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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. What do parties propose about trade access, international relationships and risks to New Zealand exports?
New Zealand 2026 election: What the parties propose for exporters and manufacturers
For a small New Zealand manufacturing business, the election matters for more than tax rates. Trade agreements, relationships with major markets, shipping costs, access to skilled workers, energy prices and investment incentives can all affect whether buying new equipment is commercially viable.
The key question is which policies could help your business secure overseas customers, protect its export markets and invest with greater confidence—and which risks would remain outside the government's control?
New Zealand's 2026 general election is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026, with advance voting beginning on 26 October. The parties' proposals are still evolving during the campaign, so it is important to distinguish announced policies from existing government arrangements and proposals whose details are not yet settled. policy.nz, sciencemediacentre.co.nz
I'll focus on the national parties and the issues most relevant to an exporting manufacturer, rather than assuming a particular city, industry or destination market.
1. The main parties' approaches to trade and exports
The clearest difference is between parties that emphasise expanding free-trade access and reducing export costs, and those that put greater emphasis on sustainable trade, domestic resilience or a different approach to international relationships.
National: Expand overseas markets and make exporting easier
New Zealand National Party has published a dedicated trade policy called New Zealand's Next Billion Customers.
Its proposals include:
- Negotiate new trade agreements: Prioritise markets in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia, with negotiations with seven new economies planned over the next five years.
- Reduce export administration: Expand paperless trade and digital customs, simplify exporting and tackle non-tariff barriers.
- Strengthen supply chains: Negotiate agreements with trusted international partners to help secure access to essential supplies.
- Provide export assistance: Give New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) a stronger role in helping businesses find customers and complete at least 23 trade missions over the next parliamentary term.
- Maintain the export-growth target: Double the value of New Zealand's exports by 2034. national.org.nz, national.org.nz
What this could mean for your business: If your biggest concerns are finding new customers, reducing border paperwork and protecting access to imported components, National's published proposals directly address those areas.
However, new trade negotiations do not guarantee new orders. Agreements take time to negotiate and implement, and the value to your business will depend on whether your products qualify for tariff reductions and whether your target markets have sufficient demand.
Read the party's full policy: National's trade policy.
Labour: Support small businesses, investment and workforce development
New Zealand Labour Party has published policies on small-business investment, skills and economic development. Its published small-business measures focus particularly on cash flow, equipment investment and reducing administrative burdens.
Key proposals include:
- Immediate equipment tax deductions: Allow eligible small businesses to deduct the full cost of new equipment worth up to $10,000, from 1 July 2027.
- Faster payments: Require large companies to pay small businesses within 15 days on invoices below $25,000 and publish information about their payment performance.
- GST flexibility: Raise the compulsory GST-registration threshold to $80,000 from 1 July 2028.
- Develop skilled workers: Extend Apprenticeship Boost payments, provide a $1,000 toolbox grant and cover five additional trades.
- Support innovation: Establish a New Zealand Future Fund to support infrastructure and innovation. labour.org.nz, labour.org.nz, stories.theconversation.com
Labour's published small-business policy is more specific about investment and cash flow than about negotiating new export markets.
What this could mean for your business: If you are holding off on machinery because of the upfront cost, or customers' slow payments make it difficult to finance production, Labour's proposals are particularly relevant to investigate.
There are important qualifications. The proposed $10,000 deduction is a tax deduction, not a $10,000 government grant. Its value depends on your taxable income, tax position and eligibility. It would also not, by itself, make a larger capital investment affordable.
Trade-policy question to ask Labour: What specific new market-access agreements, export-promotion programmes or measures to address international freight costs would it pursue during the next parliamentary term?
Sources: Labour's Small Business Action Plan and Labour's 2026 policy programme.
Green Party: Sustainable trade, international rules and investment in skills
The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand supports an international rules-based system and has a dedicated trade and foreign-investment policy that emphasises sustainability and justice.
Its published approach includes:
- Supporting international cooperation on environmental protection, human rights and international justice.
- Giving sustainability and fairness greater weight in trade and foreign-investment decisions.
- Maintaining an independent foreign-policy voice and supporting international action on climate change.
- Investing in workforce skills. In October 2026, the party announced a proposal to abolish the training wage, increase the apprentice equipment allowance to $2,000 and provide additional support for Māori and Pasifika apprentices. greens.org.nz, greens.org.nz, greens.org.nz
What this could mean for your business: If you export products to markets where environmental standards, traceability or the carbon footprint of production matter, the Greens' approach to sustainable trade is relevant.
Their workforce proposals may also matter if you struggle to recruit apprentices or train employees for specialised manufacturing roles.
There is a potential trade-off to investigate: changes to environmental standards, energy policy or production requirements can affect manufacturers' compliance costs, even when they also create opportunities for businesses selling lower-emission products.
The Greens have also criticised the government's approach to fossil-fuel subsidies, arguing that it could put New Zealand's trade-agreement commitments and reputation at risk. That is the party's stated assessment, rather than an established finding that all the cited measures breach trade agreements. greens.org.nz
Read the party's policies: Green Party manifesto 2026.
ACT: Examine its approach to business regulation and international alignment
ACT New Zealand is another party to examine if your priorities include business costs, regulation, employment flexibility and investment.
Its broader economic approach emphasises reducing regulatory burdens and changing employment settings. However, the material reviewed here does not establish a sufficiently detailed, current ACT export programme to attribute a specific new trade agreement or export-freight initiative to the party.
For your business, the useful questions are:
- What changes would ACT make to regulations affecting manufacturing, product certification and export compliance?
- What employment-law changes does it propose, and how might they affect your ability to recruit and retain skilled staff?
- What specific trade agreements or international partnerships would it prioritise?
These questions matter because regulatory changes can lower some compliance costs, but changes to employment settings can also affect recruitment, retention and training.
The party's published election policies are available through ACT's official website.
New Zealand First: Diversification, supply-chain resilience and domestic capability
New Zealand First has historically emphasised trade diversification, independent international relationships and resilience against supply-chain disruption.
Its published 2023 trade policy included:
- Pursuing additional free-trade agreements and diversifying export markets.
- Strengthening export-credit support to help businesses enter new markets.
- Reviewing NZTE's role to ensure it supports exporters of different sizes.
- Working with trading partners to improve supply-chain resilience.
- Exploring closer economic relationships with Commonwealth countries and pursuing a US free-trade agreement. nzfirst.nz
These are historical policy commitments, not confirmation that every proposal remains part of the party's 2026 programme. The party has continued to publish new election policies, so its latest manifesto should be checked before drawing conclusions.
What this could mean for your business: Supply-chain resilience is particularly relevant if your machinery, electronic components, metals or other production inputs come from a small number of overseas suppliers.
New Zealand First's approach warrants particular scrutiny on how it would balance domestic production and supply security with access to competitively priced imported inputs.
Its current election policy programme can be checked at New Zealand First's official website.
The Opportunity Party: Innovation and longer-term economic resilience
The Opportunity Party emphasises long-term economic reform, evidence-based policymaking and rebuilding trust in government.
Among its published economic proposals are increasing research and development spending to at least 2% of GDP and introducing new technology investment tax credits. stories.theconversation.com, opportunity.org.nz
What this could mean for your business: If new equipment would enable you to automate production, develop new products or compete on quality rather than price alone, its innovation proposals are worth examining.
However, economy-wide R&D targets do not necessarily translate into grants or tax credits for an individual manufacturer. The eligibility criteria, timing and treatment of capital equipment would need to be confirmed.
The party's policy programme is available at The Opportunity Party's official website.
Te Pāti Māori: Check the detail on trade and industrial policy
Te Pāti Māori is also contesting the election. The sources reviewed for this comparison do not establish enough specific detail on its current export-market, freight or manufacturing-equipment policies to provide a reliable like-for-like comparison with the parties above.
For an exporting manufacturer, the questions to investigate are how the party would approach trade agreements, international relationships, domestic manufacturing capability, workforce training and the obligations New Zealand assumes under international agreements.
Its current policies are available at Te Pāti Māori's official website.
A comparison at a glance
| Party | Main relevant policy direction | Potential relevance to your business | Key uncertainty |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | New trade agreements, export promotion, digital customs and supply-chain security | Access to customers, reduced export administration and more resilient sourcing | Whether new agreements generate demand for your products and deliver meaningful savings |
| Labour | Small-business investment support, faster payments and apprenticeship funding | Equipment investment, working capital and skilled-worker development | How much support you would qualify for and what additional trade initiatives would be implemented |
| Greens | Sustainable trade, international cooperation and apprenticeship support | Environmental market requirements, workforce development and lower-emission manufacturing opportunities | The cost and timing of regulatory changes affecting your production |
| ACT | Regulatory reform and changes to employment and climate policy | Compliance costs, workforce flexibility and energy-related expenses | The detailed effects on your industry and export markets |
| New Zealand First | Historically emphasises trade diversification and supply-chain resilience | Domestic production capability, supply security and alternative markets | Which historical trade commitments remain in its 2026 programme |
| Opportunity | Research, development and technology investment | Product development, automation and manufacturing innovation | Whether proposed incentives would cover your equipment and business |
| Te Pāti Māori | Māori economic development, energy sovereignty and an independent international approach | Potentially relevant to energy costs, workforce development and Māori business partnerships | The specific effects of its proposals on your export markets and manufacturing sector |
This is a comparison of documented policy directions, not a ranking of parties. The parties differ in how specifically they have set out their export policies, and proposals may change during coalition negotiations. Sources include the parties' published policies and the 2026 election policy tracker from The Conversation. national.org.nz, labour.org.nz, greens.org.nz, act.org.nz, nzfirst.nz, opportunity.org.nz, maoriparty.org.nz, stories.theconversation.com
2. International relationships: What could actually change your export prospects?
Trade policy is not just about signing free-trade agreements. It is also about relationships with the countries that buy your products, supply your inputs and determine the rules under which your business operates.
Three issues deserve particular attention.
A. Access to India and other growing markets
One significant development is that the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 20 October 2026.
The agreement provides for:
- Approximately 57% of New Zealand's exports to India to become tariff-free from the outset.
- Tariffs to be removed or reduced on 95% of current exports to India once the agreement is fully implemented.
- Further tariff reductions beginning on 1 January 2027.
- Preferential quota arrangements for selected products, including apples, kiwifruit and milk albumins.
- Improved access for some industrial products, with tariff reductions phased in over time. beehive.govt.nz, national.org.nz
This is particularly relevant if you manufacture industrial components, machinery, metal products or other goods that could be sold into India.
However, the agreement does not mean that every manufactured product automatically qualifies for duty-free access. The applicable tariff schedule, rules of origin, product classification and any other import requirements must be checked for your specific product.
The political question: Which parties would build on this agreement with further market-access improvements, and which would invest in helping smaller manufacturers take advantage of the opportunities?
National has made new trade negotiations and export assistance central to its published programme. Labour has emphasised international cooperation, including closer relationships with the European Union, Canada, ASEAN and the Pacific. The Greens emphasise sustainable trade and international rules. These are different approaches to international engagement, although all involve relationships that may matter to New Zealand exporters. national.org.nz, labour.org.nz, greens.org.nz
B. China, the United States and other major trading partners
New Zealand exporters operate in an international environment where tariffs, geopolitical tensions and changes in trade rules can disrupt demand.
For a manufacturer, the risks include:
- Overseas tariffs making your products more expensive for customers.
- Trade restrictions or sanctions affecting particular goods or destinations.
- A slowdown in a major export market reducing orders.
- International disputes disrupting access to components, materials or machinery.
- Changes in foreign regulations increasing testing, certification or documentation costs.
The policy question is not simply which party favours closer relationships with particular countries. It is also how each party would manage disagreements with major trading partners without unnecessarily exposing New Zealand businesses to retaliatory measures or supply disruptions.
The Greens' published approach puts particular emphasis on multilateral cooperation, international law and environmental obligations. Labour has also committed to strengthening relationships with international partners and supporting multilateral institutions. National's trade programme emphasises opening additional markets and strengthening supply-chain relationships. greens.org.nz, labour.org.nz, national.org.nz
When comparing the parties, look for concrete proposals rather than assuming that a general statement about foreign policy will translate into a particular commercial outcome.
C. Climate policy and access to overseas customers
Environmental requirements can affect exporters even when their products are not agricultural.
Depending on your industry and destination market, customers may require information about:
- The emissions associated with manufacturing.
- The origin and traceability of materials.
- Energy efficiency and product sustainability.
- Environmental and labour standards across the supply chain.
The Greens support stronger climate action and sustainable trade. ACT proposes scrapping New Zealand's net-zero 2050 target and repealing the Zero Carbon Act, while linking the emissions cap to a trade-weighted average of major trading partners. New Zealand First has campaigned on withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. These positions differ materially. greens.org.nz, act.org.nz, stories.theconversation.com
For your business, the practical question is whether a proposed change would reduce domestic production costs, affect access to export markets, or do both.
For example, less stringent domestic emissions settings might reduce some costs for an energy-intensive manufacturer. But if an overseas customer requires verified emissions data or low-carbon production, domestic regulatory relief would not necessarily remove that customer's requirements.
Conversely, investment in energy efficiency or lower-emission production may create opportunities with customers who prioritise sustainable suppliers.
The actual effect depends on your products, energy use and export destinations. It should not be assumed that a particular climate policy will automatically increase or reduce exports.
3. Freight costs, equipment investment and skilled workers
These three issues may have a more immediate effect on your profitability than a trade agreement that takes years to negotiate.
Freight and logistics
Freight prices depend on international shipping capacity, fuel prices, port operations, route availability, insurance costs and global disruptions.
Governments can influence some related costs through transport infrastructure, customs procedures, trade facilitation and international agreements. But none of the policies reviewed establishes a guarantee that your shipping rates will fall.
When assessing party proposals, look for commitments on:
- Digital customs and simpler export documentation.
- Port, road and rail infrastructure.
- Supply-chain security and access to essential imported inputs.
- Reducing non-tariff barriers and delays at borders.
- Support for exporters seeking alternative shipping routes or markets.
National's trade policy specifically proposes expanding digital customs and tackling non-tariff barriers. Its focus on supply-chain agreements may also be relevant if you rely on imported production inputs. national.org.nz
A useful question for every party: What measurable change would your policy make to the time or cost required for a small manufacturer to export a shipment?
Buying new machinery
Equipment investment affects cash flow, productivity and your ability to meet future orders.
Labour's proposal to allow eligible small businesses to immediately deduct up to $10,000 of new equipment costs from 1 July 2027 is one specific measure to examine. The Opportunity Party's proposals for technology investment tax credits and increased research and development spending are also relevant to investigate. labour.org.nz, stories.theconversation.com
When comparing equipment-related policies, check:
- Whether the incentive applies to machinery, software, automation or only qualifying research and development.
- Whether imported equipment is eligible.
- The maximum qualifying investment.
- When the measure would take effect.
- Whether the benefit is a deduction, refundable credit, grant or subsidised loan.
- Whether your business could actually use the benefit given its taxable profits.
A tax deduction and a cash grant are very different. A deduction reduces taxable income; it does not reimburse the purchase price.
It is also worth considering how an investment would perform under several demand scenarios. If overseas orders fell by 20%, for example, would the equipment still produce sufficient savings or additional revenue to justify its financing and maintenance costs?
That is a business-planning scenario, not a forecast of what will happen.
Finding and retaining skilled staff
Manufacturing businesses often need people with specialised skills in machining, welding, engineering, maintenance, quality control and automation.
Labour proposes extending Apprenticeship Boost payments, offering a $1,000 toolbox grant and expanding the trades covered. The Greens have announced a $2,000 apprentice equipment allowance and additional support intended to help apprentices complete their training. These are proposed measures, not guaranteed funding for every employer. labour.org.nz, greens.org.nz
For your business, ask:
- Will the policy help fund training for the specific occupations you need?
- Are employers eligible, and for how long?
- Will it help people complete apprenticeships and move into skilled jobs?
- What are the parties proposing about immigration and skilled-worker visas?
- How would changes to employment law affect recruitment, retention and training costs?
It is important to examine both the supply of workers and the cost of employing them. A policy that increases training opportunities may help address a long-term skills shortage, but the results will depend on how quickly trainees qualify and whether they have the skills your business needs.
4. Which export risks can government policy realistically reduce?
No government can eliminate the uncertainty associated with exporting. The following framework can help you distinguish risks that government policy may influence from those that your own business planning must address.
| Risk to your business | What government policy could influence | What you should investigate yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Falling overseas demand | Trade agreements, market access and export promotion | Customer concentration, order forecasts and alternative markets |
| High freight costs | Customs efficiency, infrastructure and trade facilitation | Shipping contracts, alternative routes and freight surcharges |
| Expensive machinery | Equipment tax treatment, investment incentives and infrastructure | Payback period, financing costs, utilisation and maintenance |
| Skilled-worker shortages | Apprenticeships, training, immigration and employment policy | Recruitment pipeline, retention, cross-training and automation |
| Imported component shortages | International supply agreements and trade relationships | Alternative suppliers, inventory buffers and lead times |
| New overseas trade barriers | Diplomatic relationships, trade negotiations and international agreements | Product-specific tariffs, rules of origin and certification requirements |
| Environmental compliance | Domestic climate settings and international engagement | Customer requirements, product emissions and traceability |
| Currency volatility | Broader economic settings can have indirect effects | Foreign-exchange exposure, pricing terms and hedging options |
The key distinction is that a government can improve the conditions in which your business operates, but it cannot guarantee demand, shipping prices or the availability of particular workers.
5. A practical checklist for comparing party policies before you vote
Rather than relying on campaign slogans, you could assess each party against the following questions.
Trade access and international relationships
- Does the party identify specific markets or agreements it intends to pursue?
- Does it explain how smaller manufacturers will benefit?
- How would it respond to tariffs or restrictions imposed by major trading partners?
- Does it support diversification if your largest export market weakens?
Business investment
- Are there specific incentives for machinery, automation or productivity improvements?
- Would your business qualify?
- When would the policy take effect?
- Would it improve your cash flow enough to make a planned investment viable?
Freight and supply chains
- Does the party propose specific changes to customs, transport infrastructure or supply-chain resilience?
- Is there a clear mechanism through which those changes could lower your costs?
- Are there potential trade-offs for your imported inputs?
Workforce
- Are the proposed training programmes relevant to your occupations?
- Would your business qualify for apprenticeship support?
- What are the proposed skilled-worker immigration settings?
- How might changes to employment law affect your ability to recruit and retain staff?
Fiscal and implementation risks
- Is the proposal fully specified, or is it an aspiration?
- Is funding identified?
- Is there a delivery timetable?
- Would implementation depend on coalition negotiations?
That last question matters in New Zealand's MMP system: a party's campaign promises are not necessarily the policies that will ultimately be implemented by a government formed after the election.
You can compare the parties' wider policies using the independent Policy.nz 2026 election guide and then verify specific commitments on the parties' official websites.
6. My suggested next step: Compare policies against your actual business exposure
To make this comparison genuinely useful, it would help to identify three things about your business:
- Your export markets: For example, Australia, China, the United States, the European Union or several markets.
- Your manufacturing activity: For example, metal fabrication, machinery, plastics, electronics, food processing or another industry.
- Your biggest immediate constraint: Whether it is uncertain demand, freight costs, machinery investment, skilled-worker shortages or a combination.
Those details would allow a more focused comparison of the parties' published policies, including where they agree, where they differ, what is confirmed and what remains uncertain.
The central issue for your vote is how each party's policies would change the commercial conditions your business actually faces—not simply which party makes the strongest general claims about economic growth or exports.
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