# Question 114: I migrated to New Zealand, have recently become a citizen and am eligible to vote. I work here, use English as a second language and want to understand both my options and the system. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What are parties proposing about everyday living costs for working households? Collected 31 October 2026 [NZ Election 2026 · Edition 7 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/7) ## ChatGPT Answer ID: 6dad3fc5-8eef-43a3-9cef-76eedf061302 # 2026 New Zealand general election: What are parties proposing about the cost of living? First, congratulations on becoming a New Zealand citizen. Voting is an important opportunity to have a say in the country's future, particularly on issues that affect your everyday life. One of the biggest questions for working households in the 2026 election is: Which political parties will make it easier to afford everyday life while earning a living in New Zealand? This includes: - Groceries and household essentials. - Rent, mortgages and housing affordability. - Electricity, petrol and public transport. - Wages, employment and income tax. - Healthcare, childcare and education. - Financial support for families and people on lower incomes. I'll explain the parties' approaches in straightforward English, including what their proposals could mean in practice. It's useful to distinguish between a party's promises, its current policies and what it could realistically implement if elected. ## 1. Comparing the main parties New Zealand uses a system called MMP (Mixed Member Proportional). This means smaller parties can also have an important role in government, not just the largest two parties. Here are the main parties' approaches to everyday living costs, based on their 2026 election policies and campaign announcements. ### National Party — lower taxes and economic growth ![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) Main approach: Let people and businesses keep more of their money, while controlling government spending. National argues that economic growth, lower government debt and competition will improve living standards. Its proposals include: - Income tax: No new taxes if re-elected. - Groceries: Separate New World and PAK'nSAVE ownership or operations to encourage stronger competition, subject to the Commerce Commission's assessment. - Housing: Make it easier for eligible first-home buyers to access 5% deposits. - Electricity: Expand energy supply and help households become more energy-independent. - KiwiSaver: Make participation compulsory for workers, with changes to contributions and savings. What this could mean for you: You may benefit from a stronger economy, more competition and policies aimed at keeping taxes down. However, this approach relies more on economic growth and market competition than on providing new universal household subsidies. Source: [National's official 2026 policies](https://www.national.org.nz/policies?utm_source=chatgpt.com). [2026 Election Policy](https://www.national.org.nz/policies)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) ### Labour Party — directly reduce household bills ![South Island Election Conference 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/_spFKDBqOMVPoo8r35YLoGFwljs_-WWe4ur9fdZCfekzAxaUPGA75u8rI9uxOUTssI2hUZN1r4Zu1AeDrcNaxz3uHoFIyWjDpanT5s-KJ87QzxSu1uNjNL4MOHSuazRZuTy_TzC6aN4wxHHoyU_DhzMFuMCMjNBTtg2xRxOZL6c?purpose=inline) Main approach: Reduce essential costs through public services, consumer protections and targeted financial assistance. Its cost-of-living plan includes: - Healthcare: Three free GP visits each year and removing the $5 prescription charge. - Transport: Weekly public transport fare caps of $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 elsewhere. - Petrol: Freeze fuel excise tax for three years. - Electricity: Low-interest loans and assistance for households installing solar panels and batteries. - Groceries: Stronger supermarket competition and action against excessive prices. - Employment: Support 30,000 additional apprenticeships and provide a $1,000 tools grant for apprentices and tradies. - Student loans: Reduce eligible student loan balances by 10%. Labour estimates that a regular public transport commuter could save around $1,300 annually. These are party estimates, not guaranteed savings. What this could mean for you: Potentially lower transport, healthcare and electricity expenses, especially if you regularly use public transport or healthcare services. One important detail: Labour proposes funding some healthcare commitments through a capital gains tax on investment and commercial property, excluding the family home, farms, businesses and KiwiSaver. Source: [Labour's official Cost of Living Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/2026-election-policy-summary-pages/cost-of-living-plan/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). [Labour's Cost of Living Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/2026-election-policy-summary-pages/cost-of-living-plan/) ### Green Party — stronger public services and redistribution ![Green Party NZ (@NZGreens) on X](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/xwoeA3rTn5Pu0UL1uRc6X_g8ADsfUTe55rxQEjXC_rnFR_6TPTr_9eG0LsowNOdFRtax24qB8h-LRfUtZEf42T0CC5OclOZ5katbFJAYxs0cZRyqDBlGNgF_8AV_5WTCbYonGIqLGuK095lLGrkBVw3L8vdsA06tLHVNuCJquuc?purpose=inline) Main approach: Make essential services more affordable and reduce financial inequality. Its proposals include: - Public transport: Free travel for children, students and some community card holders, with a $2 adult fare cap. - Groceries: Establish a publicly owned supermarket chain called KiwiMart, alongside other food affordability measures. - Electricity: Reduce household energy costs and support warm, healthy homes. - Healthcare: Expand access to affordable or free healthcare and dental services. - Income: Tax cuts for most people, funded partly through higher contributions from wealthy individuals and large corporations. - Food assistance: Increase food grants and support food banks. What this could mean for you: This approach may be attractive if you believe healthcare, transport, housing and food security should be more heavily supported by government. The trade-off is that some proposals involve substantial public spending and new taxes on wealth and high incomes. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[New Zealand election: Where political parties stand on Pasifika issues](https://asiapacificreport.nz/2026/10/27/new-zealand-election-where-political-parties-stand-on-pasifika-issues/)[Cost of Living Policy: Where NZ Parties Stand in 2026](https://whichparty.nz/topics/cost-of-living) ### ACT New Zealand — lower taxes and less regulation ![New Zealand Legislative Election Winner 2026 Odds | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/jofoEEdOXv6HOQzupGnQLgXlZKKPYTzvN6g4IUMlN6xdqX4l_qH5-Y0A3to5ytO5w95eGsg-WLInlnku5FmW0VEyKqhTiAqcZSbr_Z1e_uNyqacdq4zniDKhRNRugVUCsz1-CYpZeG4nO7sLuQKEQlQMBgJCAoyH3nC76yYHd6E?purpose=inline) Main approach: Reduce government costs, regulation and taxes, and encourage private businesses to compete. Its proposals include: - Income tax: A simpler, lower-tax system, including a proposed 28% top tax rate. - Government spending: Reduce government expenditure and bureaucracy. - Groceries: Make it easier for new supermarkets to enter the market. - Electricity: Encourage competition and reduce regulatory barriers. - Fuel: Reduce the impact of emissions-related costs through changes to the emissions trading system. What this could mean for you: You may benefit from lower taxes if you earn a higher income, and potentially from more business competition. However, reducing government spending can also mean fewer publicly funded services or less government assistance. [New Zealand election: Where political parties stand on Pasifika issues](https://asiapacificreport.nz/2026/10/27/new-zealand-election-where-political-parties-stand-on-pasifika-issues/)[Cost of Living Policy: Where NZ Parties Stand in 2026](https://whichparty.nz/topics/cost-of-living)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) ### New Zealand First — targeted assistance and lower essential costs ![New Zealand legislative election winner? Predictions & Od... 2026 | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/UmXClDd76aKEk_XyXfEEacFBHXO18HFMG1Im-weRm7tb64uGzBsRK3vWPXuiFN2zaWaNznb7eSDIJucKOhlXtwb6Lq-BYR6oxisKzHsWTxF5AsiLmtcNGDNtwCsXzgIuSp2vW4pa6pAda-tTriG23zKX1ZuknQ81HGh411pqRkM?purpose=inline) Main approach: Provide targeted financial support and intervene in markets where competition is limited. Its proposals include: - Working families: Make temporary increases to the in-work tax credit and Working for Families permanent, with a proposed extra $70 per week. - Minimum wage: Increase it by at least the rate of inflation. - Groceries: Break up the supermarket duopoly. - Electricity: Break up major power companies to encourage competition. - Petrol: Remove the emissions trading scheme component from petrol and diesel costs. What this could mean for you: Potentially more money for qualifying working families, particularly those with children, and an emphasis on reducing essential costs. Check the eligibility rules carefully: Working for Families and in-work tax credits are not universal payments for every employee. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Cost of Living Policy: Where NZ Parties Stand in 2026](https://whichparty.nz/topics/cost-of-living) ### Te Pāti Māori — significant income tax relief for lower earners ![Te Pāti Māori - Party for Party vote - NZ Election 2023 - Policy.nz](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/wTV9hxAOYzs4MX6hnGtj_ELeSR1VPbP9l046HOwhp2UZZtCfc8KwwZVB0-2n6Iinr3uWiRyM4dEa2cD5LOOtdlAjSgoNQ0gG9QXoJwemLTDmXMMEl5IUWheogu0GzYSG6_D0Qtx7eW7Xz-IH5QOBxQf00r7YeBj1geAzgX4aFok?purpose=inline) Main approach: Redistribute wealth and provide more direct financial support to lower- and middle-income households. Its proposals include: - Income tax: No income tax on the first $30,000 earned. - Food: Remove GST from food. - Food support: Introduce a tax credit for food purchases for people earning up to $60,000. - Wealth: Introduce a wealth tax on very high levels of wealth. - Housing: Increase investment in affordable housing and support for families. What this could mean for you: Potentially significant relief if you are on a low or middle income, particularly through changes to income tax and food costs. The trade-off is a larger role for government in redistributing wealth and funding public services. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Cost of Living Policy: Where NZ Parties Stand in 2026](https://whichparty.nz/topics/cost-of-living) ### The Opportunities Party (TOP) — reform the tax system ![](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KZ1zP60v_ZeHHj3ij4DA2sVh6oX86DHN4x_RGhm63IEKbj8P_3phlgxON0_dzBqruxZt_piBvLSwWYOzxGtRjeiBIDJnBczyBauAihY7VhbFruy9Xq4tPeGbXtvfFHap7T9ZV_eOqtHyttigv_yv7jT6ibug6IoPJMJnJ8SLOeE?purpose=inline) Main approach: Change how New Zealand taxes income and property, with the goal of making work pay better. Its proposals include: - Income tax: Tax reductions for workers, funded partly through a land value tax. - Public transport: Free public transport. - Employment: Better pay arrangements for care workers. - Healthcare and young people: Expanded support for younger people through its proposed Teal Deal. - KiwiSaver: Reform retirement savings and increase contributions over time. What this could mean for you: You could benefit from reduced income tax, particularly if you work and earn a modest income. However, a land value tax could affect people who own land or property. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Cost of Living Policy: Where NZ Parties Stand in 2026](https://whichparty.nz/topics/cost-of-living) ## 2. Quick comparison: Which household costs are parties targeting? | Everyday issue | Parties with prominent proposals | | --- | --- | | Groceries | Labour, Greens, National, NZ First, Te Pāti Māori | | Income tax relief | National, ACT, Te Pāti Māori, TOP | | Working-family payments | NZ First, Te Pāti Māori | | Public transport | Labour, Greens, TOP | | Petrol costs | Labour, NZ First, ACT | | Electricity bills | Labour, National, Greens, ACT | | Healthcare costs | Labour, Greens, Te Pāti Māori | | Housing affordability | National, Greens, Te Pāti Māori, TOP | | Higher wages and workers' rights | Labour, NZ First, Greens, TOP | This is a comparison of prominent announced proposals, not a complete list of each party's policies. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Labour's Cost of Living Plan](https://www.labour.org.nz/election-policy-pages/2026-election-policy-summary-pages/cost-of-living-plan/)[2026 Election Policy](https://www.national.org.nz/policies)[New Zealand election: Where political parties stand on Pasifika issues](https://asiapacificreport.nz/2026/10/27/new-zealand-election-where-political-parties-stand-on-pasifika-issues/) ## 3. Understanding how your vote works This is particularly important if you are new to New Zealand's political system. ![What is MMP? | Elections](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/fGyLdF5175sQZ34A3geECxp25yoSEWukKEJBNb4AMN6H5M72N5wI4vex8s3mflA5ZPc9Ee4gG-Gd8AJisQaoRnu6_NKI0hjuH8CocsGVAFSzK3dX1IMMjjET8sFVCdPFcQKx7bhOu-KAEP-lzrC2iGyem9SciX3YSX9CqhHvpt0?purpose=inline) [elections.nz](https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-new-zealands-system-of-government/what-is-mmp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Under MMP, you get two votes: 1. Party vote: You choose the political party you want represented in Parliament. This is generally the more influential vote when deciding how many seats each party receives. 2. Electorate vote: You choose the individual person you want to represent your local electorate. For example, you could vote: - Party vote: Green Party. - Electorate vote: A Labour candidate. You do not have to vote for the same party in both votes. A party generally needs 5% of the party vote or to win an electorate seat to enter Parliament. Parties may need to negotiate with other parties to form a government. Source: [Electoral Commission – How MMP works](https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-new-zealands-system-of-government/what-is-mmp?utm_source=chatgpt.com). [What happens in a general election?](https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/about-elections/what-happens-in-a-general-election)[What is MMP?](https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-new-zealands-system-of-government/what-is-mmp) ## 4. When is the 2026 election? 2026 New Zealand General Election Voting open # 7 November 2026 Saturday – Election Day Voting began on 26 October. Important enrolment deadline Enrolment for this election closed at midnight on 25 October 2026. If you were already enrolled, you can vote. If you missed the deadline, you cannot enrol for this particular election. Source: New Zealand Electoral Commission. [Official 2026 election information](https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/about/overview?utm_source=chatgpt.com) As a New Zealand citizen, you generally qualify to vote if you: - Are aged 18 or older. - Are a New Zealand citizen. - Have lived in New Zealand continuously for at least 12 months at some point in your life. - Are enrolled to vote. See [Official voting eligibility requirements](https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-ready-to-enrol/are-you-eligible-to-enrol-and-vote?utm_source=chatgpt.com). ## 5. How should you evaluate the parties? I would suggest looking beyond campaign slogans and asking these five questions. | Question | What to investigate | | --- | --- | | Will I take home more money? | Income tax, wages and family tax credits | | Will my bills become cheaper? | Groceries, petrol, power and transport | | Can I afford to live here? | Rent, mortgages and housing supply | | Can I access affordable services? | Doctors, prescriptions and childcare | | Is the plan financially realistic? | Taxes, borrowing, government spending and funding | One particularly important distinction: A tax cut is not necessarily the same as an improvement in your overall financial situation. For example, a government might reduce your income tax by $30 a week, but if your rent, electricity and grocery expenses increase by $50 a week, you are financially worse off. Equally, a government-funded service could save you more money than a small tax reduction. Also remember that election promises are not guarantees. A party needs enough parliamentary support, funding and the ability to pass legislation to implement them. ## 6. My suggestion: Compare policies against your own circumstances Rather than recommending a party immediately, I think it is more useful to compare their policies against the things that matter to your household. For example, if you are a working person who pays rent, buys groceries, pays electricity bills and travels to work, the most relevant policies might be: - Income tax reductions. - Minimum wage and employment conditions. - Grocery affordability. - Rent and housing policies. - Public transport and petrol costs. - Electricity prices. There is no requirement to support the party that appeals to other people, or the party that you supported in your country of birth. You can make your own decision based on New Zealand's circumstances. Two useful independent resources: - [The Conversation – 2026 election policy tracker](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com): Compare announced policies across seven parties. - [Elections NZ – Understanding MMP](https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-new-zealands-system-of-government/what-is-mmp?utm_source=chatgpt.com): Learn how your votes influence Parliament. ## Let's make the comparison more relevant to your working life I can help you compare the parties based on your actual priorities, without telling you which party to vote for. One useful starting point is understanding your household situation. What best describes your current working and living situation in New Zealand? I can then prepare a straightforward comparison showing which policies could put more money in your pocket, which might reduce your expenses, and what the possible disadvantages are. ## Gemini Answer ID: 69c9aa31-67d0-45a3-9f45-20f17a8702b0 Congratulations on becoming a New Zealand citizen and stepping into your right to vote! Navigating a new political system while managing everyday living costs as a working household is a significant milestone. Different political parties propose distinct solutions to ease financial pressures on working households, focusing primarily on income tax adjustments, family support, wages, and the cost of essential services. --- ### Key Party Approaches for Working Households Different parties approach the cost-of-living squeeze through varying philosophies on taxation, support structures, and wages: * **National (Incumbent Government/Center-Right):** * **Focus:** Emphasizes a "no new taxes" approach, aiming to control inflation through broader economic settings, business investment incentives, and avoiding new capital or wealth taxes. * **Working Households Impact:** Relies on maintaining a stable tax environment and existing settings to encourage job security and business growth rather than large structural tax overhauls. * **Labour (Center-Left):** * **Focus:** Proposes targeted cost-of-living relief through public services and small business support. Their platform includes policies such as free doctor’s visits, free prescriptions, a public transport fare cap, and a Small Business Action Plan to reduce compliance and cash-flow costs. * **Tax Component:** Proposes a 28% capital gains tax on residential investment and commercial property (excluding the family home), with revenue ring-fenced for health. * **New Zealand First:** * **Focus:** Targeted heavily toward working families and wage protection. They have proposed a significant $120 weekly increase to the In-Work Tax Credit (part of Working for Families) for eligible working households, alongside a commitment to keeping minimum wage increases tied to inflation. * **Green Party & Te Pāti Māori (Left/Progressive):** * **Focus:** Propose shifting the tax burden away from low- and middle-income earners toward wealth and larger corporations. * **Working Households Impact:** Both parties propose introducing a tax-free personal income threshold (e.g., the first $10,000 earned tax-free under the Greens), paired with wealth or land taxes, to fund public services and put more cash back into lower- and middle-income pay packets. * **ACT (Center-Right/Libertarian):** * **Focus:** Focuses on reducing government spending to facilitate broader personal income tax cuts and regulatory reform, arguing that lower public spending allows for more meaningful tax relief across the board. --- ### Understanding the New Zealand Voting System Since this is your first election, it helps to know how your vote translates into Parliament: * **Mixed Member Proportional (MMP):** In New Zealand, you have **two votes**: 1. **Party Vote:** This is the most important vote for determining the overall proportion of seats each party gets in Parliament, which ultimately decides who forms the government. 2. **Electorate Vote:** This votes for your local Member of Parliament (MP) to represent your specific region. --- ## Google AI Mode Answer ID: c4c1449f-9c7f-4a9e-bc83-1308819e2607 Congratulations on becoming a New Zealand citizen and taking part in your first general election! The 2026 New Zealand general election takes place on **Saturday, 7 November 2026**. Navigating a new political system—especially with English as an additional language—can feel overwhelming. To help you get your bearings, here is an overview of how the system works and what major political parties are proposing regarding everyday living costs for working households, based on their policy platforms and manifestos reported by outlets like [Radio New Zealand (RNZ)](https://www.rnz.co.nz) and [Policy.nz](https://policy.nz). * * * Understanding the System: Your Vote New Zealand uses a system called **Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)**. When you vote, you generally have two votes: 1. **Party Vote:** This is the most powerful vote in determining the overall composition of Parliament. It decides the proportion of seats each political party gets. 2. **Electorate Vote:** This elects the specific Member of Parliament (MP) for your local area. To explore all parties and compare their positions side-by-side on an interactive platform, you can visit Policy.nz. Official voting logistics and rules are managed by the [Electoral Commission (Elections NZ)](https://elections.nz). * * * What Parties Are Proposing on Everyday Living Costs Different parties focus on different levers—such as electricity markets, taxation, transport, and household bills—to ease pressure on working families. * **New Zealand Labour Party:** According to their released 2026 manifesto coverage by [RNZ](https://www.rnz.co.nz), Labour is framing the cost of living as its central priority. Their proposals for household relief include: * Reforming and reviewing the structural makeup of the electricity market within the first 100 days to lower household power bills. * Capping public transport fares and assisting with upfront solar installation costs to reduce ongoing energy expenses. * Banning perceived price gouging by large corporations (such as supermarkets) and providing three free GP visits a year to lower healthcare costs. * Restoring pay equity legislation and worker protections. * **The National Party (Incumbent Government):** National's approach has centered on economic management, adjusting tax brackets to ease income pressure, and growing business activity to create jobs, while arguing that fiscal restraint is necessary to bring down inflation and general costs. (You can look up specific updates on their platform via Policy.nz). * **Green Party / ACT / NZ First / Other Parties:** * **Green Party:** Frequently proposes making public transport free, introducing income support shifts or tax-free thresholds on initial earnings, and market interventions on essential utilities. * **ACT New Zealand:** Generally focuses on reducing government spending, cutting red tape for business competition (like supermarket approvals), and opposing new taxes to stimulate affordability through a leaner economy. * **New Zealand First:** Emphasises protecting domestic manufacturing, supporting local industries, and scrutinising immigration or foreign ownership impacts on infrastructure and housing. Next Steps * To see how these policies affect your specific household budget, you can cross-reference party manifestos on Policy.nz. * Check out [Elections NZ](https://elections.nz) to find local voting places and confirm final advance voting or election day details. ## AI Overviews Answer ID: 75a3ebad-e1de-45c5-9674-a3e86e1701a0 Congratulations on becoming a New Zealand citizen! 🇳🇿 In New Zealand’s **Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)** voting system, you get two votes: a **Party Vote** (for the political party you want in Parliament) and an **Electorate Vote** (for the local person representing your area). waateanews.comELECTION 2026: WINSTON PETERS IN THE HOT SEAT AS NZ FIRST FIGHTS FOR INFLUENCE IN THE NEXT GOVERNMENTEnrol and vote in an election The **2026 general election** takes place on **Saturday, 7 November 2026**. Because the cost of living is the biggest issue for voters, the major parties have put forward very different strategies to help working households manage everyday expenses. rnz.co.nzElection '26: Cost of living continues to be NZers' top concern | RNZ2026 New Zealand General ElectionNew residents in New Zealand: Are you eligible to vote in the$5000 BACK IN YOUR POCKET? Greens Promise Major Cost * * * Comparison of Party Approaches to Living Costs To help you compare, the parties generally fall into two main strategies: **lowering costs by shrinking government spending and taxes** vs. **lowering costs by expanding public discounts, subsidies, and wages**. facebook.comCarmel Sepuloni on election cost of living in NZ - FacebookCost of Living Policy: Where NZ Parties Stand in 2026 Political Party| Tax & Wage Strategy| Key Everyday Cost Proposals ---|---|--- **National** _(Current governing party)_| **Tax relief** through tax-bracket adjustments and targeted tax credits. Opposes tax increases.| • Focuses on lowering regulations to help businesses lower shelf prices. • Targets supermarket competition by backing a one-stop consenting body for new chains. • Focuses on infrastructure and energy investment to lower costs over time. **Labour** _(Main opposition party)_| **Wage protection** : Proposes restoring pay equity deals and banning "total-remuneration" contracts (ensuring your KiwiSaver employer match is truly extra pay).| • **Healthcare:** 3 free doctor (GP) visits a year and free prescriptions. • **Transport:** A $20 weekly cap on public transport fares and a 3-year fuel tax freeze. • **Power & Groceries:** Reviewing the electricity market to lower bills and banning supermarket price gouging. **Green Party**| **Wealth Tax:** Proposes higher taxes on top earners and wealth to fund direct support for low- and middle-income families.| • **Power:** Promises free rooftop solar installations to save families money on electricity. • **Everyday Bills:** Proposes lowering costs on groceries, public transport, and school lunches, estimating up to $5,000 in annual household savings. **ACT**| **Lower Taxes:** Proposes aggressive tax cuts funded by shrinking the size of government and reducing public spending.| • **Wages:** Proposes freezing the minimum wage for 3 years to help businesses keep costs down. • **Housing:** Fast-tracking building consents to lower overall property development and rental pressures. **New Zealand First**| **Inflation-Matched Wages:** Guarantees that the minimum wage will increase every year in line with inflation. Opposes tax increases.| • **Family Support:** Proposes a major **$120 a week boost** to Working for Families payments. • **Power & Food:** Proposes breaking up "gentailer" energy monopolies and splitting up the supermarket duopoly to force prices down. * * * What to Consider for Your Household When choosing which option fits you best, consider how these differences impact your specific budget: * **The Tax vs. Service Trade-off:** Parties like **National** and **ACT** believe letting you keep more of your paycheck through tax cuts is the best path. Parties like **Labour** and the **Greens** argue that direct discounts on public services (like transport, solar power, and medicine) provide more stable relief. labour.org.nzLabour's Cost of Living Plan - NZ Labour * **Market Intervention:** **NZ First** , **Labour** , and the **Greens** favor heavy government intervention—such as restricting how supermarkets price food or restructuring the electricity market. **National** and **ACT** prefer letting the free market drive competition naturally by removing red tape. stories.theconversation.comElection policy tracker: what the parties are promisingWhich party's economic plan would leave you better off? | TheLabour unveils 2026 election manifesto with cost of living focusNZ Party Policies 2026 & Property Impacts Your Next Steps as a Voter 1. **Check Your Enrolment:** Ensure your current home address is up to date on the [Electoral Commission Website (vote.nz)](https://vote.nz/). 2. **Advance Voting:** If you want to avoid crowds on Election Day, **Advance Voting opens on Monday, 26 October 2026**. You can walk into any local voting center to cast your vote. 3. **Language Support:** Voting centers provide simplified guides and staff to assist voters who use English as a second language. govt.nz