and savings? A policy can help your household in different ways: more money in your pay packet, lower expenses, or greater savings for the future. | Policy area | What to compare | | --- | --- | | Income tax | Would you pay less tax on your salary? At what income level? | | Wages and jobs | What is proposed for minimum wages, pay equity, apprenticeships and job creation? | | KiwiSaver | Would your contributions or employer contributions increase? What happens to your take-home pay? | | Family support | Are payments available to your household, and what income or residency conditions apply? | | Government spending | How would the party fund its promises, and could taxes or other services change? | For example, Labour proposes expanding apprenticeship support and providing eligible apprentices and tradies with a $1,000 tools grant. TOP proposes a universal income for citizens of up to $370 per week, but the details of eligibility and funding are essential to understanding what an individual worker would actually receive. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/incomes-and-employment)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/economy) One important point: a policy announcement is not the same as money you will receive. Some measures depend on your income, employment, household circumstances or when the policy would be introduced. ## 4. How New Zealand's voting system works New Zealand uses a system called Mixed Member Proportional (MMP). You have two votes: - Party vote: You choose a political party. This largely determines how many seats each party gets in Parliament. - Electorate vote: You choose a candidate to represent your local electorate. You can vote for a party and a candidate from different parties. You do not have to make both votes for the same party. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/incomes-and-employment) As a new citizen, check that you are enrolled and that your details are up to date through the official [Vote NZ website](https://vote.nz/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). The published enrolment deadline for the 2026 election is 25 October, with advance voting starting on 26 October. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/incomes-and-employment) ## 5. Make the comparison relevant to you You do not need to understand every policy. Start with the costs that take the biggest share of your income, then check which proposals apply to your circumstances. ## Build your household policy comparison Choose the options that best describe your situation. You can leave income private. The aim is to understand the practical differences, not to find a party that is supposedly right for everyone. A useful final check is to ask of each promise: How much might it change my household budget, when would it happen, who qualifies, and how would it be paid for? ## Gemini Answer ID: ffdda065-43c9-492e-bd03-acf9653ef2fd Welcome to New Zealand, and congratulations on your citizenship! Participating in your first general election is an exciting milestone. Navigating a new political system while using English as an additional language can feel overwhelming, especially when parties debate complex economic terms. For working households, the central debate in the **2026 New Zealand general election** revolves around the "cost-of-living crisis"—balancing everyday expenses (like groceries, housing, power, and healthcare) against wage growth and inflation. The major political parties have distinct approaches and proposals aimed at easing these pressures. --- ### Key Approaches by Major Parties #### 1. New Zealand Labour Party Labour’s campaign places heavy emphasis on direct relief for household bills, healthcare costs, and public transport. * **Healthcare & Essentials:** Proposing three free General Practitioner (GP) visits a year for every New Zealander, removing the $5 prescription charge, and making maternity scans free. * **Transport & Energy:** Capping public transport fares (e.g., $20 a week in major centres), freezing fuel taxes, and introducing "SolarSaver" low-interest loans to help households lower power bills. * **Working Families & Youth:** Delivering targeted support for low- and middle-income households, boosting the In-Work Tax Credit, and cutting student debt for those who stay and work in New Zealand. #### 2. The National-Led Government / National Party National focuses more on business investment, economic growth, and structural tax settings to drive job creation and income growth, arguing that fiscal discipline is necessary to control inflation. * **Business & Employment:** Centring economic policy around investment incentives (such as the "Investment Boost" depreciation scheme for businesses) to encourage productivity, modernization, and private-sector hiring. * **Tax & Spending:** Prioritizing restraint on government spending and targeted tax adjustments rather than heavy intervention in retail prices, arguing that keeping the broader economy stable is the best way to sustainably lower inflation and interest rates. #### 3. New Zealand First NZ First emphasizes direct financial support for low-to-middle-income workers and targeted adjustments to family payments. * **Working Families:** Proposing a significant boost to the In-Work Tax Credit under Working for Families (promising up to an extra $120 a week for eligible working households). * **Wages:** Advocating for minimum wage adjustments that keep pace with inflation to protect the purchasing power of lower-income earners. *(Other parties like the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori also offer proposals focusing on cost-of-living relief through state housing expansion, income support, and free or low-cost public services.)* --- ### How the New Zealand Electoral System Works (MMP) Since you are voting for the first time, it helps to know that New Zealand uses the **Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)** voting system. Under MMP, you have **two votes**: 1. **Party Vote:** This is generally considered your most important vote because it determines the overall proportion of seats each political party gets in Parliament. This decides which parties form the government. 2. **Electorate Vote:** This is your vote for the local Member of Parliament (MP) who will represent your specific geographic area, regardless of what party they belong to. --- ### Resources to Help You Decide To explore these policies further in clear, accessible language, you can use these trusted New Zealand tools: * **[Policy.nz](https://policy.nz):** A non-partisan website that allows you to compare what every political party is proposing side-by-side on specific issues like the cost of living, housing, and healthcare. * **[VOTE.NZ](https://vote.nz):** Run by the Electoral Commission, this is the official site where you can check your enrolment details, find out where to vote, and read guides on how the voting process works. Are there specific everyday costs—such as housing, healthcare, or groceries—that matter most to your household right now? ## Google AI Mode Answer ID: ebf00ff1-b8e2-4dc8-a7ff-705c31e477b5 Congratulations on becoming a New Zealand citizen and stepping into your voting rights! Navigating a new political system—especially with English as an additional language—can feel overwhelming, but New Zealand’s MMP (Mixed-Member Proportional) voting system means your vote is powerful and split across both a local electorate MP and a political party. With the 2026 general election approaching on **7 November 2026** , everyday living costs for working households have become a central focus. Different political parties propose distinct pathways to ease these pressures. Below is an overview of how major parties are approaching the cost of living for working households, attributed directly to their stated platforms and policy announcements: [Wikipedia] Major Party Approaches to Everyday Living Costs * * **The National Party** * _Stated Approach:_ National focuses on economic management, infrastructure reform, and targeting baseline utility expenses like electricity. * _Proposals:_ National has rolled out a targeted energy policy focusing on lines companies and Transpower regulation under the Commerce Act to place downward pressure on household power bills. They also propose streamlining residential rooftop solar connections to help households reduce ongoing grid dependency and power costs. National emphasizes that broad economic discipline and restraint on government fees/levies are the primary ways to provide relief for working families. * **The Labour Party** * _Stated Approach:_ Labour argues that working households are facing heightened pressures on essentials and proposes direct government interventions, market competition reforms, and health/transport subsidies. * _Proposals:_ Labour's cost-of-living package includes targeted healthcare relief (such as free doctor visits via a "Medicard" and free prescriptions), a weekly $20 cap on public transport, and school uniform/supply rules to reduce back-to-school expenses. To tackle corporate pricing, they propose anti-price gouging rules alongside structural competition reforms targeting the grocery and banking sectors. They also propose a capital gains tax on investment properties while cutting student loan repayment rates by 10% to assist younger or working-family budgets. * **The Green Party** * _Stated Approach:_ The Green Party centers its cost-of-living solutions on systemic economic support, public infrastructure, and sustainable transitions. * _Proposals:_ The Greens focus on alleviating household overheads through investments in green energy, public transport affordability, and broader income support structures rather than tax cuts that favor higher earners. They advocate for shifting economic burdens via progressive taxation and strengthening public services to lower out-of-pocket costs for low-to-middle-income earners. * **ACT New Zealand & New Zealand First** * _Stated Approach:_ Both parties, part of the broader parliamentary landscape, advocate for curbing government spending, cutting red tape, and reducing the tax burden to stimulate household savings. * _Proposals:_ ACT generally pushes for deeper government spending cuts and regulatory reform to lower business compliance costs, which they argue trickle down to cheaper consumer goods. New Zealand First emphasizes local manufacturing, supply chain security, and tightening immigration settings around low-skilled work to protect domestic wages and housing availability. * * * * Understanding Your Voting Options Under New Zealand’s MMP voting system, you receive two votes: [Wikipedia] 1. **Your Electorate Vote:** To choose your local Member of Parliament to represent your specific region. 2. **Your Party Vote:** To decide the overall proportion of seats each party gets in Parliament. The party vote is crucial because it determines which parties hold major influence and form the government. [Wikipedia] Next Steps and Resources * * To check your enrollment status, find voting places, or see key dates (like advance voting running from 26 October to 6 November 2026), visit the official [Elections NZ](https://elections.nz) portal. * To read detailed, official party manifestos directly, you can visit party websites such as Labour's Policy Page or [Vote.nz](https://vote.nz) for neutral voter education tools. [NZ Labour Party] ## AI Overviews Answer ID: 693a890b-eec5-48ba-81bd-97335ea5dc35 Heading into the **2026 New Zealand general election** on November 7, 2026, the **cost of living** is the top concern for voters. Political parties offer deeply contrasting visions for supporting working households: left-leaning parties focus on expanding public services and direct support, while right-leaning parties emphasize reducing government spending and taxes. Here is what the major parties are proposing to help working households manage everyday expenses, as attributed to their official platforms and campaigns: National Party Led by Christopher Luxon, the **National Party** argues that the best way to handle living costs is through **responsible fiscal management** and avoiding new taxes. * **Government Spending:** Campaign chairperson Simeon Brown and Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasize that cutting public service operating costs prevents inflation and shields families from economic pressure. * **Taxation:** The party opposes new tax brackets or wealth/capital gains taxes proposed by opposition parties, arguing they would cost the average household thousands of dollars extra per year. Labour Party The **Labour Party** , led by Chris Hipkins, centers its platform on expanding government services to lower household bills under the tagline "A future made in New Zealand". * **Healthcare Costs:** Labour proposes **three free doctor visits per year** through a "Medicard" and free cervical screening. * **Everyday Bills:** They propose a **$20 per week public transport cap** , fresh school lunches reinstated by 2028, and a ban on "hidden fees" or price gouging in industries like insurance. * **Education & Business:** Labour plans to write off 10% of student loan balances for New Zealand-based graduates and introduce anti-price gouging grocery and banking competition reforms. ACT Party Led by David Seymour, the **ACT Party** views the cost of living crisis as a productivity issue caused by a bloated government. * **Taxes & Wages:** ACT wants to introduce a simplified **two-rate income tax system** with a top rate of 28%. To assist businesses, they propose **freezing the minimum wage for three years**. * **Intervention:** ACT strongly opposes government intervention in the market, including breaking up the supermarket duopoly or funding free public transit. Green Party Co-led by Chlöe Swarbrick, the **Green Party** argues that underinvestment in social infrastructure harms households. * **Public Services:** The Greens propose billions in new investment to provide **free public transport, dental care, early childhood education (ECE), and GP visits**. * **Tax Changes:** They propose making the **first $10,000 of individual income tax-free** , funded by a new wealth tax targeting the wealthiest individuals. New Zealand First Led by Winston Peters, **New Zealand First** places direct financial security for working families at the core of its 2026 campaign. * **Family Support:** The party has promised a major **$120 a week boost to Working for Families** payments by making temporary tax credits permanent and adding an additional $70 per week. * **Wages & Goods:** They promise **minimum wage increases linked to the rate of inflation** for the next three years and advocate for removing GST from basic foods. Te Pāti Māori **Te Pāti Māori** targets immediate relief through sweeping systemic tax restructuring. * **Tax Relief:** The party proposes a **$30,000 tax-free income threshold** and completely **removing GST from all food** to significantly lower grocery bills. * * * Summary Comparison of Core Proposals Party| Core Strategy| Key Living Cost Policy ---|---|--- **National**| Fiscal restraint; keeping taxes low| Lowering general inflation by capping government spending. **Labour**| Targeted relief; public services| Three free GP visits; $20/week public transport cap; school lunches. **ACT**| Deregulation; tax simplification| Two-rate income tax scale; freezing the minimum wage for 3 years. **Green Party**| Universal public services| Free dental, ECE, and public transport; first $10,000 tax-free. **NZ First**| Targeted cash boosts; market rules| $120/week Working for Families increase; inflation-linked minimum wage. **Te Pāti Māori**| Structural tax shifting| Removing GST from all food; first $30,000 of income tax-free. Voting System Reminder As a new citizen, remember that New Zealand uses the **MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) system**. You will get two votes: a **Party Vote** (which determines the share of seats each political party gets in Parliament) and an **Electorate Vote** (for the local candidate you want to represent your specific area). You must ensure you are enrolled by October 25, 2026, to vote.