# Question 57: I run a small manufacturing business that exports and employs staff. We are considering new equipment but worry about demand, freight costs and finding skilled workers. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How do parties compare on business investment, productivity and support for small exporters?

Collected 23 October 2026

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

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: bc75a9c5-b16f-4817-8a04-b8f67215b421

# New Zealand election 2026: What the parties propose for manufacturers and exporters

For a small New Zealand manufacturer that exports and employs staff, the key election question is how each party would affect three things: the cost of investing in equipment, the ability to raise productivity, and the cost and difficulty of reaching export markets and finding skilled workers.

The general election is scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026. Party policies announced during the campaign are still subject to change, and what is implemented will depend partly on coalition negotiations. [2026 General Election Policies: What they could mean for businesses | New Zealand](https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/insights/new-zealand/what-could-the-2026-nz-general-election-mean-for-your-business)[2026 Election Q&A - Science](https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/09/09/2026-election-qa-science/)

Here is a comparison of the main parties' published proposals, focusing on your business rather than household tax or spending policies.

## 1. Business investment and equipment

This is where the parties have some of their clearest differences. In particular, compare the existing Investment Boost scheme with proposals to change how equipment purchases are treated for tax purposes.

![Rotorua based Hayes International - now exporting to more than 90 countries - Okuma Australia & New Zealand](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/X4K8JUrqU9tKtYmaukmAKSKMC0Bitpcn471jOXT5wDWFtuh_cOFgB7T9JCv17bB4upOuyoOAUcJUEjHHKEPRaQc3wiL0zw3nozzC1VhI3_gpmR39cLndQ1BKCoshco_Y9xk6s1Wv9xUeAzB22y3-ePh6E491kFZ_1jSODIKjdUw?purpose=inline)

### National

Retain the existing investment incentive

- Keep Investment Boost, which allows an immediate deduction for 20% of the cost of eligible new productive assets, alongside normal depreciation on the balance.
- Oppose new taxes and focus on reducing compliance costs.
- Retain existing incentives for businesses buying equipment, technology and premises. [National’s plan to support Small Businesses](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/47-point-plan-small-businesses)[2026 General Election Policies: What they could mean for businesses | New Zealand](https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/insights/new-zealand/what-could-the-2026-nz-general-election-mean-for-your-business)

![Dynamic Watertech — Leading Submersible & Openwell Pumps Manufacturer](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/WbF5NxDXueuD6CJ2oAjaJcKg34maNxueIdNUTRHJKtvbFlLBZy8PobH2Ms-TGxv8Wm8Y2M3De-aNtmTyEr85qN5UdQguItTTiRTwpWlbTRcKbM8k9_OesIdfcYsbQvsKp3QxXBYas0u0WDUMagppVKpiDhzBptvp5V-l4bQWQ4M?purpose=inline)

### Labour

A targeted write-off for smaller purchases

- Replace Investment Boost with a scheme allowing eligible small businesses to immediately write off equipment costing up to $10,000 from 1 July 2027.
- Raise the compulsory GST registration threshold from $60,000 to $80,000 from 1 July 2028.
- The party says its $1.56 billion, four-year Small Business Action Plan would be funded by refocusing Investment Boost. [Labour's Small Business Action Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/small-business-action-plan/)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)

![Investitionsgüter bleiben unter Preisdruck](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Y9QSEIp_LBAuYVPY8FGsVyBJ56OicnpEbvA9xvETLnmrBHH4mBHcLR_VrBi063ICdH-F-flr7eA1rSugaKQGXQuz__dlzQWT13BqlLAZy1GKKLI4v8iSvs5mgYxUXYvtgnIdxPudo6j8e1mXPbxEzqG7dz3p4OWm6IlG1nYSKi8?purpose=inline)

### ACT

Lower compliance costs and encourage private investment

- Emphasise reducing regulation, red tape and government costs to encourage investment and productivity.
- Support the current Investment Boost settings as part of the governing coalition's policy direction.
- Propose further changes to small-business employment rules and dispute resolution. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/policies/economy)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/backing-small-business)[Election 2026: What the parties are promising for business and tech](https://istart.co.nz/news/election-2026-what-the-parties-are-promising-for-business-and-tech/)

![What Does New Zealand Export? From Dairy Giants To Surprising Niche Products - The Aotearoa Archive](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/qqOUlE35aGUthnb4GS5Pze9mf3VpYr74ao-Zs1cDWaV0D5xc-oas98MDy7bS6wside7hYOdVf4GB5IMi8AZlJ8T6Li90JJ2OJ3KIWL2W7jq8G8CjbBFQpZXIw8-GyS_VTdSMRvpdRaBBdR0hBXzqgg1gAcmwajmp7MpqbevyJuE?purpose=inline)

### New Zealand First

Lower business taxes and faster depreciation

- Propose reducing company tax from 28% to 20% for companies with turnover below $30 million.
- Propose 100% depreciation for eligible business equipment costing up to $20,000 per item.
- Also advocate expanded R&D incentives and support for high-value manufacturing. [NZFirst to Campaign on 20% Tax Rate for SMEs](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_campaign_on_20_tax_rate_for_smes)[2026 Election Q&A - Science](https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/09/09/2026-election-qa-science/)

![Why Manufacturing Matters More Than Ever to New Zealand | The Future Makers | AMA](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/6Go94wFF4rxh4uGpIhgMEsYYzP0qCAgNPOekpAYW6EmfottIiTI9213lgpmEXKffpY0ISb_z_yuw6BBfKSTJA9PNY13dSyzvOTnVR6XFNx2_RCw8kkoh2ZSCXwPq5ejY5-Q_c-hS0x4eXIznfy-UDMNK7vR7RIK4k3SyTZ689ug?purpose=inline)

### Green Party

Redirect incentives toward innovation and productive industries

- Propose reshaping Investment Boost into an Innovation Boost targeting productive investment, decarbonisation and decent work.
- Seek to increase research and development spending towards 3% of GDP.
- Support public investment in innovation, industrial capability and commercialising New Zealand-developed products. [Greens’ economic development plan will create 284,000 jobs](https://www.greens.org.nz/greens_economic_development_plan_will_create_284_000_jobs)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)

### What this means for your equipment decision

The practical difference is the size, timing and type of your planned investment.

- A machine costing $8,000: Labour's proposed small-business write-off could be relevant if you meet the eligibility rules and buy after its proposed start date.
- A machine costing $18,000: NZ First's proposed full depreciation allowance could be relevant, whereas Labour's proposed $10,000 threshold would not cover the entire purchase.
- A machine costing $100,000: National's Investment Boost could provide an additional deduction equal to $20,000, if the asset qualifies. NZ First's proposed $20,000-per-item allowance would not, by itself, provide a full immediate write-off for this purchase.

These are illustrations of the proposed tax rules, not estimates of your actual tax savings. The value depends on your taxable profit, eligibility, timing and the final legislation. [National’s plan to support Small Businesses](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/47-point-plan-small-businesses)[Labour's Small Business Action Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/small-business-action-plan/)[NZFirst to Campaign on 20% Tax Rate for SMEs](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_campaign_on_20_tax_rate_for_smes)

## 2. Productivity, technology and manufacturing growth

Productivity means producing more saleable output for each hour of labour or dollar of capital. For a manufacturer, that could mean faster machine changeovers, less scrap, automated quality control, shorter lead times or more value added to each export.

| Party | Main policy direction | Potential relevance to your business |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National | Private investment incentives, lower compliance burdens, infrastructure and energy reforms | Useful to examine if you want to modernise machinery without adding administrative complexity. [National’s plan to support Small Businesses](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/47-point-plan-small-businesses)[2026 General Election Policies: What they could mean for businesses | New Zealand](https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/insights/new-zealand/what-could-the-2026-nz-general-election-mean-for-your-business) |
| Labour | A New Zealand Future Fund, support for innovation and small-business investment, and expanded apprenticeship support | Relevant if your growth depends on developing products, accessing skilled workers or improving the domestic innovation pipeline. [Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)[2026 Election Q&A - Science](https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/09/09/2026-election-qa-science/) |
| ACT | Less regulation, a smaller government and greater scope for private-sector investment and technology adoption | Relevant if regulatory costs and uncertainty are holding back investment or expansion. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/policies/economy)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/fiscalplan) |
| Green Party | Redirect investment incentives towards R&D, clean production and industrial innovation; strengthen science and technical capability | Relevant if you are considering energy-efficient machinery, process innovation or developing higher-value products. [Greens’ economic development plan will create 284,000 jobs](https://www.greens.org.nz/greens_economic_development_plan_will_create_284_000_jobs)[Good Jobs For All of Us](https://www.greens.org.nz/good_jobs_for_all_of_us) |
| NZ First | High-value manufacturing, R&D tax incentives, accelerated depreciation and a lower SME company tax rate | Relevant if you want to expand domestic production, develop proprietary products or increase the value of your exports. [2026 Election Q&A - Science](https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/09/09/2026-election-qa-science/)[NZFirst to Campaign on 20% Tax Rate for SMEs](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_campaign_on_20_tax_rate_for_smes) |

The important distinction is that buying equipment and improving productivity are not the same thing. An equipment tax deduction can lower the after-tax cost of investment, but it does not guarantee that a new machine will increase output enough to justify its cost. Research support, technical skills, energy prices and the ability to sell the additional production matter too.

## 3. Support for small exporters and freight costs

For an exporting manufacturer, the relevant policies go beyond tax. They include access to overseas customers, customs paperwork, export development support, transport infrastructure and energy costs.

### National: export-market access and trade facilitation

National proposes pursuing additional trade agreements, expanding paperless trade and digital customs, improving exporter support through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), and providing intensive assistance to the next 200 high-potential exporters. Its stated aim includes doubling export value by 2034. [New Zealand's Next Billion Customers](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/new-trade)[National’s plan to support Small Businesses](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/47-point-plan-small-businesses)

Relevance: Potentially useful if you need to enter new markets, reduce customs administration or develop overseas sales channels.

### Labour: cash flow and small-business growth

Labour proposes requiring large businesses to pay small suppliers within 15 days for invoices under $25,000, with reporting and penalties for repeated late payment. It also proposes a 15% target for government contracts, according to the independent election policy tracker. [Labour's Small Business Action Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/small-business-action-plan/)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[The business and innovation policies of Election 2026, explained](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/19-10-2026/the-business-and-innovation-policies-of-election-2026-explained)

Relevance: Better payment timing could help you finance raw materials, wages and freight while waiting for customers to pay. The procurement target could create opportunities where your products meet government needs, although it is not an export subsidy.

### ACT: reduce operating and compliance costs

ACT emphasises deregulation, lower compliance burdens and encouraging private investment. Its published small-business policies focus more on operating conditions and employment rules than on a dedicated export-development grant. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/backing-small-business)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/policies/economy)

Relevance: Worth examining if paperwork, employment disputes and regulatory delays are major costs. Do not assume this means freight rates themselves will fall.

### Green Party: innovation and export commercialisation

The Greens propose an Idea to Export pathway to coordinate support from experimentation and research through commercialisation and scaling, alongside increased science funding and a reorientation of investment incentives. [Greens’ economic development plan will create 284,000 jobs](https://www.greens.org.nz/greens_economic_development_plan_will_create_284_000_jobs)[The business and innovation policies of Election 2026, explained](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/19-10-2026/the-business-and-innovation-policies-of-election-2026-explained)

Relevance: Potentially relevant if your export growth depends on proprietary technology, product development, specialised manufacturing or low-emissions production.

### New Zealand First: export-led manufacturing

NZ First promotes high-value manufacturing, domestic processing, lower SME company tax and faster depreciation. Its broader economic approach emphasises adding value to New Zealand resources before exporting them. [2026 Election Q&A - Science](https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/09/09/2026-election-qa-science/)[Our Principles](https://www.nzfirst.nz/principle)[NZFirst to Campaign on 20% Tax Rate for SMEs](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_campaign_on_20_tax_rate_for_smes)

Relevance: Relevant if your business can increase the value of its products through more processing or specialised manufacturing in New Zealand.

### What about freight specifically?

None of these headline measures should be treated as a guaranteed reduction in your freight bill. Freight prices are affected by shipping capacity, fuel, exchange rates, port and inland transport charges, destination, shipment size and global disruptions.

When assessing the parties, distinguish between:

- Direct freight relief: a specific subsidy or reduction in a charge you actually pay.
- Logistics improvements: better transport infrastructure, customs systems and port or supply-chain efficiency.
- Export growth assistance: help to find customers, meet market requirements or establish distribution overseas.

The published National trade plan is particularly explicit about digital customs and export-market development. The other approaches place more emphasis on business operating costs, innovation or domestic production. [New Zealand's Next Billion Customers](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/new-trade)[The business and innovation policies of Election 2026, explained](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/19-10-2026/the-business-and-innovation-policies-of-election-2026-explained)

## 4. Finding and retaining skilled workers

For a manufacturer, the relevant question is not only whether a party supports training, but whether the policies help you fill vacancies, train apprentices and retain experienced workers without making payroll costs harder to manage.

| Party | Published direction | Consider for your workforce |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National | Make it easier to hire a first employee, recruit seasonal workers and take on apprentices; streamline employment administration. | Could matter if you need to expand headcount or spend less time on compliance. [National’s plan to support Small Businesses](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/47-point-plan-small-businesses)[2026 General Election Policies: What they could mean for businesses | New Zealand](https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/insights/new-zealand/what-could-the-2026-nz-general-election-mean-for-your-business) |
| Labour | Extend Apprenticeship Boost employer payments to two years at $500 per month, add a $1,000 toolbox grant and expand eligible trades, subject to the proposed start dates. | Could help offset some of the cost of training eligible new workers. [Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)[2026 General Election Policies: What they could mean for businesses | New Zealand](https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/insights/new-zealand/what-could-the-2026-nz-general-election-mean-for-your-business) |
| ACT | Proposes a three-year freeze in the adult minimum wage and a training wage set at 60% of the adult minimum wage for eligible under-20s during their first 12 months with an employer. | Relevant if your concern is wage costs and entry-level hiring; consider the implications for recruitment, retention and training. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/backing-small-business)[The business and innovation policies of Election 2026, explained](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/19-10-2026/the-business-and-innovation-policies-of-election-2026-explained) |
| Green Party | Proposes abolishing the training wage, a $2,000 apprentice equipment grant, and a $2,000 employer completion bonus for apprentices whose training is actively supported. | Relevant if developing and retaining skilled tradespeople is a priority, although the proposed changes could increase some upfront training costs. [Green Party to abolish training wage and provide more support for apprentices](https://www.greens.org.nz/green_party_to_abolish_training_wage_and_provide_more_support_for_apprentices) |
| NZ First | Proposes replacing the Accredited Employer Work Visa model with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa. | Relevant if you rely on overseas workers for specialist roles; the final eligibility rules and implementation would matter. [Our Policy](https://www.nzfirst.nz/policy) |

These policies address different parts of the problem. Apprenticeship subsidies help with training costs, employment-rule changes affect the cost and flexibility of hiring, and immigration settings affect access to workers who may not be available locally.

Also consider whether any changes to employer KiwiSaver contributions would affect your wage bill. National proposes compulsory KiwiSaver or an equivalent scheme with combined default contributions rising to 12% by 2032, while Labour proposes changes including employer contributions for contributing workers over 65. These are longer-term payroll considerations, not just recruitment policies. [2026 General Election Policies: What they could mean for businesses | New Zealand](https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/insights/new-zealand/what-could-the-2026-nz-general-election-mean-for-your-business)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)

## 5. Other parties worth checking

Two additional parties have proposals that may be relevant depending on your business model.

- The Opportunity Party: Proposes expanding R&D tax credits, including a proposed 25% credit for qualifying high-tech investment, and increasing support for science and innovation. It also proposes a land value tax, which would be relevant if your business owns significant land. Check the detailed eligibility and tax design before assuming either measure would benefit you. [The business and innovation policies of Election 2026, explained](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/19-10-2026/the-business-and-innovation-policies-of-election-2026-explained)[Election 2026: What Do the Parties' Fiscal Plans Mean for Business?](https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/election-2026-what-do-the-parties-fiscal-plans-mean-for-business)
- Te Pāti Māori: Proposes a fund to invest in Māori businesses, land and marae, alongside a higher company tax rate and other tax changes. The investment fund may be relevant to eligible Māori-owned businesses, while the proposed tax settings could have different implications for other firms. [The business and innovation policies of Election 2026, explained](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/19-10-2026/the-business-and-innovation-policies-of-election-2026-explained)[Election 2026: What Do the Parties' Fiscal Plans Mean for Business?](https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/election-2026-what-do-the-parties-fiscal-plans-mean-for-business)

## 6. A practical framework for your voting decision

Rather than treating any one policy as decisive, you could assess each party against your own business priorities.

## Set your business priorities

Adjust the importance of each issue. This is a personal decision aid, not a party rating or voting recommendation.

Equipment investment

5/5

Tax deductions, depreciation and access to investment capital

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Freight and export markets

5/5

Shipping-related costs, customs, trade deals and export assistance

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Skilled workers

4/5

Apprenticeships, wage costs and access to specialist workers

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Productivity and innovation

4/5

Automation, R&D support, energy efficiency and technical skills

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Policy stability

3/5

Whether tax, employment and regulatory settings are predictable

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Low

Medium

High

Compare policies against my priorities

Before committing to a major equipment purchase, there are three particularly useful checks:

1. Calculate the after-tax cost under the current rules and each relevant proposal, including whether you expect to make a taxable profit.
2. Stress-test the investment against higher freight costs, weaker overseas demand and delays in hiring skilled operators.
3. Verify implementation details in the parties' full policies, including commencement dates, eligibility, funding and any coalition-dependent changes.

The central trade-off is between different ways of supporting business growth: immediate investment incentives and lower compliance costs; targeted assistance for small businesses; or more active public investment in skills, R&D and industrial development. The value of each approach to your company depends on which constraint is currently holding back growth.

For a fuller reference, BDO's [2026 election business-policy comparison](https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/insights/new-zealand/what-could-the-2026-nz-general-election-mean-for-your-business?utm_source=chatgpt.com) summarises announced measures across tax, investment, trade and employment, while [The Conversation's election policy tracker](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) provides a cross-party view of other proposals. Both are useful for checking the details as the campaign progresses.

## Gemini

Answer ID: ed69a2e7-cde0-4701-a923-35f673718ac0

As a small manufacturing business owner who exports, employs staff, and navigates freight and labor pressures, the **2026 New Zealand general election** presents distinct choices across the political spectrum regarding business investment, productivity, and export support. 

---

### 1. Business Investment & Capital Productivity Incentives
Parties differ significantly on how to incentivize capital expenditure and technology adoption:

*   **National:** 
    *   **Investment Boost:** Committed to retaining this scheme, which allows businesses to immediately deduct 20 percent of the cost of most new assets and technology, with normal depreciation applying to the remainder.
    *   **Productivity & Compliance:** Focuses on reducing regulatory friction through initiatives like "Tell Government Once," plain-English health and safety guidelines, and practical support for adopting artificial intelligence (AI).
*   **Labour:** 
    *   **Tax Shift:** Proposes to *repeal* the Investment Boost scheme, redirecting funds into a **Small Business Action Plan**.
    *   **Asset Write-Offs & Thresholds:** Raises the low-value asset write-off threshold from $1,000 to **$10,000** for immediate tax deductions on tools and equipment, and raises the GST-registration threshold to $80,000.
    *   **Direct Investment:** Proposes a New Zealand Future Fund, an AI small-business fund, and startup support programs. It also introduces a 28% capital gains tax on commercial and residential investment property (excluding family homes and farms).
*   **New Zealand First:** 
    *   **SME Tax Rate:** Proposes cutting the company tax rate from 28% to **20 percent** for businesses with a turnover under $30 million.
    *   **Depreciation & R&D:** Proposes accelerated depreciation with a 100% depreciation rate for equipment purchases up to $20,000, alongside a $50 million program to match private-sector investment in research, data analytics, and advanced manufacturing.
*   **ACT:** 
    *   **Digital & Software:** Supports allowing tax deductions for productive software and digital investment. Focuses on broad regulatory reform and cutting compliance overheads.
*   **The Opportunity Party (TOP):** 
    *   **Tech & R&D:** Proposes expanding R&D tax incentives (up to a 25% tax credit on investments in AI, digital platforms, automation, and plant/autonomous equipment) alongside higher public R&D spending.

---

### 2. Support for Small Exporters & Cashflow
Exporting manufacturers face distinct working capital and international market hurdles:

*   **National:** Features the **"Next 200" programme**, specifically designed to provide practical support and guidance to high-potential domestic firms looking to expand into international export markets.
*   **Labour:** Focuses heavily on domestic cashflow protections for smaller suppliers, including pushing for **15-day payment terms for large businesses**, enhanced payment transparency, and broader access to government procurement contracts.
*   **New Zealand First / Smaller Parties:** New Zealand First’s lower SME company tax rate (20% for turnover under $30 million) is framed as a mechanism to retain cash within businesses for expansion and job creation. 

---

### 3. Addressing Workforce and Operating Pressures
For a manufacturing employer juggling skills shortages, labor costs, and operational overheads:

*   **Employment & Wages:**
    *   *National & ACT:* Favor flexible employment frameworks. ACT proposes a three-year minimum wage freeze and a lower training wage for workers under 20 to lower hiring barriers. 
    *   *Labour & Greens:* Focus on strengthening worker protections, making it easier to take on first employees or apprentices, while the Greens support tying minimum wage adjustments to inflation and strengthening union access.
*   **Infrastructure & Energy Costs:** 
    *   Parties across the spectrum have proposed various energy market reforms (such as Labour's *Electrify NZ* framework and competition measures) aimed at stabilizing commercial electricity and supply chain costs. 

---

### Summary Comparison Table for Business Owners

| Policy Area | National | Labour | New Zealand First | ACT |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Asset Investment** | Retains 20% *Investment Boost* immediate deduction | Repeals Investment Boost; introduces **$10,000 instant asset write-off** | 100% depreciation up to $20,000 equipment | Deductions for digital/software investment |
| **Company Tax** | Maintains current rates (28%) | Maintains 28% (adds 28% capital gains tax on commercial property) | **Cuts to 20%** for SMEs under $30M turnover | Staged reduction goals via broader regulatory savings |
| **Export / Growth Support** | "Next 200" export expansion program | 15-day payment terms for large businesses; AI/startup funds | $50M advanced manufacturing matching fund | Streamlined consenting and regulatory reduction |
| **Labour & Workforce** | Flexible settings; baseline compliance cleanup | Support for hiring first employees/apprentices | Compulsory KiwiSaver 2.0 proposals | Minimum wage freeze; lower youth training wages |

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: 44635a76-70c8-4ce0-8571-b0ff7ca7baa5

Navigating business investment, productivity hurdles, and export pressures as a small manufacturer involves weighing distinct approaches from the political parties contesting the **_2026 New Zealand general election_**.

Here is how the major and minor parties generally compare across the key areas affecting your manufacturing and exporting business:

1\. Business Investment & Equipment

 * * **National:** Highlights supply-side incentives and capital investment. Its framework—building on the "Investment Boost" initiative—focuses on depreciation deductions or write-offs for new machinery and technology to encourage plant and equipment upgrades. They also emphasize reducing compliance and regulatory overhead.

 * **Labour:** Focuses on cash-flow assistance and targeted relief for smaller enterprises. Their platform includes a

$

10

,

000

immediate asset write-off for businesses with revenues under

$

10

million, alongside mandates for large corporations to pay smaller suppliers within 15 days to improve working capital.

 * **New Zealand First:** Proposes a major corporate tax cut (from

28

%

down to

20

%

) for businesses with an annual turnover under

$

30

million to directly free up capital for business investment and expansion. They also propose a large-scale Crown-backed fund/bank model to support SMEs. [BDO New Zealand]

 * **Green Party / Te Pāti Māori:** Tend to favour targeted public investment in green infrastructure, R&D, and mission-led tech over broad capital allowances. The Greens propose raising the corporate tax rate to

33

%

for the largest top tier of corporations while keeping the SME rate at

28

%

.

 *

2\. Productivity & Compliance

 * * **National & ACT:** Focus heavily on regulatory reform to drive productivity. ACT pushes for employment market flexibility (such as a minimum wage freeze or lower starting/training wages) and streamlined resource consenting. National emphasizes "Tell Government Once" digital integration, simpler health and safety guidance, and cutting red tape for commercial projects.

 * **Labour:** Focuses on productivity through procurement targets (aiming for

15

%

of government contracts to go to local small businesses) and streamlining multi-agency government information requests ("small-business tests" for new regulations).

 * **Green Party / Labour:** Generally approach workforce productivity through support for domestic research/science funding, training, and worker protections. The Greens and Labour lean towards strengthening collective bargaining frameworks and minimum wage adjustments tracking inflation.

 *

3\. Support for Small Exporters & Freight Costs

 * * **National:** Focuses explicitly on trade expansion, prioritising new free trade agreements, expanding digital and paperless customs processes, and targeted export-expansion programmes (like their "Next 200" framework for high-potential firms). Their energy policies aim to address electricity and domestic supply input costs.

 * **New Zealand First:** Advocates for localized economic zones (such as a proposed Marsden Point Special Economic Zone) and structural interventions in energy markets (separating electricity generation from retail) to lower heavy operational and utility inputs for local manufacturers.

 * **Labour & The Greens:** Focus more on domestic supply-chain resilience, regional transport planning, and competition law enforcement (via the Commerce Commission) to prevent gouging in concentrated domestic freight or supplier markets. [BDO New Zealand]

 *

To explore the finer details of these platforms, you can review the comprehensive economic breakdowns on BDO New Zealand or compare individual party stances directly on [Policy.nz](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/economy).

If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:

 * Whether your primary bottleneck is **upfront capital/equipment cost** , **cash flow/margins** , or **finding/retraining staff**?
 * Which specific region or sector your manufacturing falls under?

I can focus on the specific policy mechanisms that directly address your biggest constraint.

## AI Overviews

Answer ID: d7e4fbc5-df85-42f5-aa61-71b5c502c61b

For a small manufacturing exporter in New Zealand looking to invest in new equipment, navigate freight constraints, and secure skilled workers, the major political parties offer distinctly different visions ahead of the **2026 general election**. The choice broadly shapes up as a debate between **deregulation and tax deductions** (National/ACT) versus **strategic government funding and targeted tax incentives** (Labour/Greens/NZ First).

Direct Policy Comparison

Party| Business Investment & Assets| Productivity & Compliance| Support for Exporters & Freight| Workforce & Skilled Labor
---|---|---|---|---
**National**| **Retains the Investment Boost** allowing a immediate **20% deduction** on new assets (machinery, IT, equipment).| Focuses on cutting red tape, replacing the RMA, and streamlining commercial consents.| Aims to **double exports by 2034** , expand paperless trade, and digitize customs to cut logistics friction.| Introduces **compulsory KiwiSaver** by 2028 (raising combined rates to 12% by 2032) and expands trades training.
**Labour**| **Repeals the Investment Boost** ; establishes a Singapore-style **_NZ Future Fund_** for domestic industry investment.| Introduces an **_AI Action Plan_** and a Small Business Action Plan targeting cash flow and compliance costs.| Targets domestic market fairness (grocery/banking reforms) and increases funding for the **_Elevate venture capital fund_**.| Backs **30,000 apprentices** via an expanded Apprenticeship Boost; raises compulsory KiwiSaver employer contributions to 6% by 2032.
**ACT**| Focuses on broader tax relief once in surplus, with **no new taxes**.| Aims to aggressively shrink government departments and **slash redundant red tape** to lower overheads.| Promotes a market-led strategy, removing regulatory constraints to allow competitive infrastructure growth.| **Removes tax on KiwiSaver investment earnings** ; opposes mandated increases to workplace employment costs.
**Green Party**| **Rescopes the Investment Boost** by a third, tying deductions strictly to decarbonization and "decent work".| Focuses on **"mission-led" public investment** and boosting the science and research sectors.| Allocates **$125 million** specifically to help early-stage businesses scale up and access export markets.| **Abolishes the training wage** so apprentices earn full pay immediately; pushes for higher local minimum wages.
**NZ First**| **Slashes the company tax rate** from 28% to **20%** for businesses with turnovers under $30 million.| Focuses on economic nationalism and breaking up energy gentailers to **lower manufacturing power bills**.| Proposes a **$100 billion Future Fund** for long-term freight/infrastructure and creates a special zone at Marsden Point.| Pushes for **shortage-led skilled visas** to fill immediate labor voids; introduces KiwiSaver at birth.

* * *

Key Considerations for Your Decision

 * **Buying New Equipment:** If immediate cash-flow relief on equipment is your primary goal, **National’s 20% upfront asset write-off** provides the most direct benefit for buying machinery. Conversely, **NZ First's 20% company tax rate** significantly lowers your overall tax burden if your turnover is under $30 million.

 * **Freight and Supply Chains:** If you are heavily bottlenecked by infrastructure, **NZ First** and **Labour** both emphasize pooling crown wealth into long-term infrastructure funds to stabilize domestic supply chains. **National** focuses directly on reducing the administrative cost of moving goods through **digital customs upgrades**.

 * **Finding Skilled Workers:** If you struggle to compete for staff, **Labour** and the **Greens** focus heavily on subsidizing training and apprenticeships to build a domestic talent pipeline. However, note that their policies also increase mandatory minimum labor costs and KiwiSaver employer matches. **NZ First** seeks to alleviate immediate worker shortages through targeted adjustments to **skilled immigration visas**.

If you would like to explore further, let me know:

 * Your business's approximate **annual turnover tier** (e.g., under or over $30 million)

 * Whether your equipment upgrade heavily involves **automation or digital technology**

 * If your hiring challenges are for **entry-level apprentices or highly specialized specialists** RNZ Election Policy Guide 2026 | RNZWhat could the 2026 New Zealand General Election mean forElection 2026: What the parties are promising for businessGreens announce plan to get big money and influence out of