# Question 99: I'm a Māori parent in a working household. I want to compare household costs and local services, and I also care about Te Tiriti and Māori participation in decisions. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What are parties proposing that could help a working whānau with household costs?

Collected 23 October 2026

[NZ Election 2026 · Edition 5 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/5)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: cec9b177-be36-40fa-8f0f-9169245d4948

# 2026 New Zealand election: what could help a working whānau?

For a working whānau, the practical question is not just which party promises to lower the cost of living. It is which proposals could leave more money in your pocket after paying for kai, rent or a mortgage, power, transport, healthcare and tamariki’s needs — and how those proposals relate to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori participation in decisions.

New Zealand’s general election is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026. As of 22 October, parties have announced different combinations of tax changes, cost-of-living support, public services and Māori policy. Some proposals are detailed; others may change during the final campaign. [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/)

Here is a comparison focused on household finances and whānau wellbeing, rather than telling you which party to vote for.

## 1. Compare the parties on everyday household costs

The following summarises announced 2026 campaign policies reported by The Conversation’s election tracker and other recent reporting. These are proposals, not guaranteed savings. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[‘Cost of greed’ crisis: Greens say voters are exhausted, ripped off and ready for change](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2026/10/21/cost-of-greed-crisis-greens-say-voters-are-exhausted-ripped-off-and-ready-for-change/)

![South Island Election Conference 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/_spFKDBqOMVPoo8r35YLoGFwljs_-WWe4ur9fdZCfekzAxaUPGA75u8rI9uxOUTssI2hUZN1r4Zu1AeDrcNaxz3uHoFIyWjDpanT5s-KJ87QzxSu1uNjNL4MOHSuazRZuTy_TzC6aN4wxHHoyU_DhzMFuMCMjNBTtg2xRxOZL6c?purpose=inline)

## Labour

Transport, healthcare and competition

- Cap public transport fares at $20 a week across the country.
- Remove the $5 prescription charge and offer three free GP visits a year.
- Introduce measures to improve supermarket competition and prohibit excessive pricing by large companies with substantial market power.
- Offer a SolarSaver scheme with no upfront cost and low-interest solar loans for renters and homeowners. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Which Party Should I Vote For? Your Guide to the 2026 Election](https://www.salient.org.nz/post/which-party-should-i-vote-for-your-guide-to-the-2026-election)

  Potential household effect: Lower transport and healthcare bills, with possible savings on groceries and power over time. The benefit depends on how often your household uses these services and how the schemes are implemented.

![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

Economic growth, employment and household income

- Its campaign has emphasised economic growth, employment, public services and law and order.
- Its existing economic approach puts weight on private-sector activity and controlling government spending.
- To compare its offer fairly, check the latest specific tax, family-support, power and transport announcements against your circumstances. [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/)

  Potential household effect: Its approach relies more on stronger economic conditions and employment than on the broad new cost-reduction measures described in Labour’s platform. The effect on your own take-home pay depends on the specific policies and your income.

![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

Housing affordability, public services and redistribution

- Propose a 2.5% annual wealth tax on individual net assets above $10 million, excluding the family home.
- Advocate rent controls, alongside landlord and property-manager registration and rental standards.
- Support stronger public services and investment in affordable, low-emissions energy.
- Commit to more funding for te reo Māori and marae as essential community infrastructure. [‘Cost of greed’ crisis: Greens say voters are exhausted, ripped off and ready for change](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2026/10/21/cost-of-greed-crisis-greens-say-voters-are-exhausted-ripped-off-and-ready-for-change/)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

  Potential household effect: Renters could benefit if rent increases are constrained; families could benefit from better-funded services. A wealth tax is intended to raise revenue, but its effect on your whānau depends on how the revenue is used.

![New Zealand Legislative Election Winner 2026 Odds | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/HHEWLfcjRbgNTl3J7ZI3ahpGFiM337cSMZSj-gfqthhb3O1OJ8vhDGH4x2nBOUQoPRFHldf4E0rUprxmRG4JddGiw5atorslzfs34M-9xbTy2yNYWAjL5wP10lk3C-YjZAm-m43DF6her5QZGf5OtQEw7NLpqO4hrIjzpsWiQm8?purpose=inline)

## Te Pāti Māori

Direct financial support and Māori authority

- Propose a Kai Credit for people earning up to $60,000, worth up to the equivalent of eight weeks of groceries each year.
- Propose reducing income tax for lower-income earners, including removing tax for those earning up to $30,000.
- Advocate Māori-led health and education services, free public transport and expanded school lunches.
- Propose a $1 billion Energy Sovereignty Fund to grow Māori and community ownership of renewable energy. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Which Party Should I Vote For? Your Guide to the 2026 Election](https://www.salient.org.nz/post/which-party-should-i-vote-for-your-guide-to-the-2026-election)

  Potential household effect: The Kai Credit could directly help with food costs if your income qualifies. Transport, school food and Māori-led services could reduce other household expenses, depending on eligibility and delivery.

![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

Smaller government and market-led solutions

- Emphasise reducing government spending and regulation, with private-sector growth as a route to better economic performance.
- Propose changes to public-sector structures and employment policies.
- Support changes to electricity-market settings, including lines charges and payments for household solar exports. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Which Party Should I Vote For? Your Guide to the 2026 Election](https://www.salient.org.nz/post/which-party-should-i-vote-for-your-guide-to-the-2026-election)

  Potential household effect: The intended benefits are more efficient services, economic growth and improved market incentives. Savings for an individual household are less direct and depend on whether reforms reduce costs in practice.

![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

Domestic industry, energy security and economic sovereignty

- Emphasise bringing down food, power and fuel costs, alongside protecting New Zealand jobs and industries.
- Support more domestic oil and gas exploration and a stronger focus on energy security.
- Oppose separate Māori political representation and propose a referendum on retaining the Māori seats. [Winston Peters - “The Labour, Green, Māori, Opportunity](https://www.nzfirst.nz/winston_peters_the_labour_green_maori_opportunity_antipodean_animal_farm)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

  Potential household effect: Greater domestic energy supply is intended to improve energy security, but it does not guarantee lower power bills. Check which specific price-reduction measures have been costed and committed to.

![](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KZ1zP60v_ZeHHj3ij4DA2sVh6oX86DHN4x_RGhm63IEKbj8P_3phlgxON0_dzBqruxZt_piBvLSwWYOzxGtRjeiBIDJnBczyBauAihY7VhbFruy9Xq4tPeGbXtvfFHap7T9ZV_eOqtHyttigv_yv7jT6ibug6IoPJMJnJ8SLOeE?purpose=inline)

## The Opportunities Party (TOP)

Income security and tax reform

- Propose a citizen’s income of up to $370 a week for nearly all adults, with additional support for certain groups.
- Propose a 1.75% annual land-value tax to help fund the income scheme and discourage land banking.
- Support low-interest loans for household electrification and investment in renewable electricity. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Election 2026: Here's how the multi-party leaders’ debate unfolded](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/13-10-2026/election-2026-live-updates-from-the-multi-party-leaders-debate)

  Potential household effect: A citizen’s income could provide regular support, but it is important to assess the entire package, including taxes and which existing benefits would be replaced.

## 2. What matters most for your whānau budget?

Rather than comparing campaign slogans, look at how each policy would affect the expenses you actually pay.

| Household pressure | Policies worth comparing |
| --- | --- |
| Kai and groceries | Te Pāti Māori’s Kai Credit; Labour’s supermarket competition proposals |
| Rent and housing | Greens’ rent controls; housing supply and affordability policies across parties |
| Power bills | Labour’s SolarSaver; Greens’ renewable-energy support; ACT’s electricity-market reforms; TOP’s electrification loans |
| Transport to mahi | Labour’s weekly fare cap; free public transport proposals from Te Pāti Māori |
| Doctor and pharmacy costs | Labour’s free GP visits and prescription charges; Māori-led health services proposed by Te Pāti Māori |
| Take-home pay | Te Pāti Māori’s income-tax proposals; Greens’ tax changes; TOP’s citizen’s income; the tax and employment policies of the other parties |
| Tamariki’s costs | School lunch proposals, transport support, health services and education policies |

[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Which Party Should I Vote For? Your Guide to the 2026 Election](https://www.salient.org.nz/post/which-party-should-i-vote-for-your-guide-to-the-2026-election)

One important distinction: a policy can reduce a bill without increasing wages, or increase disposable income without lowering prices. For example, a transport subsidy helps people who use public transport, while an income-tax cut depends on how much you earn and the tax change that applies to you.

Also check whether a proposal is available immediately or only after legislation, funding and a future implementation date.

## 3. Te Tiriti and Māori participation in decisions

For a Māori whānau, the question of who makes decisions — and whether Māori have meaningful authority in those decisions — is also relevant to household wellbeing.

The parties differ on this substantially. Policy.nz’s 2026 comparison identifies distinct positions on Treaty principles, Māori representation, te reo Māori, freshwater authority and Māori-led services. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/te-ao-maori)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

| Party | Broad direction on Te Tiriti and Māori participation |
| --- | --- |
| Te Pāti Māori | Proposes Te Tiriti-based constitutional change, stronger Māori political authority, an independent Te Tiriti commission and binding Waitangi Tribunal recommendations. |
| Greens | Support stronger Te Tiriti partnership, Māori decision-making, constitutional transformation and community-led Māori initiatives. |
| Labour | Generally supports Treaty partnership and Māori participation within existing public institutions; compare its specific commitments on Māori services and governance. |
| National | Its current campaign is more focused on economic growth and public services; examine its specific positions on Treaty-related laws and Māori institutions. |
| ACT | Advocates a more uniform approach to citizenship and public services, and proposes winding up the Waitangi Tribunal after outstanding historical settlements are completed. |
| New Zealand First | Opposes separate Māori political representation and proposes a referendum on the Māori seats. |
| TOP | Emphasises institutional and economic reform; check its detailed proposals on Māori representation and Treaty governance alongside its income policies. |

[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/te-ao-maori)

These differences matter in practical ways. For example, consider who has authority over local health services, whether iwi and hapū have decision-making power over whenua and wai, how public funding reaches Māori providers, and whether Māori representation is protected or changed.

It is also worth distinguishing between consultation — being asked for a view — and decision-making authority — having a meaningful role in determining the outcome.

## 4. How to assess the promises before voting

I would use these five questions for each party’s policies:

- Will my household qualify? Check income thresholds, whether support is universal or means-tested, and whether it applies to renters, homeowners or both.
- How much could it change our annual budget? Calculate the likely dollar value rather than relying on general claims about affordability.
- When would it begin? A promise scheduled for 2028 will not help with next month’s power bill.
- How would it be funded? Check proposed taxes, spending reductions, borrowing and the expected effects on public services.
- Who gets a say? Look for specific commitments to Māori representation, iwi and hapū participation, Te Tiriti obligations and Māori-led delivery.

You can compare the detailed policies across all seven parties through [Policy.nz’s 2026 election guide](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/te-ao-maori?utm_source=chatgpt.com), and review [The Conversation’s 2026 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/te-ao-maori)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

Your two votes also serve different purposes: the party vote determines each party’s share of parliamentary seats, while the electorate vote chooses your local representative. Both can matter to the issues affecting your whānau. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/te-ao-maori)

If you want to make the comparison more practical, we can next estimate the potential household savings under different policies, or compare the parties’ positions on Te Tiriti and Māori decision-making in more depth.

Compare potential whānau savingsCompare Te Tiriti policies

## Gemini

Answer ID: fb23ab0c-ea3f-4b55-a143-132527fd0e1a

Heading into the **2026 New Zealand General Election**, the cost of living remains a top concern for working whānau, alongside deep-seated questions around Te Tiriti o Waitangi, public services, and local representation. Different political parties offer contrasting pathways to address household expenses, economic support, and Māori participation. 

---

### 1. Policies Aimed at Household Costs and Working Whānau

Parties generally fall into two camps: those proposing targeted expansions of public services and cash boosts, and those focusing on tax relief, spending restraint, and economic growth.

*   **Labour Party:** Focuses heavily on reducing everyday household expenditure through public services. Key proposals include:
    *   **Health and Pharmacy:** Three free GP visits a year via a new "Medicard" system, free prescriptions (removing the current $5 fee), and free maternity scans and cervical screening.
    *   **Transport:** A $20 weekly public transport fare cap for buses and trains, alongside a three-year fuel excise tax freeze.
    *   **Work & Income:** Strengthening KiwiSaver (compulsory employer contributions lifting to 6% by 2032, plus contributions during parental leave) and targeted support for Māori into skilled work and trades.
    *   **Tax:** A new 28% capital gains tax on investment properties (excluding the family home and farms), with revenue ring-fenced for health.
*   **New Zealand First:** Proposes a major cost-of-living policy featuring a **$120-a-week increase to Working for Families** payments for working households, alongside an inflation-proofed minimum wage.
*   **National Party (Current Government):** Focuses on keeping income taxes low, controlling government spending to return to surplus, and offering targeted, temporary support during fuel and cost pressures rather than broad service expansions. They emphasize growing the economy to organically boost wages.
*   **ACT Party:** Argues that the cost of living is driven by government overspending and advocates for a simplified, lower two-rate income tax structure (with a top rate of 28%) and a sharp reduction in the size of the public sector to ease economic pressure.
*   **Green Party:** Proposes significant investments funded by wealth and inheritance taxes, including free dental care, free public transport initiatives, and major expansions in early childhood education (ECE) and primary healthcare to relieve household budgets.
*   **Te Pāti Māori:** Focuses on structural economic relief for whānau through a **$30,000 tax-free income threshold**, removing GST from all food items, and implementing a wealth tax on high net-worth individuals to fund housing, health, and whānau-centered social services.

---

### 2. Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Decision-Making, and Local Services

For Māori households, the election also centres heavily on how public institutions honor Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how whānau participate in local and national decisions:

*   **Te Pāti Māori:** Positions Te Tiriti at the center of its platform, advocating for constitutional transformation, independent Māori governance over Māori health and social services (such as rebuilding Māori-led health authorities), and strengthening local whānau decision-making structures.
*   **Labour and the Green Party:** Generally support embedding Te Tiriti principles across public agencies, protecting Māori seats in local and central government, and investing in Māori-led economic, health, and housing solutions.
*   **National, ACT, and New Zealand First:** Generally take a different approach to constitutional matters, advocating for a re-examination or redefinition of the principles of Te Tiriti in legislation, opposing race-based co-governance models in public service delivery and local infrastructure (such as Three Waters/water service reforms), and emphasizing equal citizenship under a single standard of law.

---

### Looking Ahead
When weighing your vote, it can help to look at how these competing philosophies balance out for your whānau: 
* Do you lean toward parties offering **direct cost-of-living relief through free public services and family payments** (like Labour or NZ First)? 
* Do you prefer **lower income taxes and fiscal restraint** (like National or ACT)? 
* Or are you prioritizing **systemic economic changes (like tax-free thresholds or wealth taxes) alongside strong Te Tiriti-based self-determination** (like Te Pāti Māori or the Greens)?

Are there specific household expenses (such as housing, ECE, or health) that weigh most heavily on your whānau right now?

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: a657defe-b238-4937-a4d2-dbaf69039648

For a working Māori whānau navigating household expenses, housing, health costs, and local service access—while holding strong to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and self-determination (tino rangatiratanga)—the 2026 general election presents distinct ideological choices. Parties approach the cost of living and Māori participation through different lenses: some focus on broad economic growth and tax relief, while others propose structural tax reforms, targeted public service funding, and Māori-led initiatives.

Here is how the major parties' current proposals line up regarding household costs, local services, and Te Tiriti/Māori participation:

1\. Labour Party

 * **Household Costs & Cost of Living:** Proposes a $20 weekly public transport cap, free prescriptions, and a "Medicard" offering three free GP visits, free cervical screening, and free maternity scans. Also promises fairer grocery prices and a $4/hour raise for care workers (pay equity). [NZ Labour Party]
 * **Te Tiriti & Māori Participation:** Includes policies focused on backing Māori into skilled work and introducing a Māori-led job training programme and fund. Proposes fiscal and economic plans aimed at building workforce capacity without a capital gains tax on the family home (proposing a 28% capital gains tax on other investment properties).

2\. Green Party

 * **Household Costs & Cost of Living:** Frames the crisis as a "cost of greed" and champions cutting income tax for 96% of earners, funded by a 2.5% annual tax on individual net wealth above $10 million (excluding the family home). Also proposes energy reforms to cut power bills and build renewable community energy ("Kiwipower").
 * **Te Tiriti & Māori Participation:** Strongly centers Te Tiriti o Waitangi, partnership, and rangatiratanga across its core manifesto. Emphasizes shifting power and resources back to communities and protecting whenua and moana through Māori-centric environmental and public service approaches. [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand]

3\. Te Pāti Māori

 * **Household Costs & Cost of Living:** Focuses heavily on systemic economic transformation for whānau Māori, advocating for liveable incomes, removing GST off basic food items, and addressing housing and wealth inequities that disproportionately impact Māori households.
 * **Te Tiriti & Māori Participation:** Anchors all policy in tino rangatiratanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a constitutional baseline. They advocate for independent Māori governance, direct resourcing of iwi/hapū to deliver local services (health, housing, and social welfare), and binding mechanisms to ensure Māori participation and veto power in decisions affecting our whenua and people.

4\. National Party

 * **Household Costs & Cost of Living:** Emphasizes economic management, lifting wages through business growth, and letting earners keep more of their money by opposing new taxes. Their approach relies on disciplined fiscal management, boosting job creation, and stimulating the private sector to lower general economic pressures rather than introducing new market interventions or wealth/capital gains taxes.
 * **Te Tiriti & Māori Participation:** Focuses on public service delivery outcomes and economic participation rather than structural co-governance models, aligning with a philosophy of universal public services and streamlined regulatory/economic environments.

5\. ACT & New Zealand First

 * **Household Costs & Cost of Living:** ACT focuses heavily on government spending cuts and income tax reduction to drive affordability. New Zealand First emphasizes support for small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), regional economic stability, and adjusting superannuation/retirement settings. [kpmg.com]
 * **Te Tiriti & Māori Participation:** Both parties advocate for the removal of race-based co-governance provisions from public legislation and services, emphasizing equal citizenship under a single standard of law.

* * *

Where to compare further and take action:

 * **Compare specific policies side-by-side:** Use Policy.nz to filter and compare every party's stance on employment, tax, health, and Māori development.
 * **Enrol and check your voting details:** Make sure your enrolment is up to date via Vote.NZ.

## AI Overviews

Answer ID: d94c3ac0-0c6f-4d4b-8d7b-ec341cd44041

Heading into the **November 7, 2026, general election** , the **cost of living** stands as the number one concern for New Zealand voters. For working whānau, political parties are presenting distinct strategies that balance household costs with views on Te Tiriti and local services. The plans generally divide between lowering costs through targeted tax relief/credits or expanding government services funded by new taxes.

* * *

1\. Directly Lowering Household Costs & Working Income

Political parties are taking differing approaches to put more money back into the pockets of working parents:

 * * **National Party** : Proposes targeted financial reliefs to build on current tracks, including a **$1,500 KiwiSaver baby boost** for every newborn, extending paid parental leave to **30 weeks** , and providing up to **$120 a week for childcare**. They pledge **no new taxes** and are focusing on lowering household power bills by reviewing revenue caps on power lines companies.

 * **Labour Party** : Proposes targeted relief through services and caps, including a **$20 weekly public transport fare cap** , free prescriptions, and structural moves to lower grocery prices. They plan to introduce a **28% Capital Gains Tax** on investment property profits to fund health investments.

 * **Green Party** : Advocates for a major tax shift, proposing a **wealth tax** (2.5% on individual net wealth over $10 million) to fund income tax cuts for **96 percent of New Zealanders**. They also support **rent controls** and massive funding expansions for universal services.

 * **Te Pāti Māori** : Recommends a **$30,000 tax-free income threshold** , completely **removing GST from all food** , and introducing a wealth tax to fund substantial investments in housing and whānau services.

 * **New Zealand First** : Focuses heavily on the in-work tax credit, proposing to make the temporary $50 weekly boost permanent and adding an extra $70, delivering a total **$120 weekly increase** for eligible working families. They also promise to ensure minimum wage increases keep pace with inflation.

 *

* * *

2\. Local Services: Health, Education, and Daily Infrastructure

How parties plan to fund and deliver services heavily impacts a household's hidden costs, such as medical bills and school commutes:

Party| Healthcare Proposals| Education & Transport Support
---|---|---
**National**| Fund cancer medicines and faster, earlier care protocols.| Focuses education on "teaching the basics brilliantly" and retains the mandatory hour-a-day reading, writing, and maths rule.
**Labour**| Introduces the **Medicard** , providing **three free GP visits a year** , alongside free cervical screenings and free maternity scans.| Retains the free school lunches program and implements the **$20 public transport cap**.
**Green Party**| Proposes widespread investments to make dental care, GP visits, and mental healthcare free and universally accessible.| Proposes fully **free public transport** across the country.
**ACT**| Focuses on downsizing government spending and keeping public services lean to drive productivity.| Rejects expanding free public services like public transport, framing it as fiscally irresponsible.

* * *

3\. Te Tiriti o Waitangi & Māori Participation in Decisions

For whānau prioritising Te Tiriti obligations and representation, the political divide is distinct:

 * * **Te Pāti Māori & The Green Party**: Strongly oppose the current government's policy directions, arguing that recent budgets have neglected Tiriti obligations. The **Greens** have promised an extra **$200 million into te reo Māori initiatives** , including education development for teachers and funding for Te Taura Whiri. Both parties advocate for direct Māori-led solutions, self-determination (rangatiratanga), and protecting Māori spaces in government decision-making.

 * **Labour Party** : Highlights a commitment to backing Māori into skilled work and training. They support maintaining partnership models in public services, contrasting their track record against current public service cuts.

 * **National & ACT**: Focus heavily on a singular, unified public service system. They generally oppose separate co-governance models or race-based funding lines, arguing that targeted cost-of-living relief across the board helps all low-and-middle-income working whānau equitably, regardless of background.

 *

If you want to look closer at a specific area, let me know:

 * Which **specific household bill** (childcare, groceries, power, or rent) strains your whānau the most?
 * Are you interested in the **tax calculator breakdowns** for any particular party's proposal?

I can provide the finer details of those specific policies to help you compare.