Track record / Promises
Work in progress

What the last two governments promised, and what happened

Each card is a written promise, quoted word for word from the government's own Speech from the Throne, its statement of what it would do that term, with what it did about it. Both governments are checked against the same six statuses, using legislation, official data and Budget documents. There is no overall score: promises differ hugely in size, and a single number would hide that.

So far 30 promises from each government are checked. More are added in batches by the same rule.

Which promises are here, and how they were picked

This is a sample, not every promise either government made. Each government's promises come from its Speech from the Throne, the statement of what it would do in the term that it gives when Parliament opens. Every statement in each speech where the government says it will do something is listed below, one line per action. A commitment counts when it names something that can be checked as done or not (a law, a body, a scheme, a payment, a number or a date) and was due within the term; carrying on what it was already doing, vague aims, and goals due after the term are listed but left out.

When one sentence holds several commitments, a card quotes only the one it checks, with "…" in place of the others, and judges that one alone. The evidence on each card is what happened: laws, official data, Budget documents and reports. Arguments for or against the policy itself are left out, because the card asks whether the promise was kept, not whether it was a good idea.

From the commitments that count, the same number is checked for each government, spread evenly through each speech, so each speech's topics are covered in proportion. Nobody picks which promises are checked. More are added in later batches by the same rule, and the earlier ones stay. Once a promise is picked it stays picked: if the list of commitments is corrected later, which moves the even spacing, the promises already picked aren't swapped for others, and each list below says when its picks were made.

"Dropped in coalition talks" means a party promised something before the election but the coalition agreement left it out. That is counted apart from a promise the government made and then didn't keep. It can only apply to a government formed by coalition talks.

The National–ACT–NZ First government is still in office, so some of its promises are "In progress". Labour's term is over, so each of its promises is judged as it stood when that government left office, and none can be in progress.

The counts below describe only the promises on this page.

Labour government, 2020–23

Labour Labour governed alone after winning a majority, with a cooperation agreement with the Green Party.

Delivered
16
Partly delivered
11
In progress
0
Not delivered
3
Reversed or abandoned
0
Promises shown
30
Every commitment in the speech (51 counted, 30 checked)

From Speech from the throne, in the speech's order.

Batch 1 (10 promises) was picked on 17 Oct 2026, when 46 commitments counted, at positions 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 24, 28, 33, 37, 42. Corrections to this list since then don't move promises already picked; later batches are picked from the list as it stands when they are.

Batch 2 (10 promises) was picked on 18 Oct 2026, when 50 commitments counted, at positions 1, 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, 33, 38, 43, 48. Corrections to this list since then don't move promises already picked; later batches are picked from the list as it stands when they are.

Batch 3 (10 promises) was picked on 19 Oct 2026, when 51 commitments counted, at positions 4, 6, 11, 12, 18, 23, 26, 31, 36, 41. Corrections to this list since then don't move promises already picked; later batches are picked from the list as it stands when they are.

  1. –“This agreement commits the Government to working in the best interests of New Zealand and New Zealanders…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  2. –“But this Government is committed to relentlessly pursuing progress.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  3. –“The government means to build on the foundations laid in the first term.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  4. –“The Labour Government will have three overarching objectives…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  5. –“The programme outlined today seeks to make the most of our head start.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  6. –“The first objective of the Government will be to keep New Zealanders safe from COVID.…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  7. –“The Government remains committed to a strategy of elimination…” COVID-19 · Left out: continues existing work
  8. –“but will always remain open to evolving ways of achieving it…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  9. –“we will continue to innovate and learn…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  10. –“The Government will retain and enhance the multiple lines of defence to keep COVID at bay…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  11. –“The Government will continue to strengthen border protections.…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  12. –“Testing, infection control procedures, and professional and quality staffing will remain cornerstones of the response.…” COVID-19 · Left out: continues existing work
  13. –“the Government will look for opportunities for freer travel…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  14. 1“Planning for quarantine free travel zones is currently underway with the Cook Islands, Niue and Australia.…” COVID-19 · Checked: Delivered
  15. –“We will look to continue to advance these opportunities…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  16. –“We will continue to welcome New Zealanders home.…” COVID-19 · Left out: continues existing work
  17. –“We will also create opportunities for businesses to access the skills they need.…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  18. 2“The Government will ensure that up to 10 percent of places in our managed isolation facilities are u…” COVID-19 · Checked: Partly delivered
  19. –“The Government will continue to enhance the next layer of defence, our contact tracing and testing s…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  20. –“investment in ongoing technical enhancements to the COVID Tracer App…” COVID-19 · Part of the commitment above
  21. –“This term we will look for opportunities to take advantage of developments in technology…” COVID-19 · Left out: not specific enough to check
  22. 3“the Government is working to deliver effective and free vaccines to New Zealanders…” COVID-19 · Checked: Delivered
  23. –“This will be a central focus for the Government next year.…” COVID-19 · Part of the commitment above
  24. 4“The Government is working hard to secure supply for New Zealand…” COVID-19 · Checked: Delivered
  25. 5“design an immunisation programme to support distribution in New Zealand…” COVID-19 · Specific commitment
  26. –“It will now be accelerated as the plans for recovery set out in Labour’s election manifesto are implemented.…” Economy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  27. –“New Zealand will be cushioned from that slump by the Government’s five point economic plan to foster jobs and growth…” Economy · Left out: continues existing work
  28. –“$42 billion of infrastructure investment to future proof the economy…” Economy · Part of the commitment above
  29. 6“Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will receive $9.6 billion to invest in new roads and public transpor…” Transport · Checked: Partly delivered
  30. 7“building new schools and classrooms for 100,000 students…” Education · Specific commitment
  31. 8“starting the planned upgrade of around 180 schools right across the country over the next 10 years…” Education · Checked: Delivered
  32. 9“new hospital facilities in Dunedin, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Auckland and Counties Manukau…” Health · Checked: Partly delivered
  33. 10“Kainga Ora will invest $9.8 billion across the next four years…” Housing · Specific commitment
  34. 11“a total of 18,000 public and transitional homes…” Housing · Checked: Partly delivered
  35. 12“The Three Waters programme will see a $710 million investment to initiate an overhaul of the nation…” Infrastructure · Checked: Partly delivered
  36. –“These investments in housing, transport, schools and hospitals will help future proof our economy…” Infrastructure · Part of the commitment above
  37. –“It also provides a pipeline of work that will provide businesses with confidence and certainty…” Infrastructure · Part of the commitment above
  38. 13“over 150 smaller community infrastructure projects will roll out over the coming months…” Infrastructure · Checked: Partly delivered
  39. –“The Government will invest in community projects like pools and stadiums, local fire stations and…” Infrastructure · Part of the commitment above
  40. –“It will create jobs by making it easier to deliver construction projects…” Planning · Left out: not specific enough to check
  41. 14“The Government will ensure that New Zealand's resource management system is fit for the future by…” Resource management · Checked: Partly delivered
  42. –“In the first six months of 2021 the Government intends to release an exposure draft of key elements…” Resource management · Part of the commitment above
  43. 15“The Government will also complete the reform of the vocational education system.…” Education · Specific commitment
  44. –“and will work alongside industry to help provide for that but it will, as a priority and a starting point, seek to develop New Zealand workforces…” Jobs · Left out: not specific enough to check
  45. –“The Government will remain focused on creating opportunities for people to get back into work.…” Employment · Left out: not specific enough to check
  46. –“and our focus will ensure our recovery responds to that…” Jobs · Part of the commitment above
  47. 16“The Government will reinstate the Training Incentive Allowance to assist sole-parents, disabled…” Welfare · Specific commitment
  48. –“It will continue the successful Mana in Mahi and He Poutama Rangatahi programmes…” Employment · Left out: continues existing work
  49. –“It will also continue to rollout Tupu Aotearoa's expansion across the regions…” Employment · Left out: continues existing work
  50. –“and provide wraparound support for Pacific communities to secure sustainable employment…” Jobs · Left out: not specific enough to check
  51. 17“The government will lift abatement thresholds to ensure that people are not punished by transitioning…” Welfare · Checked: Delivered
  52. 18“funding up to an additional 40,000 New Zealanders into work through the Flexi-wage programme…” Employment · Checked: Partly delivered
  53. –“the Government will remain focused on growing the incomes and wages of…” Work and wages · Left out: not specific enough to check
  54. 19“It will increase the minimum wage to $20 per hour next year…” Work and wages · Checked: Delivered
  55. 20“extend Living Wage guarantees to cleaning, catering and security guards…” Work and wages · Specific commitment
  56. 21“implement Fair Pay Agreements to set minimum standards for pay and conditions…” Work and wages · Specific commitment
  57. 22“extend sick leave provisions…” Work and wages · Checked: Delivered
  58. –“The Government will leverage our successful COVID response to position New Zealand globally…” Trade · Left out: not specific enough to check
  59. –“The Government will pursue high quality and comprehensive trade agreements that diversify our trade…” Trade · Left out: not specific enough to check
  60. 23“It will continue to open new opportunities, including through trade deals with the EU and the UK…” Trade · Checked: Partly delivered
  61. 24“expanding the CPTPP and the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement…” Trade · Checked: Partly delivered
  62. –“The Government will continue to progress our trade relationship with the United States…” Trade · Left out: not specific enough to check
  63. –“The New Zealand Government will continue to support New Zealand exporters doing business with China.…” Trade · Left out: not specific enough to check
  64. 25“The Pacific regional trade and development agreement PACER Plus will enter into force in December this year.…” Trade · Specific commitment
  65. –“It will make trade easier, will grow jobs, boost sustainable economic growth…” Trade · Part of the commitment above
  66. 26“In the Indo-Pacific region, the Government will work to implement the signing of RCEP…” Trade · Checked: Delivered
  67. 27“chairing APEC in 2021…” Trade · Specific commitment
  68. –“The Government will work with industry through Industry Transformation Plans…” Business · Left out: continues existing work
  69. –“It will continue its investment in innovation, including through the research and development tax cr…” Business · Left out: continues existing work
  70. –“It will work to implement the primary sector roadmap Fit For a Better World…” Primary sector · Left out: continues existing work
  71. –“It will work to support our tourism sector in its transition to a sustainable, low carbon, high skil…” Business · Left out: not specific enough to check
  72. 28“It will expand the Innovative Partnerships programme and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise's dedicated…” Business · Specific commitment
  73. –“The Government will continue to support small businesses with practical support.…” Business · Left out: not specific enough to check
  74. –“tackling barriers to innovation and growth as identified by the Small Business Council…” Business · Left out: not specific enough to check
  75. –“investigate permanent financing for smaller businesses…” Business · Left out: not specific enough to check
  76. 29“The Government will regulate Merchant Service Fees to reduce costs on retailers…” Business · Checked: Delivered
  77. 30“a new Digital Training programme…” Business · Specific commitment
  78. –“The new Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications will work with the technology sector…” Business · Left out: not specific enough to check
  79. –“The Government is committed to the shift away from fossil fuels…” Energy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  80. –“It is a shift that will create jobs, improve the environment…” Energy · Part of the commitment above
  81. –“This term the Government will lay the foundation for the electrification of New Zealand’s economy…” Energy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  82. –“bringing forward our 100% renewable electricity target to 2030…” Energy · Left out: due after the term ends
  83. 31“prohibit the building of new thermal baseload electricity…” Energy · Checked: Not delivered
  84. –“investigate dry year storage options such as pumped hydro…” Energy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  85. –“invest in emerging technologies like green hydrogen…” Energy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  86. 32“It will remove barriers to renewable energy generation through a National Policy Statement…” Energy · Specific commitment
  87. –“investigate regulatory or market barriers to the uptake of solar micro-generation…” Energy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  88. –“The Government will invest in electrifying and decarbonising industrial and process heat…” Climate · Left out: not specific enough to check
  89. 33“preventing the installation of new low and medium temperature coal-fired boilers…” Climate · Checked: Delivered
  90. –“supporting businesses to replace fossil fuels in industrial heat processes by connecting to the grid…” Energy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  91. 34“The Government will implement the recommendations of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor…” Environment · Specific commitment
  92. 35“phasing out hard to recycle single-use plastic items…” Environment · Checked: Partly delivered
  93. 36“a Plastics Innovation Fund…” Environment · Checked: Delivered
  94. –“It will also invest in waste infrastructure and projects to enable more efficient recycling…” Environment · Left out: not specific enough to check
  95. 37“establish regulated product stewardship schemes for priority products…” Environment · Specific commitment
  96. –“The Government will continue to ensure vital public services are supported, while keeping a lid on d…” Public finances · Left out: not specific enough to check
  97. –“Investments to accelerate the recovery will be prioritised.…” Public finances · Left out: not specific enough to check
  98. –“Ensuring our health and education systems continue to be supported will also be a priority.…” Public finances · Left out: not specific enough to check
  99. 38“implementing the Government response to the Health and Disability System review…” Health · Specific commitment
  100. –“Initial decisions on policy will be taken in 2021.…” Health · Part of the commitment above
  101. –“Wellbeing will continue to be a priority for Government this term…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  102. –“That action can, and will, be used to reshape the economy…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  103. –“Over the next term it will place a particular focus on sustainability, and pursuing carbon neutrality.…” Climate · Left out: not specific enough to check
  104. 39“The Government will respond to the first set of Climate Budgets recommended by the Climate Commissio…” Climate · Checked: Delivered
  105. –“The Government will take steps to decarbonise the transport fleet.…” Climate · Left out: not specific enough to check
  106. 40“It will introduce vehicle emissions standards for imported vehicles…” Climate · Checked: Delivered
  107. –“incentivise and accelerate the uptake of electric and other low emission vehicles…” Climate · Left out: not specific enough to check
  108. 41“increasing the Low Emissions Vehicles Contestable Fund…” Climate · Checked: Delivered
  109. –“it will prioritise investment in public transport, walking and cycling…” Transport · Left out: not specific enough to check
  110. –“implement region-specific plans to increase the number of people using public transport…” Transport · Left out: not specific enough to check
  111. –“require only zero emissions buses to be purchased by 2025…” Transport · Left out: due after the term ends
  112. –“decarbonise the public transport bus fleet by 2035…” Transport · Left out: due after the term ends
  113. –“This will create real value for our exports and is a core part of our New Zealand brand.…” Primary sector · Left out: not specific enough to check
  114. –“The Government will bolster these efforts through increased investment in world leading research…” Primary sector · Left out: not specific enough to check
  115. –“support farmers to use integrated farm plans…” Primary sector · Left out: not specific enough to check
  116. –“The Government will continue the work from last term that has already seen improvements to the weekly…” Welfare · Left out: continues existing work
  117. –“The Government will continue the overhaul of the welfare system, building on the changes already mad…” Welfare · Left out: continues existing work
  118. 42“It will extend the Free and Healthy Lunch programme to cover 200,000 students…” Education · Specific commitment
  119. 43“add 20 more mobile dental clinics…” Health · Checked: Not delivered
  120. 44“It will roll out mental health support to all primary and intermediate school age students…” Health · Specific commitment
  121. –“continue to roll out nurses in secondary schools…” Health · Left out: continues existing work
  122. –“It will continue to tackle the prevalence of rheumatic fever…” Health · Left out: not specific enough to check
  123. 45“expanding the Healthy Homes Initiative to every DHB around the country…” Housing · Checked: Delivered
  124. –“A focus on housing will be a priority for this Government.…” Housing · Left out: not specific enough to check
  125. –“will require the Government to continue its focus on this issue…” Housing · Left out: not specific enough to check
  126. –“This will not change.…” Housing · Left out: continues existing work
  127. 46“The Government will review its housing settings…” Housing · Specific commitment
  128. –“implementing policies that improve access to the housing market for first home buyers…” Housing · Part of the commitment above
  129. –“continue to focus on homelessness…” Housing · Left out: not specific enough to check
  130. –“implementing the Homelessness Action Plan…” Housing · Left out: continues existing work
  131. 47“review and enhance the Tenancy Tribunal…” Housing · Specific commitment
  132. 48“regulate property managers…” Housing · Checked: Not delivered
  133. 49“increase funding to proactively monitor compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards…” Housing · Specific commitment
  134. –“In each of these areas, climate, child poverty, and housing, the Government will be guided by its values…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  135. –“continue to strengthen social inclusion in New Zealand…” Communities · Left out: not specific enough to check
  136. 50“prepare to receive and respond to the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry…” Justice · Checked: Delivered
  137. –“Imbalances and deprivation can be recognised and remedied and this Government is determined to do so.…” Wellbeing · Left out: not specific enough to check
  138. –“strengthen the Māori-Crown relationship…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: not specific enough to check
  139. –“continue to work to settle historic Treaty of Waitangi claims…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: continues existing work
  140. 51“make Matariki a public holiday…” Māori–Crown relations · Specific commitment
  141. –“ensure Oranga Tamariki partners with iwi, hapū, and Māori organisations…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: not specific enough to check
  142. –“strengthen Māori housing outcomes through collaborative partnerships…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: not specific enough to check
  143. –“support Whānau Māori enterprise and opportunities through a progressive procurement policy…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: not specific enough to check
  144. –“continue to invest in Whānau Ora…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: continues existing work
  145. –“support other agencies to implement the Whānau Ora model…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: not specific enough to check
  146. –“continue whānau-centred pathways to break the cycle of Māori reoffending…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: continues existing work
  147. –“work with other Māori organisations like Te Kōhanga Reo…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: not specific enough to check
  148. –“look at ways we can expand the Whānau Ora model into communities…” Māori–Crown relations · Left out: not specific enough to check
  149. –“It is the Government’s aim to achieve change alongside consensus.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  150. –“That is why it has committed to being a Government that will govern for all New Zealanders.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  151. –“But it does mean it will have a focus on the things that matter most.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  152. –“It means it will be listening to New Zealanders, being pragmatic, doing the things it said it would do…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  153. –“We can recover and we will recover.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  154. –“This government’s mission is to make it so.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

ACTNationalNZ First A coalition formed under two agreements: National with ACT, and National with NZ First.

Delivered
15
Partly delivered
2
In progress
11
Not delivered
1
Reversed or abandoned
1
Dropped in coalition talks
0
Promises shown
30
Every commitment in the speech (89 counted, 30 checked)

From Speech From the Throne, in the speech's order.

Batch 1 (10 promises) was picked on 17 Oct 2026, when 87 commitments counted, at positions 1, 9, 18, 27, 35, 44, 53, 61, 70, 79. Corrections to this list since then don't move promises already picked; later batches are picked from the list as it stands when they are.

Batch 2 (10 promises) was picked on 18 Oct 2026, when 89 commitments counted, at positions 5, 14, 23, 32, 41, 49, 58, 67, 76, 85. Corrections to this list since then don't move promises already picked; later batches are picked from the list as it stands when they are.

Batch 3 (10 promises) was picked on 19 Oct 2026, when 89 commitments counted, at positions 3, 12, 18, 24, 30, 42, 51, 60, 69, 78. Corrections to this list since then don't move promises already picked; later batches are picked from the list as it stands when they are.

  1. –“it is the people outside Parliament who will be the Government’s priority in decisions made over the next three years…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  2. –“The new Government is committed to delivering; to getting things done.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  3. –“The Government will work alongside local government, businesses, community groups and iwi…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  4. –“The Government’s aim is to improve outcomes for all New Zealanders, while leading a unified and confident country.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  5. –“The Government will encourage independence and reward hard work…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  6. –“The new Government will show its respect for New Zealanders by spending public money carefully…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  7. –“The Government has many priorities and among them are rebuilding the economy to ease the cost of living…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  8. –“The Government will restore law and order and personal responsibility…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  9. –“It will deliver public services so they are more efficient, effective and responsive…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  10. –“The Government will also strengthen New Zealand’s democracy.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  11. –“Its policy programme will be extensive and ambitious…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  12. –“managing a strong economy will be a key focus for the next three years…” Economy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  13. –“Restoring discipline to government spending will help the Government achieve its fiscal plan…” Public finances · Left out: not specific enough to check
  14. 1“The Government will reduce Core Crown expenditure as a proportion of the overall economy…” Public finances · Checked: In progress
  15. –“with savings in government agencies targeted to deliver tax relief for hard-working, low-and-middle-income workers…” Public finances · Part of the commitment above
  16. –“These savings will be informed by the increase in back-office head counts in each agency since 2017…” Public finances · Part of the commitment above
  17. –“but Ministers will be expected to work with individual chief executives to achieve their respective savings targets…” Public finances · Part of the commitment above
  18. 2“The Government will amend it within 100 days so monetary policy is quickly returned to having a…” Economy · Specific commitment
  19. 3“A new government department, reporting to the Minister for Regulation, will be established to assess…” Regulation · Checked: Delivered
  20. 4“A Regulatory Standards Bill will be passed to ensure regulatory decisions are based on principles…” Regulation · Specific commitment
  21. 5“the Government will also stop work on Industry Transformation Plans, the costly Income Insurance Scheme, Auckland’s Light Rail project, and Let’s Get Wellington Moving…” Economy · Checked: Delivered
  22. –“Reducing wasteful spending will contribute to taking pressure off inflation.…” Cost of living · Left out: not specific enough to check
  23. –“Tax relief targeted at middle and lower-income workers will be of practical help to households.…” Cost of living · Left out: not specific enough to check
  24. –“It will meet the Government’s objectives of encouraging people into employment…” Cost of living · Left out: not specific enough to check
  25. 6“The Government will provide income tax relief to compensate for the increase in the cost of living…” Tax · Specific commitment
  26. 7“increase Working for Families tax credits…” Tax · Specific commitment
  27. 8“introduce the FamilyBoost tax credit to support young families with the cost of childcare…” Tax · Specific commitment
  28. 9“widen eligibility for the independent earner tax credit…” Tax · Checked: Delivered
  29. –“These changes will see a median wage earner better off by at least $50 a fortnight…” Tax · Part of the commitment above
  30. 10“Mortgage interest deductibility for rental properties will be restored.…” Tax · Specific commitment
  31. 11“the Government will cancel planned fuel tax increases…” Transport · Specific commitment
  32. 12“removing the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax…” Transport · Checked: Delivered
  33. 13“Funds raised from the Emissions Trading Scheme will be paid back to taxpayers through a climate…” Climate · Specific commitment
  34. –“They will no longer be used to unnecessarily subsidise the climate initiatives of profitable…” Climate · Part of the commitment above
  35. 14“The Government will re-write the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act to protect vulnerable…” Economy · Checked: Delivered
  36. 15“A select committee inquiry will be held into banking competition…” Economy · Specific commitment
  37. –“the Government will explore options to strengthen the powers of the Grocery Commissioner…” Economy · Left out: not specific enough to check
  38. 16“the Government will train no fewer than 500 new frontline Police within the first two years…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  39. 17“The Government will introduce legislation to provide Police with additional powers to tackle gangs.…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  40. 18“Ban gang patches and insignia in public places…” Law and order · Checked: Delivered
  41. 19“Give Police the power to issue dispersal notices requiring gang members to immediately leave a public area…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  42. 20“Allow Police to issue Consorting Prohibition Notices to stop known gang offenders committing serious offences…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  43. 21“Give Police power to issue Firearms Prohibition Orders…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  44. 22“the Sentencing Act will be amended…” Law and order · Checked: Delivered
  45. –“This will include making gang membership an aggravating factor in sentencing.…” Law and order · Part of the commitment above
  46. 23“The “three strikes” rule for serious repeat criminals will be restored, with a tighter definition of…” Law and order · Checked: Partly delivered
  47. 24“the Government will create a new Young Serious Offender category…” Law and order · Checked: In progress
  48. 25“establish Young Offender Military Academies…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  49. 26“over the term of this Parliament, the Government will increase the number of trained Youth Aid officers…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  50. –“will consider a Youth Justice Demerit Point system…” Law and order · Left out: not specific enough to check
  51. 27“Funding will be increased for the Department of Corrections to ensure there is sufficient prison cap…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  52. 28“prison officers will be equipped with body cameras and protective equipment…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  53. 29“Firearms legislation will be reviewed, including rewriting the Arms Act 1983…” Law and order · Specific commitment
  54. 30“The Firearms Registry will be reviewed to see whether it is improving public safety.…” Law and order · Checked: Delivered
  55. 31“Targets will be set for important measures – like wait times in hospitals and waiting times for canc…” Public services · Checked: Delivered
  56. –“These will help focus resources on the Government’s priorities…” Public services · Part of the commitment above
  57. 32“The pay of public sector chief executives and their deputies will be linked to outcomes…” Public services · Checked: In progress
  58. –“This Government will not stand by as cohorts of young people see their life horizons shrink…” Education · Left out: not specific enough to check
  59. 33“The Government will require every primary and intermediate class to be taught an hour of reading…” Education · Specific commitment
  60. 34“the curriculum will be rewritten with clear requirements on what needs to be covere…” Education · Specific commitment
  61. –“the curriculum will be focused on academic achievement, not ideology…” Education · Left out: not specific enough to check
  62. 35“Student progress will be regularly assessed.…” Education · Specific commitment
  63. 36“Cellphones will be banned in classes.…” Education · Specific commitment
  64. 37“Every child will be taught to read using a structured literacy approach.…” Education · Specific commitment
  65. 38“Partnership schools will be reintroduced…” Education · Specific commitment
  66. 39“state schools will be allowed to become partnership schools…” Education · Checked: Delivered
  67. –“Further options to increase school choice and expand access to integrated and independent schools…” Education · Left out: not specific enough to check
  68. 40“Te Pūkenga will be disestablished with control over polytechnics restored to…” Education · Specific commitment
  69. 41“The first-year fees-free policy for tertiary education will be replaced with a final-year fees-…” Education · Checked: Reversed or abandoned
  70. 42“the government will establish a system to pay their student loan repayments,…” Health · Checked: Not delivered
  71. 43“the Government will increase the number of doctors, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists…” Health · Specific commitment
  72. 44“The Government will undertake a cost benefit analysis on the proposed third medical school…” Health · Specific commitment
  73. 45“To support the health workforce in hospital emergency departments, security will be increased.…” Health · Specific commitment
  74. 46“invest $280m over four years to fund 13 cancer treatments…” Health · Specific commitment
  75. 47“Free breast cancer screening will be extended up to 74 years of age.…” Health · Specific commitment
  76. 48“Pharmac will be required to take the voice of patients into account in making decisions…” Health · Checked: Partly delivered
  77. 49“and its funding model will be reformed.…” Health · Checked: In progress
  78. 50“requiring Medsafe to approve within 30 days…” Health · Specific commitment
  79. 51“a new entitlement will be introduced to enable every mother…” Health · Checked: In progress
  80. 52“The Government will fund the Gumboot Friday/I am Hope charity with $6 million a year…” Health · Specific commitment
  81. –“ensure Plunket is adequately funded…” Health · Left out: not specific enough to check
  82. 53“allow appropriately qualified pharmacists to prescribe certain treatments…” Health · Specific commitment
  83. 54“permit the sale of cold medication containing pseudoephedrine…” Health · Specific commitment
  84. 55“The Māori Health Authority will be disestablished.…” Health · Specific commitment
  85. –“There will be no co-governance of public services…” Public services · Left out: not specific enough to check
  86. –“emphasis will shift to the frontline rather than the back office…” Public services · Left out: not specific enough to check
  87. –“Services will be delivered on need, using a range of effective providers, including iwi and communi…” Public services · Left out: not specific enough to check
  88. –“The Government will encourage those who are able to work, to do so.…” Welfare · Left out: not specific enough to check
  89. –“The Government will uphold New Zealanders’ rights and expect individuals to demonstrate that they unde…” Welfare · Left out: not specific enough to check
  90. –“The welfare system will be focussed on helping get Jobseekers who are assessed as being able to work…” Welfare · Left out: not specific enough to check
  91. 56“There will be sanctions for those who refuse to do their bit.…” Welfare · Specific commitment
  92. 57“90-day trials for all businesses will be brought back…” Work and wages · Checked: Delivered
  93. 58“The Fair Pay agreement legislation will be repealed…” Work and wages · Checked: Delivered
  94. –“the age of entitlement for New Zealand Superannuation will remain at 65.…” Retirement · Left out: continues existing work
  95. –“The universal winter energy payment will be maintained.…” Retirement · Left out: continues existing work
  96. 59“The Building Act and resource consent system will be amended to make it easier to build granny flats…” Housing · Specific commitment
  97. 60“The Government will require councils in major towns and cities to zone for 30 years of housing deman…” Housing · Checked: In progress
  98. 61“The Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Acts will be repealed…” Resource management · Specific commitment
  99. 62“The Medium Density Residential Standards rules will become optional for councils…” Housing · Specific commitment
  100. –“with councils required to ratify any use of the measures, including in existing zones…” Housing · Part of the commitment above
  101. 63“There will be a review of its finances, procurement, development and asset management practices.…” Housing · Checked: Delivered
  102. 64“there will be appropriate consequences for tenants who engage in repeated an…” Housing · Specific commitment
  103. 65“The Government will set up a National Infrastructure Agency.…” Infrastructure · Specific commitment
  104. –“It will coordinate government funding, connect domestic and offshore investors with New Zealand infra…” Infrastructure · Part of the commitment above
  105. 66“As part of amending the Resource Management Act 1991, the Government will make it easier to consent…” Resource management · Specific commitment
  106. 67“There will be a fast-track one-stop-shop established for the consenting and permitting process…” Resource management · Checked: Delivered
  107. 68“The Government will deliver marine farming permits of longer duration…” Primary sector · Specific commitment
  108. –“remove regulations that impede the productivity and potential of the seafood sector…” Primary sector · Left out: not specific enough to check
  109. 69“The Government will partner with local government to create long-term City and Regional deals…” Infrastructure · Checked: In progress
  110. –“Public/Private partnerships, tolls and other funding mechanisms will be considered…” Infrastructure · Left out: not specific enough to check
  111. 70“the Government will repeal the Three Waters legislation…” Infrastructure · Specific commitment
  112. 71“restore council ownership and control…” Infrastructure · Specific commitment
  113. 72“progressing 13 new Roads of National Significance…” Transport · Checked: In progress
  114. 73“The Government commits to a four-lane highway alternative for the Brynderwyns in Northland…” Transport · Specific commitment
  115. –“it will investigate the use of private finance to accelerate construction…” Transport · Left out: not specific enough to check
  116. 74“The Government will establish a Regional Infrastructure Fund with $1.2 billion in capital funding…” Infrastructure · Specific commitment
  117. 75“Major public transport upgrades will be delivered to reduce congestion in Auckland…” Transport · Specific commitment
  118. 76“There will also be upgrades to transport infrastructure in Ashburton, Queenstown, Otago and Southland…” Transport · Checked: In progress
  119. –“across government, red tape will be cut…” Regulation · Left out: not specific enough to check
  120. –“Cutting red tape will unleash the investment in renewable energy…” Regulation · Part of the commitment above
  121. –“The Government will reduce the regulatory burden on farmers…” Primary sector · Left out: not specific enough to check
  122. 77“The implementation of new Significant Natural Areas will cease…” Environment · Specific commitment
  123. –“existing Significant Natural Areas will be looked at as part of the reform of the Resource Management Act…” Primary sector · Left out: not specific enough to check
  124. 78“The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 will be replaced…” Environment · Checked: In progress
  125. 79“The Government will lift the effective ban on gene editing and genetic modification…” Primary sector · Specific commitment
  126. –“encourage the use of these technologies…” Primary sector · Left out: not specific enough to check
  127. –“This will mean the advantages of technological progress…” Primary sector · Part of the commitment above
  128. 80“The ban on live animal exports will be reversed…” Primary sector · Specific commitment
  129. 81“By December 31 this year, the Government will end the clean car discount scheme…” Transport · Checked: Delivered
  130. –“The Government is committed to New Zealand meeting its greenhouse gas emissions targets.…” Climate · Left out: continues existing work
  131. 82“To encourage more renewable energy production, the Government will fast track consents.…” Energy · Specific commitment
  132. 83“Consents will no longer be required for upgrading transmission lines and infrastructure.…” Energy · Specific commitment
  133. 84“The Government will undertake a cost benefit analysis on investing in a nationwide electric-vehicle c…” Transport · Specific commitment
  134. –“The provision of more charging stations will encourage more people into electric vehicles…” Climate · Part of the commitment above
  135. –“by 2030 the Government will implement a fair and sustainable pricing system…” Climate · Left out: due after the term ends
  136. 85“100 per cent recognition of on-farm sequestration will be introduced…” Climate · Checked: In progress
  137. 86“The Government will limit the conversion of productive farmland to forestry…” Primary sector · Specific commitment
  138. –“The Government will work to improve outcomes for all New Zealanders with public services delivered…” Te Tiriti and the constitution · Left out: not specific enough to check
  139. –“not advance policies that seek to ascribe different rights and responsibilities based on race or ancestry…” Te Tiriti · Left out: not specific enough to check
  140. 87“A Treaty Principles Bill will be introduced and supported to a select committee…” Te Tiriti and the constitution · Specific commitment
  141. 88“Waitangi Tribunal legislation will be amended…” Te Tiriti and the constitution · Specific commitment
  142. 89“The Government will also review legislation…” Te Tiriti and the constitution · Specific commitment
  143. –“Reference to the principles will be replaced with words that explain what Parliament intends…” Te Tiriti and the constitution · Part of the commitment above
  144. –“Finally, the Government should not – and will not – focus its efforts only within New Zealand’s borders.…” Foreign affairs · Left out: not specific enough to check
  145. –“The coalition Government is committed to getting offshore and raising our profile on the world stage.…” Foreign affairs · Left out: not specific enough to check
  146. –“Ministers will strengthen relationships with key partners…” Foreign affairs · Left out: not specific enough to check
  147. –“The Government will be bold in defending New Zealand’s interests…” Foreign affairs · Left out: not specific enough to check
  148. –“the Government will be tireless in executing it…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check
  149. –“It has started work and will hold itself accountable for delivering results that make a positive difference.…” Aims · Left out: not specific enough to check

Cost of living

Labour government, 2020–23

No promise on this topic in this sample.

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

DeliveredGeneral

Remove the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax

“To further help with the cost of living, the Government will … while also removing the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (30 Jun 2024). Parliament passed a law ending the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, and the scheme ended on 30 June 2024.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Otago Daily Times reported on 7 February 2024 that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had announced the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, 11.5 cents a litre including GST, would end on 30 June; it had been due to run until June 2028. 1NewsOtago Daily Times
  • Established evidenceInside Government reported on 6 March 2024 that the Government had that day passed legislation to end the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax scheme on 30 June 2024. The Land Transport Management (Repeal of Regional Fuel Tax) Amendment Act 2024 repeals the legal framework for regional fuel taxes in the Land Transport Management Act 2003 and revokes the Auckland regional fuel tax order and regulations, with the scheme ending at the close of 30 June 2024. Inside Government NZNZ TruckingNew Zealand Legislation
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry of Transport says: "The Auckland Regional Fuel Tax scheme ended on 30 June 2024." Ministry of Transport

The government's explanation: Transport Minister Simeon Brown said in February 2024: "Ending this tax is one way to reduce the price of fuel." When the law passed he said: "The passing of this Bill means that remaining RFT funding will be directed towards transport priorities." Otago Daily TimesInside Government NZ

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Otago Daily Times reports the Prime Minister's announcement that the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax will end on 30 June. Otago Daily Times
  3. Parliament passes the law ending the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax scheme. Inside Government NZ
  4. The Auckland Regional Fuel Tax scheme ends. Ministry of TransportNew Zealand Legislation

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Luxon confirms when Auckland regional fuel tax will end · Govt to scrap Auckland Fuel Tax · Auckland regional fuel tax scrapped · Auckland Regional Fuel Tax scrapped · Land Transport Management (Repeal of Regional Fuel Tax) Amendment Act 2024 · Regional fuel tax | Ministry of Transport

Tax and public finances

Labour government, 2020–23

No promise on this topic in this sample.

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

In progressGeneral

Link public sector chief executives' pay to outcomes

“The pay of public sector chief executives and their deputies will be linked to outcomes to encourage high performance and ensure accountability.”

In progress (18 Mar 2025). Linking pay to outcomes became workforce policy in August 2024; in March 2025 performance pay options were continuing to be worked through, and no source checked shows it in place.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Public Service Commission's employment relations page says that on 7 August 2024 the Minister for the Public Service issued a Government Workforce Policy Statement setting out the Government's expectations of how it wants "the Public Service and most other public sector agencies" to manage employment relations. The Statement itself, and HRD's report of it, say remuneration strategies should provide for the pay of public sector chief executives and deputies to be "linked to outcomes to encourage high performance and ensure accountability". Public Service CommissionPublic Service CommissionHRD New Zealand
  • Established evidencePublic Service Minister Nicola Willis told Parliament's governance and administration select committee in June 2024 that she had not yet decided how performance pay would be put in place. The Herald reported that the pay boosts would be tied to progress on the Government's nine public service targets; Willis said she did not expect any performance bonuses to be paid for at least a year. NZ Herald
  • Established evidenceA Public Service Commission report to Public Service Minister Judith Collins dated 18 March 2025 said: "Options for performance pay are also continuing to be worked through." Public Service Commission
  • Established evidenceNo source checked shows performance pay in place by October 2026. The Commission's chief executive remuneration page, using 2025/26 data, describes pay packages as base salary, employer superannuation and benefits. Its summary of the Public Service Act amendments signed into law on 2 June 2026 includes chief executive performance management but does not mention pay. Public Service CommissionPublic Service Commission

The government's explanation: Announcing the workforce policy statement, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis said the Government expected "the pay of public sector executives and deputies linked directly to outcomes". In 2024 she also said: "I wouldn't expect that there would be any performance bonuses paid for at least a year." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)NZ Herald

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Public Service Minister tells a select committee she has not yet decided how performance pay will be put in place, and does not expect bonuses to be paid for at least a year. NZ Herald
  3. The Minister for the Public Service issues the Government Workforce Policy Statement, which asks for chief executives' and deputies' pay to be linked to outcomes. Public Service CommissionNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Public Service CommissionHRD New Zealand
  4. The Public Service Commission tells the Minister performance pay options are continuing to be worked through. Public Service Commission

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Employment relations · PSC wants public sector executive pay tied to agency performance · 2024 Government Workforce Policy Statement: Employment Relations in the Public Sector · Minister Nicola Willis says public service CEO pay bonuses more than 12 months away · Chief Executive Remuneration Disclosure Update to December 2024 · Chief executive remuneration · Public Service Act 2020 amendments · New direction for Public Service

In progressGeneral

Reduce core Crown spending as a share of the economy

“The Government will reduce Core Crown expenditure as a proportion of the overall economy …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

In progress (8 Oct 2026). Core Crown expenses fell from 33.1% of GDP in 2023/24, the year of the promise, to 32.0% in 2025/26; the 2022/23 level, the last full year before it, was 31.8%.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Finance Minister Nicola Willis said in October 2025 that the Government "has resisted calls for sharper reductions in expenditure because international evidence is that reducing deficits is best done over the course of several years." Its Budget 2026 Fiscal Strategy says it aims to "reduce core Crown expenses towards 30 per cent of GDP". New Zealand National PartyNew Zealand Government (Budget 2026)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Financial statements for 2024/25 published: core Crown expenses 32.5% of GDP, down from 33.1% in 2023/24. The TreasuryThe TreasuryNew Zealand National Party
  3. Budget 2026 Fiscal Strategy sets the aim of reducing core Crown expenses towards 30% of GDP. New Zealand Government (Budget 2026)
  4. Financial statements for 2025/26 published: core Crown expenses 32.0% of GDP. The TreasuryThe Treasury

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Core Crown expenses of the New Zealand government · Data - Fiscal Time Series Historical Fiscal Indicators 1972-2025 · Annex 2 - Fiscal projections and assumptions · Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 · Year end financial statements: Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 · Government spending falls as percentage of GDP · Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the year ended 30 June 2026 · Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the Year Ended 30 June 2026 · Fiscal Strategy - Budget 2026 - 28 May 2026

DeliveredGeneral

Widen eligibility for the independent earner tax credit

“The Government will … widen eligibility for the independent earner tax credit.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (31 Jul 2024). From 31 July 2024 the independent earner tax credit's upper income limit rose from $48,000 to $70,000, under the Taxation (Budget Measures) Act 2024.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: In her Budget 2024 release, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the Government would "expand eligibility for the independent earner tax credit", and that "the tax package we are confirming today delivers on that promise" of a fairer deal for working New Zealanders. New Zealand National PartyNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Budget 2024 announces the wider eligibility; the Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill is introduced and passes its third reading the same day. 1NewsInland Revenue (Tax Policy)New Zealand National Party
  3. Taxation (Budget Measures) Act 2024 receives Royal assent. Inland Revenue (Tax Policy)
  4. Wider eligibility takes effect. Inland RevenueNewstalk ZB

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill · July 31 tax cuts: How much will you get back? · Getting the independent earner tax credit (IETC) if you earn only salary or wages · Extending the independent earner tax credit (IETC) · Special report: Taxation (Budget Measures) Act 2024 · Who gets the independent earner tax credit (IETC) · Responsible tax relief for the squeezed middle · Responsible tax relief for the squeezed middle · Budget 2024: What you need to know

Health

Labour government, 2020–23

Not deliveredMeasurable

Add 20 more mobile dental clinics

“It will … add 20 more mobile dental clinics to improve access for children and young people to free oral health care.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Not delivered (27 Nov 2023). Budget 2022 funded 20 mobile dental clinics, with tenders in 2022; no source checked shows any in service by November 2023; one launched in March 2025 under the next government.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceBudget 2022 included $12 million for 20 new mobile dental clinics. The FonoHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
  • Established evidenceNZ Health Partnerships issued a request for proposals for mobile mammography and dental clinics on 21 March 2022. An updated tender ran from 27 April to 11 May 2022 for suppliers able to manufacture mobile dental clinics and dental equipment, and a second from 3 June to 4 July 2022 for a towable one-chair clinic, with a contract expected to start about 1 August 2022. Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS)Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS)
  • Established evidenceHealth New Zealand's briefing for the March 2025 launch said the clinics were being rolled out in two tranches: seven in Tranche One, with the approach for Tranche Two 'yet to be formalised' and dependent on operational funding. It said Action Manufacturing had the contract to build them, with an 18-month production timeframe. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
  • Established evidenceOn 28 March 2025, under the next government, Health Minister Simeon Brown launched a mobile dental clinic in South Auckland. PMN reported that The Fono runs it, that Brown said it was one of seven being rolled out nationwide, and that the previous government funded the clinics' capital costs. New Zealand National PartyPacific Media Network (PMN)

The government's explanation: none specific to this promise was found in the sources checked.

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. NZ Health Partnerships issues a request for proposals for mobile mammography and dental clinics. Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS)
  3. Budget 2022 includes $12 million for 20 new mobile dental clinics. 1NewsThe FonoHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
  4. Under the next government, Health Minister Simeon Brown launches a mobile dental clinic in South Auckland, run by The Fono. New Zealand National PartyPacific Media Network (PMN)

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Mobile Dental Clinic Coming to Your Community · Event Briefing: Opening of the new Mobile Dental Unit (HNZ00082730) · Budget 2022: Dental grant payments more than tripled · Tooth be told: Young children in Manurewa face long waits, mobile clinic brings relief · Mobile Dental Clinics and Dental Equipment 30431 · Mobile Dental Clinics and Dental Equipment 30431 Part 2 · New mobile dental clinic will reach thousands of children

DeliveredGeneral

Deliver effective and free COVID-19 vaccines

“Finally, the Government is working to deliver effective and free vaccines to New Zealanders as soon as they are available and safe to administer.”

Delivered (16 Dec 2021). Free vaccinations began on 19 February 2021, 16 days after Medsafe's provisional approval, with border and MIQ workers first; the plan opened them to everyone else from July 2021.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceOn 3 February 2021 Medsafe, the medicines regulator, gave provisional approval to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. 1News reported that the first doses in New Zealand were given on 19 February 2021 to a group of vaccinators, ahead of the rollout to border and managed isolation workers the next day. The Spinoff1News
  • Party claimThe Government said in its rollout plan of 10 March 2021: "Every New Zealander will be able to get a vaccine and the vaccine will be free." The plan put border and managed isolation workers first, then frontline workers and people at higher risk, with the rest of the population from July 2021. In May 2021 the Government said it had invested $1.4 billion "to ensure every New Zealander can receive a free vaccination". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceAs an outcome rather than the test of the promise, 1News reported on 16 December 2021 that 90% of the population aged 12 and over was fully vaccinated, nearly 3.8 million people. On 15 November 2021 the Government said free booster doses would be given from 29 November to anyone aged 18 or older who had completed their two-dose course more than six months earlier. 1NewsNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said: "A top priority this year is to make sure New Zealanders get free, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. Medsafe gives provisional approval to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. The Spinoff
  3. The first COVID-19 vaccinations are given in New Zealand, ahead of the rollout to border workers. 1News
  4. The Government publishes its rollout plan, saying the vaccine will be free for every New Zealander. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  5. 1News reports that 90% of people aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated. 1News

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · New Zealand approves Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, first jabs expected next month · Watch: First Covid-19 vaccinations administered in New Zealand · COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plan · Government guarantees free vaccines for every New Zealander · 90% of Kiwis aged 12 and over now vaccinated against Covid · Booster vaccine available from end of November

DeliveredMeasurable

Expand the Healthy Homes Initiative to every DHB

“It will … by expanding the Healthy Homes Initiative to every DHB around the country to ensure more homes are warm, dry and safe.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (1 Jul 2022). Health New Zealand says the initiative, first in 11 DHB regions, has covered the whole country since 1 July 2022; its own site says the roll-out finished in early 2023.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe initiative's own site says it was established in Auckland in December 2013 and rolled out to the other districts with a high incidence of rheumatic fever in 2015; Health New Zealand says it covered 11 district health boards and was expanded to the whole country from 1 July 2022. The initiative's site says the 2021 Budget provided extra funding to expand it to the rest of the country and that "the national roll-out was completed in early 2023"; Health New Zealand's five-year outcomes evaluation, published on 29 November 2024, says the same and gives no month. Healthy Homes Initiative (Te Whatu Ora)Health New Zealand | Te Whatu OraHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu OraHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
  • Established evidenceOn 1 July 2022 the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 disestablished all 20 district health boards and merged their functions into Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. The Audit Office
  • Party claimIn October 2022 Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said the Government had "in Budget 22 funded its extension to the whole country", and the Government's release said it had recently expanded the scheme to cover the whole country by the end of the year, with the nationwide roll-out expected to be complete by then. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said in October 2022: "These results support our decision to expand the programme to nationwide coverage." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. District health boards are replaced by Health New Zealand; the Healthy Homes Initiative begins expanding to the whole country. The Audit OfficeHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
  3. The government says it has recently widened the scheme to the whole country, with the nationwide roll-out expected to be complete by the end of the year. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. Health New Zealand publishes the initiative's five-year outcomes evaluation, which says the national roll-out was completed in early 2023. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu OraHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Healthy Homes Initiative · 142,000 Kiwis helped by Healthy Homes Initiative · About the reforms of the health sector · Warm, Dry, Healthy Homes | Healthy Homes Initiative · Healthy Homes Initiative Five year outcomes evaluation · Findings from the Healthy Homes Initiative: Five-year outcomes evaluation

Partly deliveredGeneral

New hospital facilities in Dunedin, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Auckland and Counties Manukau

“$3.6 billion has been committed to health, including new hospital facilities in Dunedin, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Auckland and Counties Manukau.”

Partly delivered (27 Nov 2023). Construction had started by 2023 on all five projects the site matches to the promise; the sources checked date each opening or expected completion after the term ended.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech names no projects, so the match is the site's inference. This card uses one new hospital building in each place: the New Dunedin Hospital; the third tower at Christchurch Hospital's Waipapa building, for which the Government approved $154 million of construction funding on 27 November 2020; the New East Wing Building at Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth, part of Project Maunga Stage 2; Tōtara Haumaru at North Shore Hospital in Auckland; and the Manukau Health Park redevelopment in Counties Manukau. The speech says the money "has been committed" and gives no completion date. Under the site's rule, building work under way counts as some of a promised building: a government still in office gets "in progress", and once its term has ended it gets "partly delivered". Christchurch Hospital's Waipapa building, with a new emergency department, opened in November 2020, before the speech. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Taranaki District Health BoardScoop (press release from Taranaki District Health Board)Otago Daily Times
  • Established evidenceIn June 2022 the Health Minister announced the start of construction on the New Dunedin Hospital, saying the outpatients building was on schedule to open in 2025, with the inpatient building to open in 2028. Taranaki District Health Board said on 14 June 2022 that a tower crane would be on site from the beginning of July "as part of the Project Maunga Stage 2 construction work", as construction of the New East Wing Building progressed. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Taranaki District Health BoardScoop (press release from Taranaki District Health Board)
  • Established evidenceBuilt Environs, the contractor, said in March 2023 that works to establish the new Manukau Health Park had commenced, with $216.4 million of government funding. Chris Lynch Media reported on 14 April 2023 that construction had started on a new tower at Christchurch Hospital as part of the Waipapa Building; the project had a $184 million budget, including almost $30 million for enabling works, and the third tower was expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025. Hawkins, Tōtara Haumaru's builder, gives the project's duration as November 2020 to May 2024, and Jasmax, its architect, said the building was completed in three-and-a-half years. Building work had therefore started on all five projects before the term ended. Built EnvironsChris Lynch MediaHawkinsJasmax
  • Established evidenceUnder the next government, Tōtara Haumaru was due to take its first patients on 1 July 2024, NZ Doctor reported, and Jasmax reported its opening on 3 July 2024. The Times reported on 26 May 2025 that Health Minister Simeon Brown had recently officially opened the East Building expansion at the Manukau Health Park, the first stage of the redevelopment. Inside Government reported the official opening of Taranaki Base Hospital's New East Wing on 25 June 2026. The Spinoff reported in August 2026 that Dunedin's outpatient building was ready to start treating patients from October, with the inpatient building due to be completed in 2031. New Zealand DoctorJasmaxTimes (times.co.nz)Inside GovernmentThe Spinoff

The government's explanation: Announcing the start of construction in Dunedin in June 2022, Health Minister Andrew Little said: "These are major projects, requiring a great deal of planning and preparation". In April 2023 Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said of the Dunedin hospital: "There will be no further substantial re-designs and now it's time to get on with the build." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Health Minister announces the start of construction on the New Dunedin Hospital. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. Chris Lynch Media reports that construction has started on the third Waipapa tower at Christchurch Hospital. Chris Lynch Media
  4. Under the next government, Tōtara Haumaru at North Shore Hospital is due to take its first patients; Jasmax reports its opening on 3 July. New Zealand DoctorJasmax
  5. Under the next government, Taranaki Base Hospital's New East Wing is officially opened. Inside Government

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Next steps for Christchurch Hospital campus redevelopment · New emergency department at Christchurch Hospital opening on Wednesday · Dunedin Hospital construction signals start of major health infrastructure work · Name the Crane – and be in to win an iPad! · Name The Crane – And Be In To Win An iPad! · Built Environs appointed to build the Manukau Health Park Redevelopment · Construction begins on new inpatient wards at Christchurch Hospital · Tōtara Haumaru – Health New Zealand Waitematā · Tōtara Haumaru, New Zealand’s newest hospital opens · State of the art hospital building opens in Auckland · First stage of Health Park's expansion opens · New Taranaki hospital wing officially opened · A glimpse inside Dunedin's new hospital · Government strengthens commitment to new Dunedin Hospital

DeliveredGeneral

Secure COVID-19 vaccine supply for New Zealand

“The Government is working hard to secure supply for New Zealand …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (8 Mar 2021). Agreements with four vaccine makers by December 2020; in March 2021 the Government said it had bought enough Pfizer doses for everyone, adding doses from Spain and Denmark in September.

Evidence and timeline
  • Party claimBefore the speech, on 12 October 2020, the Government announced its first purchase agreement: 1.5 million doses from Pfizer and BioNTech, enough for 750,000 people, subject to the vaccine completing clinical trials and gaining approval in New Zealand. On 17 December 2020 it announced agreements for 7.6 million doses from AstraZeneca and 10.72 million doses from Novavax, which with the Pfizer and Janssen agreements brought pre-ordered courses to 15 million; Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said "we have secured more than enough doses to cover our entire population plus the Pacific." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Party claimOn 8 March 2021 the Government announced it had bought another 8.5 million Pfizer doses, which Ardern said made a total of "10 million doses or enough for 5 million people to get the two shots", expected to arrive in the second half of the year. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Party claimDuring the surge in demand in September 2021, the Government bought more than a quarter of a million extra Pfizer doses from Spain, announced on 9 September, and 500,000 from Denmark, announced on 12 September, which it said added 775,000 doses to New Zealand's supplies before larger shipments arrived in October. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidence1News reported on 16 December 2021 that 90 per cent of the population aged 12 and over was fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 1News

The government's explanation: Announcing the March 2021 purchase, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the decision to "make Pfizer New Zealand's primary vaccine provider" was made because "the Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be about 95 percent effective at preventing symptomatic infection." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Government announces agreements with AstraZeneca and Novavax, bringing pre-ordered vaccine courses to 15 million. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Government buys another 8.5 million Pfizer doses, a total of 10 million, which it says is enough for the whole country. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. After an extra purchase from Spain, the Government announces 500,000 more Pfizer doses from Denmark. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  5. 1News reports that 90 per cent of people aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated. 1News

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · First COVID-19 vaccine purchase agreement signed · Two new vaccines secured, enough for every New Zealander · Govt purchases enough Pfizer vaccines for whole country · Additional Pfizer vaccines to arrive tomorrow · Half a million Pfizer vaccines from Denmark · 90% of Kiwis aged 12 and over now vaccinated against Covid

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

In progressMeasurable

Entitle every mother to three days of post-natal hospital care

“To support mothers and babies, a new entitlement will be introduced to enable every mother of a new baby to have three days in-patient post-natal care.”

In progress (23 Sept 2026). A law allowing every mother up to three days of in-patient postnatal care passed in September 2026; it is being phased in, fully available nationally by 1 July 2029.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceInside Government reported on 12 October 2025 that the Government would adopt National MP Catherine Wedd's member's bill on three-day postnatal stays as a Government bill. Health Minister Simeon Brown said: "Adopting this as a Government Bill means planning can begin". Inside Government NZ
  • Established evidenceBudget 2026 included $34.4 million over four years to support the bill, for more maternity bed capacity and, over time, workforce growth. Parliament's Health Committee, reporting on the 2026/27 Vote Health estimates, said that at the time of its hearing the bill awaited its third reading, and that the policy would be phased in, with "First-time mothers in areas where capacity already exists" prioritised and all mothers covered "within three years of the legislation being passed". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand College of MidwivesHealth Committee, New Zealand Parliament
  • Established evidenceThe Government said on 23 September 2026 that the final stage of the Healthy Futures (3 Day Postnatal Stay) Amendment Bill had passed on Parliament's last sitting day before the election campaign. Its release said the law will "allow every mother up to three days of inpatient postnatal care", with implementation over three years and three-day stays fully available nationally by 1 July 2029. No source checked gives the date of Royal assent or of the first entitlements. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Times

The government's explanation: Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said when the bill passed: "This is about putting mothers at the heart of decisions about their postnatal care." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Times

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Inside Government reports that the Government will adopt the three-day postnatal stay member's bill as a Government bill. Inside Government NZ
  3. The Government announces that the bill has passed its final stage, with three-day stays to be fully available nationally by 1 July 2029. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Times

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Govt to adopt new postnatal stay Bill · Three-day stays for mothers and babies now law · $34m in Funding for 3-Day-Postnatal Stay Must be Used Flexibly · 2026/27 Estimates for Vote Health · Three-day postnatal stays for mothers and babies become law

Not deliveredMeasurable

Pay student loan repayments for nurses and midwives who stay

“To encourage more graduate nurses and midwives to stay in New Zealand, the government will establish a system to pay their student loan repayments, up to $4,500 year for five years, in exchange for them agreeing to work here for at least five years.”

Not delivered (29 May 2025). No source checked shows the repayment system; in May 2025 the Ministry said it wasn't working on a standalone bonding scheme and pointed to expanding the existing one.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceAn RNZ report published by the Otago Daily Times on 29 May 2025 described National's April 2023 policy, under which the government would put $4500 a year towards nurses' and midwives' student loans, as a nurse bonding scheme. It said the Ministry of Health had confirmed it "is not currently working on a standalone bonding scheme", and had pointed to other workforce initiatives, including an expansion of Health New Zealand's existing voluntary bonding scheme. Otago Daily Times (RNZ)
  • Established evidenceHealth New Zealand's existing Voluntary Bonding Scheme pays graduates in some professions, specialties and areas after-tax amounts of $14,165 to $50,000 over bonding periods of three to five years, with the first payment after the third year of work. Its 2024 intake of 925 graduates included 477 registered and enrolled nurses and 172 midwives. The Government's release on the scheme does not mention student loan repayments. New Zealand Government (via Scoop)Kaitiaki Nursing New Zealand
  • Established evidenceNo source checked, the latest dated February 2026, shows a system to pay nurses' or midwives' student loan repayments set up. Under the site's rules, a promise counts as not delivered while the government is still in office when none of it has happened and the government or the agency responsible has said it is not working on it, and no source shows it has since said it will be done. Otago Daily Times (RNZ)New Zealand Government (via Scoop)Kaitiaki Nursing New Zealand

The government's explanation: In a 1News interview reported on 3 December 2024, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said "It's still a live proposal on the table", adding "I can't give a firm commitment around timing". In early May 2025, Health Minister Simeon Brown pointed to "a significant increase in the number of places that we have made available in that existing bonding scheme" and said "we're very focused on the current scheme ... and growing it". 1NewsOtago Daily Times (RNZ)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. 1News reports Prime Minister Christopher Luxon saying the policy is "still a live proposal" but that he can't give a firm commitment on timing. 1News
  3. The Government announces 925 graduates in the existing Voluntary Bonding Scheme's 2024 intake, including 477 nurses and 172 midwives. New Zealand Government (via Scoop)
  4. An RNZ report says the Ministry of Health is not working on a standalone bonding scheme. Otago Daily Times (RNZ)
  5. Kaitiaki reports the Health Minister's expectation that graduate enrolled nurses be included in the existing bonding scheme. Kaitiaki Nursing New Zealand

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Luxon unable to set timeline for nurse student loan promise · No work yet on National's nurse scheme: Health Ministry · More Than 900 Health Graduates To Receive Financial Boost Through Bonding Scheme · Enrolled nurses 'gutted' over Minister's bonding scheme promises

In progressGeneral

Reform Pharmac's funding model

“Pharmac will … and its funding model will be reformed.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

In progress (13 Aug 2026). Pharmac's budget was raised and it was asked to weigh wider fiscal impacts and explore other funding methods; no source checked shows its funding model changed by October 2026.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech did not say how the funding model would be reformed. On 29 April 2024 the Government announced a Pharmac budget of $6.294 billion over four years; 1News reported it as "almost $6.3 billion over four years". No source checked describes this as a change to how Pharmac is funded. New Zealand Government (via Scoop)1News
  • Party claimThe Ministry of Health's release of the 2024 Cabinet paper on continuing Pharmac's funding says it addressed the coalition health commitments by "helping to increase Pharmac's budget every year", creating a baseline towards 13 more cancer treatments, and laying a foundation for updating Pharmac's decision-making model to take patient voice into account. Ministry of Health
  • Established evidenceAssociate Health Minister David Seymour's 2025/26 letter of expectations, dated 13 June 2025, asks Pharmac to update its methods to account for "The wider fiscal impacts to the government of funding medicines and medical devices", and, in making budget requests, to include "exploring with stakeholders different methods for funding medicines". PharmacPharmac
  • Established evidencePharmac's progress update on that letter, published on 13 August 2026, says "We used societal impact assessments to inform and support our Budget 2026 bid". Under budget requests it reports Budget 2026 work completed and Budget 2027 bids to come, and does not report progress on different methods for funding medicines. It also says the Government agreed to make no changes to Pharmac's statutory objective and functions in the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Act 2026. Pharmac

The government's explanation: Seymour said in August 2026: "Pharmac has gone from focussing solely on managing their fixed budget, to an agency that seeks collaboration for better outcomes, and advocates for further funding." New Zealand Government (via Scoop)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Government announces a Pharmac budget of $6.294 billion over four years. New Zealand Government (via Scoop)
  3. Seymour's 2025/26 letter of expectations asks Pharmac to consider wider fiscal impacts and explore different methods for funding medicines. PharmacPharmac
  4. Pharmac publishes its progress update on the 2025/26 letter of expectations. Pharmac
  5. Seymour welcomes Pharmac's progress update. New Zealand Government (via Scoop)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Government Saves Access To Medicines · Pharmac: David Seymour announces $1.7b funding boost · Investment to continue access to medicines · Pharmac Letter of Expectations 2025/26 · 2025/26 Pharmac Letter of Expectations progress update | July 2026 · Pharmac Culture Continues To Improve, And Get More Transparent

Partly deliveredGeneral

Require Pharmac to take patients' voices into account

“Pharmac will be required to take the voice of patients into account in making decisions …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Partly delivered (1 Aug 2026). Pharmac was asked by letter of expectations to involve patients and formed an interim consumer committee from August 2026; no new law requires it, and its statutory functions were unchanged.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceAssociate Health Minister David Seymour's 2025/26 letter of expectations to Pharmac asks for "Appropriate processes and methodologies for ensuring that those living with a disease, and their carers and family, can participate and provide input into the decision-making processes". PharmacPharmacNew Zealand Government (via Scoop)
  • Established evidencePharmac's progress report says the Government agreed to make no changes to Pharmac's statutory objective and functions as part of the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Act 2026. No source checked shows a new legal requirement for Pharmac to take patients' voices into account. The speech says Pharmac "will be required" to do so; the card counts the letter of expectations and the consumer committee as a narrower, non-statutory form of the promise, so it gives partly. PharmacNew Zealand Gazette
  • Established evidencePharmac reports it set up a Consumer and Patient Working Group and a consumer engagement team, and issued a consultation in June 2026 on a new consumer advisory committee. On 31 July 2026 it said its Consumer Advisory Committee had been disestablished that day and an interim committee would advise from 1 August 2026, for up to six months, until a new Community and Patient Advisory Committee is set up. The Interim Consumer Transition Committee's page, updated 23 September 2026, lists seven members. PharmacPharmacPharmac

The government's explanation: Seymour said in August 2026: "Now, patients have a stronger voice at the table when Pharmac makes its decisions, because that's important to them." New Zealand Government (via Scoop)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Seymour lays out expectations for Pharmac, including a focus on listening to the voice of patients. 1News
  3. Pharmac disestablishes its Consumer Advisory Committee and says an interim consumer committee will advise from 1 August, ahead of a new Community and Patient Advisory Committee. PharmacPharmac
  4. Pharmac publishes its progress report on the 2025/26 letter of expectations. Pharmac
  5. Seymour welcomes Pharmac's progress report on his 2025/26 letter of expectations. New Zealand Government (via Scoop)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Pharmac Letter of Expectations 2025/26 · 2025/26 Pharmac Letter of Expectations progress update | July 2026 · David Seymour lays out expectations for Pharmac · Pharmac Culture Continues To Improve, And Get More Transparent · Pharmac to refresh patient advisory function · Interim Consumer Transition Committee (ICTC)

DeliveredGeneral

Set targets for hospital and cancer treatment wait times

“Targets will be set for important measures – like wait times in hospitals and waiting times for cancer treatment.”

Delivered (1 Jul 2024). Five health targets, including hospital and cancer treatment waits, took effect on 1 July 2024; the Health Minister reported April–June 2026 results up on a year earlier, all below target.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceOn 8 March 2024 the Government announced five health targets: 90% of patients receive cancer management within 31 days of the decision to treat; 95% of emergency department patients are admitted, discharged or transferred within six hours; 95% wait less than four months for a first specialist assessment; 95% wait less than four months for elective treatment; and 95% of children are fully immunised at 24 months. Ministry of Health1News
  • Established evidenceThe targets took effect on 1 July 2024, with results published quarterly from July–September 2024. The Ministry of Health says Health New Zealand's implementation plans "set out the activities and milestones to make progress towards achieving the targets by 2030". Ministry of Health1NewsMinistry of Health
  • Established evidenceThe Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Act 2026, signed into law on 9 July 2026, requires six health targets to be included in the Government Policy Statement on Health. The sixth, a primary care access target, took effect on 1 July 2026. Ministry of HealthMinistry of Health
  • Party claimThe Health Minister's September 2026 release reported April–June 2026 results of 76.3% for emergency department stays, 87% for cancer treatment, 66.1% for first specialist assessment, 72.6% for elective treatment and 83.7% for immunisation, each higher than a year earlier. Each is below the target set in 2024. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Health

The government's explanation: Announcing the targets, Health Minister Shane Reti said: "We are unapologetically an outcomes-driven Government." In September 2026 Health Minister Simeon Brown said: "We know there is more work to do, and that is exactly why now is the time to double down and build on this progress." 1NewsNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Government announces five health targets. Ministry of Health1News
  3. The targets take effect; quarterly reporting starts with July–September 2024. Ministry of Health1NewsMinistry of Health
  4. The Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Act 2026, requiring six health targets in the Government Policy Statement on Health, is signed into law. Ministry of Health
  5. The Health Minister reports April–June 2026 results: all five up on a year earlier, all below target. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · New health targets announced · Faster cancer treatment, shorter ED stays: Govt's 5 health targets · Health targets · Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Act · Health targets: five out of five moving in the right direction

Housing

Labour government, 2020–23

Partly deliveredMeasurable

Deliver a total of 18,000 public and transitional homes

“… the Government is on track to deliver a total of 18,000 public and transitional homes.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Partly delivered (27 Nov 2023). Labour said in September 2023 it had added over 13,000 public and over 4,000 transitional homes; no source checked shows 18,000 reached by November 2023, and its plan said 2024.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech gives no date. The Public Housing Plan 2021–2024, published in January 2021, says Budget 2020 funded an additional 6,000 public and 2,000 transitional homes, to be delivered by June 2024, and that with delivery from the 2018 and 2019 Budget housing initiatives "the Government is on track to deliver over 18,000 places by 2024." The term ended in November 2023, so the card counts what was delivered by then. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said on 5 August 2021 that 8,121 public housing places had been added from November 2017 to 30 June 2021, bringing the national total to 74,337. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
  • Party claimThe Government said on 22 June 2023 that over 12,000 additional public homes and over 4,000 transitional homes had been added since October 2017, and Housing Minister Megan Woods referred to "the 18,000 public and transitional houses that will be delivered by the end of 2024". During the election campaign, 1News reported on 24 September 2023 that Woods said: "In just six years we’ve delivered over 13,000 public homes" and "We’ve also added over 4000 transitional homes". No source checked shows the 18,000 total reached before the term ended in November 2023. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News

The government's explanation: Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said in June 2023: "this Labour Government is delivering the most public homes since the second Labour Government in the 1950s". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Public Housing Plan 2021–2024 sets out where 8,000 more public and transitional homes will go by June 2024. Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The housing ministry reports 8,121 public housing places added since November 2017. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
  4. The Government says over 12,000 public and over 4,000 transitional homes have been added since October 2017. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  5. By this date, under the next government, 16,953 of the Public Housing Plans' goal of 17,050 additional public homes between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2025 had been delivered, the housing ministry reports. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Public Housing Plan 2021-2024 · Public Housing Plan 2021-2024 · Public housing places increase by an extra 8,000 · Labour delivers 12,000 more public homes · Labour promises another 6000 public homes if re-elected · Reporting for major spending

Not deliveredGeneral

Regulate residential property managers

“The Government will … regulate property managers …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Not delivered (27 Nov 2023). A bill to regulate residential property managers was introduced and passed its first reading in August 2023, but had not become law when the government changed in November 2023.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Introducing the bill, Associate Housing Minister Barbara Edmonds said: "We're committed to making sure residential property managers operate fairly for everyone". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The government announces how property managers will be regulated. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. Residential Property Managers Bill introduced. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Tenancy Services (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment)
  4. After the bill's first reading, the Social Services and Community Committee calls for submissions. Social Services and Community Committee (press release via Scoop)Tenancy.co.nz
  5. The next government says it will not proceed with the bill and asks the committee to end its consideration. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Tenancy.co.nz

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Rental sector changes to regulate residential property managers, clear up meth confusion and ease pressure on landlords · Government delivers new regime to protect renters and property owners · Residential Property Managers Bill introduced to Parliament · Have Your Say On The Residential Property Managers Bill · Residential Property Managers Bill far from set in stone · Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress · Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

In progressMeasurable

Require councils to zone for 30 years of housing demand

“The Government will require councils in major towns and cities to zone for 30 years of housing demand because getting more houses built is essential to having a more affordable housing market.”

In progress (23 Sept 2026). The 30-year zoning requirement for larger councils is to come through the new planning system, whose laws passed in September 2026; no source checked shows it in force.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceOn 4 July 2024 the Government announced that all Tier 1 and 2 councils would be required to "live-zone" feasible development capacity for at least 30 years of housing demand at any one time. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said then that the changes would be made through amendments to the Resource Management Act and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development, with the requirements expected to be in place by mid-2025. That national policy statement already required councils to plan for 30 years of housing demand. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentMinistry of Housing and Urban Development
  • Established evidenceIn March 2025 the Government said the proposals would be implemented through Phase 3 of the resource management reforms. Its consultation, from 18 June to 17 August 2025, said Tier 1 and 2 councils "will be required to enable enough feasible and realistic development capacity to meet 30 years of demand", based on high household growth projections "plus a 20 per cent contingency margin", and that the main route would be "national policy direction and standards in the new system". Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentMinistry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentMinistry of Housing and Urban Development
  • Established evidenceThe Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which replace the Resource Management Act, were introduced on 9 December 2025 and passed their third reading in September 2026. The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport says the new system will come in in stages, with the full system intended to be in place by 2030 and national direction still being developed. The housing ministry's programme page, updated on 16 October 2026, says Tier 1 and 2 councils "will need to zone for at least 30 years of housing demand" and gives no start date; no source checked shows the requirement in force. Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentMinistry for Cities, Environment, Regions and TransportFarmers Weekly (RNZ)Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

The government's explanation: Housing Minister Chris Bishop said in July 2024: "Housing in New Zealand is too expensive, because we have made it very difficult for our cities to grow." He also said: "This will ensure abundant development opportunities in our key urban areas." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Government announces that Tier 1 and 2 councils will have to zone for at least 30 years of housing demand. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
  3. Consultation opens on how Going for Housing Growth works in the new resource management system, including the 30-year targets; submissions close on 17 August 2025. Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentMinistry of Housing and Urban Development
  4. The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill are introduced to Parliament. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
  5. The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport announces that both Bills have passed their third reading. Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Going for Housing Growth stage one unveiled (4 July 2024) · Freeing up land for urban development and housing · Going for Housing Growth programme (last updated 16 October 2026) · Going for Housing Growth: Providing for urban development in the new resource management system · Going for Housing Growth Pillar 1: Summary of submissions now available · Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill pass Third Reading (23 September 2026) · RMA replacement laws pass final vote in Parliament · Zoning, land use reforms will push down property prices - Minister · Have your say on how Going for Housing Growth works in the new resource management system

DeliveredGeneral

Review Kāinga Ora's finances, procurement, development and asset management

“There will be a review of its finances, procurement, development and asset management practices.”

Delivered (20 May 2024). A review of Kāinga Ora led by Bill English, due to report by the end of March 2024, was released on 20 May 2024; Cabinet agreed four of seven recommendations.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Announcing the review, Housing Minister Chris Bishop said: "It is critical that Kāinga Ora is focused on efficiently building social houses for people in need while also delivering value for taxpayers' money, and this review will be able to provide recommendations to ensure that these objectives are being met." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Housing Minister announces the review, to be led by Bill English and to report by the end of March 2024. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The review is released; Cabinet agrees four of its recommendations and names Simon Moutter as the new Board chair. Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Independent Review into Kāinga Ora announced · Independent review of Kāinga Ora · Independent Review of Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities: Final Report · Government releases the independent review of Kāinga Ora · Minister responds to review of Kāinga Ora

Families, work and welfare

Labour government, 2020–23

DeliveredGeneral

Extend sick leave provisions

“It will … extend sick leave provisions.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (24 Jul 2021). A 2021 Act extended minimum sick leave from 5 to 10 days a year from 24 July 2021; existing employees became eligible at different times over the following year.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Workplace Relations Minister Michael Wood said: "Our Government is delivering on a key manifesto commitment to help Kiwis and workplaces stay healthy". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Workplace Relations Minister announces that the Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Bill has been introduced; it passes its first reading under urgency in December 2020. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)RNZ
  3. The Act receives the Royal assent. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Steindle Williams Legal
  4. Minimum sick leave of 10 days a year takes effect. Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act 2021 · Sick Leave Entitlement Set to Increase – July 2021 · Increasing the minimum sick leave entitlement · Bill introduced to support workers with 10 days sick leave · Bill to increase sick leave worked on at Parliament · 10 days sick leave for employees delivered · Sick leave doubled to 10 days a year from today

Partly deliveredMeasurable

Fund up to 40,000 more people into work through Flexi-wage

“It will also support those at risk of long-term unemployment through funding up to an additional 40,000 New Zealanders into work through the Flexi-wage programme.”

Partly delivered (27 Nov 2023). The expanded Flexi-wage opened in February 2021 with funding for up to 40,000 people; almost 25,000 took part in its first two years, an evaluation for MSD found.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceOn 11 February 2021 the Government announced the Flexi-wage expansion, with "up to 40,000 New Zealanders supported into work", a ring-fenced $30 million self-employment component, and eligibility widened to job seekers disadvantaged in the labour market who may not be receiving a benefit. It said the Ministry of Social Development would begin taking applications for the expanded programme "on Monday". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceAn evaluation for the Ministry of Social Development, dated November 2023, says the expansion added $300 million of funding and that "Uptake increased to almost 25,000" from February 2021 to February 2023, compared with just over 13,000 placements in the two years before; it found uptake "was just under two-thirds of what was budgeted for". The ministry's summary of the evaluations says "As intended, the expansion led to increases in participation rates". Ministry of Social DevelopmentMinistry of Social Development
  • Party claimSocial Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni's release of 14 November 2022 reported 20,589 people supported into jobs through Flexi-Wage. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceThe speech says "funding up to an additional 40,000 New Zealanders into work", and the Government's 11 February 2021 release said the expansion "will see up to 40,000 New Zealanders supported into work". The card judges the promise by people supported into work: the funding and the expanded programme were delivered, and the evaluation reports uptake of almost 25,000 in the two years to February 2023. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Social Development

The government's explanation: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in February 2021: "Flexi-wage is an important plank of our economic recovery plan". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Government announces the Flexi-wage expansion, with applications opening the following Monday. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Government reports 20,589 people supported into jobs through Flexi-Wage. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · 40,000 New Zealanders to be supported back into work through Flexi-wage expansion · Evaluation of the Flexi-wage Expansion Product: Evaluation Report · Findings from the evaluation of the Flexi-wage expansion · Govt’s economic recovery continues with 20,000 Flexi-Wage placements

DeliveredMeasurable

Increase the minimum wage to $20 an hour in 2021

“It will increase the minimum wage to $20 per hour next year …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (1 Apr 2021). The adult minimum wage rose from $18.90 to $20 an hour on 1 April 2021, under the Minimum Wage Order 2021.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: When the rise took effect, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood said: "Today's rise to $20 per hour is estimated to boost wages across the economy by $216 million", and "There are many Kiwis who earn the minimum wage who have gone above and beyond in our fight against COVID." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Government announces the minimum wage will rise to $20 an hour from 1 April 2021. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News
  3. The Minimum Wage Order 2021 comes into force and the adult minimum wage rises to $20 an hour. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Employment New Zealand
  4. The adult minimum wage rises to $21.20 an hour. Employment New Zealand

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Govt delivering better wages for lowest paid · Minimum wage will be raised to $20 in April, Government announces today · Minimum Wage Order 2021 · 1 April changes raise incomes for 1.4 million New Zealanders · Previous minimum wage rates

DeliveredGeneral

Lift benefit abatement thresholds

“The government will lift abatement thresholds to ensure that people are not punished by transitioning from a benefit to paid work.”

Delivered (1 Apr 2021). The thresholds were lifted: from 1 April 2021 people on main benefits could earn $160 a week, up from $90 or $115, before their benefit was reduced.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceFrom 1 April 2021 the weekly income people on main benefits could earn before their benefit was reduced rose to $160, from $90 or $115, under the Social Security (Definitions of Income Test 1, Income Test 2, Income Test 3, and Income Test 4) Order 2021. 1NewsParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry of Social Development's release of the Cabinet paper, dated 16 February 2021, says abatement thresholds for main benefits were being increased from 1 April 2021, with the Minimum Family Tax Credit adjusted to match. Ministry of Social Development
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry also set up a transitional assistance programme, in force from 1 April 2021, giving temporary help for up to 12 months to people financially disadvantaged as an unintended consequence of the changes to the four income tests. Ministry of Social Development
  • Party claimThe government said 82,900 people and families would gain an average of $18 a week, at a cost of just under $394 million over five years, 1News reported. 1News

The government's explanation: Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said: "Increasing the income abatement thresholds will make it more worthwhile for people to work". 1News

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. 1News reports the Social Development Minister's announcement of higher abatement thresholds from 1 April, and the Ministry of Social Development releases the Cabinet paper. 1NewsMinistry of Social Development
  3. The Ministry of Social Development's transitional assistance programme for people left worse off by the income test changes is made. Ministry of Social Development
  4. The higher thresholds take effect. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Social Development

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Social Security (Definitions of Income Test 1, Income Test 2, Income Test 3, and Income Test 4) Order 2021 · Increasing main benefit thresholds on 1 April 2021 and consequential adjustment to the Minimum Family Tax Credit · Benefit recipients allowed to keep more of what they earn at work from April · 1 April changes raise incomes for 1.4 million New Zealanders · Abatement Threshold Increase (Transitional Assistance) Programme 2021

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

DeliveredGeneral

Bring back 90-day trials for all businesses

“90-day trials for all businesses will be brought back to encourage employers to give workers a go.”

Delivered (23 Dec 2023). The Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Act 2023 brought back 90-day trials for employers of any size from 23 December 2023.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said: "Around 72 per cent of all employees in New Zealand are employed by businesses with 20 or more workers" and "We've heard loud and clear from these businesses; they want 90-day trials back." 1NewsNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Bill passes in Parliament. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News
  3. The Act comes into force, the day after Royal assent; 90-day trials are available to all employers. International Organisation of Employers (Industrial Relations News)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Availability of 90-day trials extended · 90 day trial periods extended to include all employers · Trial periods · Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Act 2023 · Legislation to fully reinstate 90-day trials passes · New Zealand: New law allows 90-day trial employment periods for all employers

DeliveredGeneral

Repeal the Fair Pay Agreements legislation

“The Fair Pay agreement legislation will be repealed because employers and their teams are best able to negotiate for their own circumstances.”

Delivered (20 Dec 2023). The Fair Pay Agreements Act 2022 was repealed by an Act passed under urgency, in force from 20 December 2023, before any fair pay agreement was finalised.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceRNZ reported on 14 December 2023 that Parliament had passed the legislation repealing Fair Pay Agreements through its third reading, under urgency, with support from National, ACT and New Zealand First. SunLive (RNZ)
  • Established evidenceThe Fair Pay Agreements Act Repeal Act 2023 received Royal assent on 19 December 2023 and came into force on 20 December 2023. Section 5 repeals the Fair Pay Agreements Act 2022, and MBIE says the Fair Pay Agreements regulations were also repealed on 20 December 2023. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Established evidenceThe Workplace Relations Minister's release of 11 December 2023 said no fair pay agreements had been finalised. RNZ reported that the 2022 law had taken effect in December 2022 and that no agreements had yet taken effect. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1NewsSunLive (RNZ)

The government's explanation: Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said: "We are moving quickly to remove this legislation before any fair pay agreements are finalised and the negative impacts are felt by the labour market," and "There will be no impact on the current terms of employment for workers as no fair pay agreements have been finalised to date." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Workplace Relations Minister announces the repeal, to be done by Christmas 2023. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. RNZ reports the repeal bill has passed its third reading under urgency. SunLive (RNZ)
  4. The Fair Pay Agreements Act Repeal Act 2023 receives Royal assent. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  5. The repeal comes into force. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Parliament repeals Fair Pay Agreements · Fair Pay Agreements Act Repeal Act 2023 · Fair Pay Agreements legislation · First step to flexible labour market · Fair pay agreements scrapped, 90-day trials to return by Xmas

Education and skills

Labour government, 2020–23

DeliveredMeasurable

Start the planned upgrade of around 180 schools

“$3.8 billion is being spent on education facilities, including … starting the planned upgrade of around 180 schools right across the country over the next 10 years.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (30 Sept 2022). The upgrade programme started: by 30 September 2022, 70 of its 330 redevelopment projects were delivered and 51 in construction, but needed more funding for the 2030 commitment.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceIn July 2020 the government said the National School Redevelopment Programme "will upgrade around 180 schools over the next 10 years"; its first wave of around 40 schools had a budget of up to $1.3 billion. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceBudget 2021 included $150 million of capital for 25 planned school property redevelopment projects so that they could enter construction sooner; in February 2022, $21 million of it went to 10 Auckland schools. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry of Education's February 2023 briefing to the incoming minister on school infrastructure said that, as at 30 September 2022, 70 of the programme's 330 redevelopment projects had been delivered, 51 were in construction and a further 209 were in planning and design or in the pipeline. Ministry of Education
  • Established evidenceThe same briefing said the programme had a budget of $1.6 billion and would need further funding to achieve the government's 2030 property commitment. Ministry of Education

The government's explanation: In May 2023 Education Minister Jan Tinetti said the government had invested "$150 million into the National School Redevelopment Programme", alongside other school property spending. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. Redevelopments at three Auckland schools are announced, with construction at one due to start later in 2021. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. Budget 2021 includes $150 million for 25 planned school redevelopment projects to enter construction sooner. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. $21 million from the Budget 2021 redevelopment funding goes to 10 Auckland schools. 1News
  5. 70 redevelopment projects are delivered and 51 are in construction, the Ministry reports in February 2023. Ministry of Education

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Four new projects announced as part of the biggest ever national school rebuild programme · Budget 2021 delivers on education plan · $21 million injection for Auckland school upgrades · Introductory briefing to the incoming Minister: School Infrastructure (February 2023) · Briefing documents for incoming Ministers · New schools and hundreds more classrooms in Budget 2023 · Auckland schools benefit from investment boost

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

DeliveredGeneral

Allow state schools to become partnership schools

“… state schools will be allowed to become partnership schools.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (1 Oct 2024). Since October 2024 the law lets state schools convert to charter (partnership) schools; Pakaraka School became the first to convert, in October 2026, of 35 conversions Budget 2024 allowed for.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceCharter schools, also called partnership schools, were brought back by the Education and Training Amendment Act 2024. Te Ao Māori News reported on 25 September 2024 that the bill had passed its final reading. The Act received Royal assent on 30 September 2024 and came into force the next day; the Ministry of Education says it came into force in October 2024. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)1NewsTe Ao Māori News (RNZ)Ministry of Education
  • Established evidenceUnder the Act, a state school's board, or one or more members of its school community, can apply to convert the school to a charter school with the support of a proposed sponsor; the Charter School Authorisation Board decides. The Minister can also direct a state school's board to apply for conversion, after seeking the Authorisation Board's views. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Ministry of EducationThe Spinoff1News
  • Established evidenceBudget 2024 funding allowed for 15 new charter schools and the conversion of 35 state schools in 2025 and 2026, depending on demand and suitability. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceOn 12 October 2026 the Government announced that Pakaraka School in Northland had become the first state school to convert to a charter school, run by a charitable trust set up by the parents who serve on its board of trustees. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: Associate Education Minister David Seymour said: "Charter schools give educators more freedom to provide students with an education that suits their needs", and that "The school will have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Government says the Charter Schools Agency has received 78 applications to open new charter schools or convert state schools. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. Te Ao Māori News reports that the legislation bringing back charter schools has passed its final reading. Te Ao Māori News (RNZ)
  4. The Education and Training Amendment Act 2024 comes into force, the day after Royal assent. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Ministry of Education
  5. Pakaraka School becomes the first state school to convert to a charter school. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Education and Training Amendment Act 2024 · Charter schools revived as bill passes final reading · Charter schools · Charter schools are making a comeback: What you need to know · Key features of charter schools | kura hourua · How many charter schools? David Seymour on his big ambitions · Unpacking the 'hostile takeover' bid for Kelston Boys' High School · Overwhelming demand to open charter schools · First state school converts to a charter school

Reversed or abandonedMeasurable

Replace first-year fees-free with final-year fees-free, not before 2025

“The first-year fees-free policy for tertiary education will be replaced with a final-year fees-free-policy, but not before 2025.”

Reversed or abandoned (28 May 2026). Final-year Fees Free replaced the first-year scheme from 1 January 2025; Budget 2026 then ended it, with the scheme closing at the end of 2026.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceBudget 2024 announced that first-year Fees Free would continue until the end of 2024 and be replaced by a final-year scheme from January 2025. Tertiary Education Commission1News
  • Established evidenceFrom 1 January 2025 first-time tertiary learners at Level 3 and above became entitled to up to $12,000 for the final year of provider-based study or the final two years of work-based learning. The first-year scheme closed to new learners at the end of 2024. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Tertiary Education Commission
  • Established evidenceLearners could apply through Inland Revenue from 15 January 2026, with the first payments in 2026 for study completed from 2025. Inland RevenueTertiary Education Commission
  • Established evidenceBudget 2026, delivered on 28 May 2026, listed "the end of the final-year Fees Free scheme" among its savings. The Ministry of Education says the scheme "will close at the end of 2026": learners who complete a qualification in 2026 have 12 months to claim, up to 31 December 2027, and the change gives $1,032.939 million in operating savings. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Education1News

The government's explanation: Starting the scheme, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds said: "Targeting funding to the final year of study rewards students’ hard work and dedication". Ending it in Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said: "Fees Free did not increase enrolments or completion rates, especially for those from low-income backgrounds." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Budget 2024 announces the switch from first-year to final-year Fees Free. Tertiary Education Commission1News
  3. Final-year Fees Free starts; the first-year scheme is closed to new learners. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. Learners can start applying for final-year Fees Free through Inland Revenue. Inland RevenueTertiary Education Commission
  5. Budget 2026 ends final-year Fees Free; the scheme closes at the end of 2026. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Education

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Budget 2024 · Budget 2024: Major change coming to fees-free tertiary scheme · Final-year Fees Free kicks off 1 January 2025 · Final-year Fees Free · Fees Free - apply now through Inland Revenue · Learners can now apply for final-year Fees Free · Budget 2026: Securing New Zealand's Future · Tertiary education initiatives · End of fees-free scheme confirmed after Peters' 'Budget leak'

Climate, energy and environment

Labour government, 2020–23

DeliveredGeneral

Increase the Low Emissions Vehicles Contestable Fund

“It will … including by increasing the Low Emissions Vehicles Contestable Fund.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (7 Oct 2021). Budget 2021 raised the fund, renamed the Low Emission Transport Fund, from up to $6.5 million a year to up to $25 million a year by 2023/24.

Evidence and timeline
  • Party claimBefore the change, the Government said the fund had committed $29.4 million in government funding to 180 projects, and its tenth round, open until 14 April 2021, had $4.5 million available. Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods's release of 7 October 2021 reported that "Across the LEVCF’s 10 rounds, 202 low-emission projects were approved, receiving $35.8 million in co-funding." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceBudget 2021, announced on 20 May 2021, said the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund (LEVCF) would become the Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF), funded through an even split of Crown and levy funding. The programme then offered up to $6.5 million a year of levy funding; total funding would reach up to $25 million a year by 2023/24, with the Government increasing its contribution to up to $12.5 million a year. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceMegan Woods launched the Low Emission Transport Fund on 7 October 2021, describing it as having "a broadened scope from its previous existence as the Low Emission Vehicle Contestable Fund" and "wider eligibility for projects on and off-road". The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority administers it. No source checked gives the amount the fund paid out in each year to 2023/24. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)AutoTrader NZ

The government's explanation: Megan Woods's release launching the fund on 7 October 2021 said the Low Emission Transport Fund had "increased funding to help accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. Budget 2021 increases funding for the fund and renames it the Low Emission Transport Fund. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Low Emission Transport Fund is launched, with its first round co-funding low emission vehicles and transport technology. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)AutoTrader NZ
  4. Under the next government, EECA announces the fund's final rounds; it says the fund has "wound down to a natural end". Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Applications open again for low emission transport projects · Budget makes more Kiwi homes warmer and reduces emissions across sectors · Government puts ‘pedal to metal’ on cutting transport emissions · NZ Govt announces new fund for low-emission transport · $265 million private capital unlocked through Low Emission Transport Fund

DeliveredGeneral

Introduce vehicle emissions standards for imported vehicles

“It will introduce vehicle emissions standards for imported vehicles …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (1 Jan 2023). A 2022 Act introduced the Clean Car Standard for imported light vehicles; vehicles incurred CO2 credits or charges from January 2023, with charges payable from June 2023.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Land Transport (Clean Vehicles) Amendment Act 2022 received Royal assent on 22 February 2022; its commencement section brings it into force the day after assent, except three sections deemed to have come into force on 1 July 2021. The Ministry of Transport says the Act came into force in February 2022, and that Part 13 of the Land Transport Act 1998, as amended by it, sets out the legislative framework for the standard, which it describes as introducing a CO2 emissions standard for imported new and used light vehicles. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Ministry of Transport
  • Established evidenceSunLive reported on 23 November 2022 that, following discussions with vehicle importers, the Government had confirmed the standard would be phased in from 1 December 2022, that imported vehicles would incur a credit or charge based on CO2 emissions from 1 January 2023, and that payment of charges would be deferred until June 2023. The Ministry of Transport says the Land Transport (Clean Vehicles) Amendment Act (No 2), passed on 25 November 2022, provides a six-month phase-in for charges and transfers. Autofile, a motor trade publication, reported on 1 June 2023 that new and used imported light vehicles had incurred a credit or a charge based on their CO2 emissions since the start of the year, and that importers had to start paying charges from that day. SunLiveMinistry of TransportAutofile
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry of Transport says the CO2 targets for importers apply from 2023 and strengthen each year to 2027, with stricter targets for passenger cars than for commercial vehicles; motorcycles and mopeds are not part of the standard. Under the next government, a 2024 review led to decisions that included setting the standard's annual CO2 targets for 2025–2029. Ministry of Transport

The government's explanation: When the bill passed, Transport Minister Michael Wood said: "The passing of the Clean Vehicles legislation delivers on our 2020 election commitment to introduce a Clean Car Import Standard, which offers Kiwis greater access to low and zero emissions vehicles." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The government announces that the Clean Vehicles bill has passed. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Land Transport (Clean Vehicles) Amendment Act 2022 receives Royal assent; the Ministry of Transport says it came into force in February 2022. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Ministry of Transport
  4. SunLive reports that the Government has confirmed the standard will be phased in from 1 December 2022, with payment of charges deferred until June 2023. SunLive
  5. Imported vehicles begin to incur a credit or charge based on their CO2 emissions. Autofile

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Land Transport (Clean Vehicles) Amendment Act 2022 · Clean Cars · Clean car standard to be phased in · CCS charges kick in · Clean Car Bill crosses finish line

Partly deliveredGeneral

Phase out hard to recycle single-use plastic items

“The Government will implement the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor by phasing out hard to recycle single-use plastic items …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Partly delivered (1 Jul 2023). Two of three phase-out stages took effect by July 2023; the third was set for mid-2025, after the term, and the next government removed that deadline.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceIn June 2021 the government announced that hard-to-recycle PVC and polystyrene food and drink packaging and single-use plastic items, including drink stirrers, cotton buds, produce bags and cutlery, would be phased out in three stages beginning in late 2022, 1News reported. The Ministry for the Environment set out the stages: late 2022, mid-2023, and mid-2025 for "All other PVC and polystyrene food and beverage packaging". 1NewsMinistry for the Environment
  • Established evidenceThe Waste Minimisation (Plastic and Related Products) Regulations 2022 came into force on 1 October 2022, prohibiting the sale and manufacture of items including PVC food trays and containers, polystyrene takeaway food and drink packaging, expanded polystyrene food and drink packaging, plastic drink stirrers, plastic-stemmed cotton buds, and plastics with additives that make them fragment into microplastics. Ministry for the EnvironmentSunLive
  • Established evidenceAmendment regulations announced in November 2022 took effect on 1 July 2023. From that date single-use plastic produce bags, tableware and cutlery could not be sold or made, single-use plastic straws were restricted to disabled people and those with health conditions, and the sale of non-compostable plastic produce labels began to be phased out. Ministry for the EnvironmentMinistry for the EnvironmentMinistry for the Environment
  • Established evidenceThe speech names no items or date. The card gives the status as at the end of the term: two of the three stages were in force, and the third, covering all PVC and polystyrene food and drink packaging not covered by the earlier phase-outs, was set for mid-2025, after the term; the Ministry for the Environment's page on the July 2023 bans still gave mid-2025. Under the next government, the Ministry says "The Government has removed the 2025 deadline for the third tranche of plastic phase-outs"; its update calls the government that announced the plan in June 2021 "the then Government". 3R Group and Compost Connect, two waste-sector companies, reported in January 2025 that the deadline was removed at the end of 2024 (Compost Connect says December 2024); no source checked gives a day, so the timeline has no entry for it. Ministry for the EnvironmentMinistry for the EnvironmentMinistry for the EnvironmentMinistry for the Environment3R GroupCompost Connect

The government's explanation: When the first stage took effect, Environment Minister David Parker said: "This is the first group of the most problematic plastic products to be banned in a progressive phase out over the next three years", SunLive reported. SunLive

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The government announces a three-stage phase-out of hard-to-recycle and single-use plastics, starting in late 2022. 1NewsMinistry for the Environment
  3. The first stage takes effect, banning items including PVC food trays, polystyrene takeaway packaging, drink stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds. Ministry for the EnvironmentSunLive
  4. The second stage takes effect, banning single-use plastic produce bags, tableware and cutlery and restricting plastic straws. Ministry for the EnvironmentMinistry for the EnvironmentMinistry for the Environment

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Govt to phase out single-use plastic items from late 2022 · Taking action on problem plastics · Plastic and Related Products Regulations 2022 · More single-use plastics banned from today · Guidance on single-use plastic products banned or phased out from July 2023 · Ban on more problematic plastics begins on 1 July · Phasing out hard-to-recycle and single-use plastics · Future plastic phase outs · Update on waste policies · Waste reduction efforts now in cruise control? · New Zealand's Waste Policy Evolution: Progress and Recent Reversals

Not deliveredGeneral

Prohibit building new thermal baseload electricity generation

“This term the Government will … prohibit the building of new thermal baseload electricity …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Not delivered (27 Nov 2023). MBIE consulted on banning new fossil-fuel baseload generation in 2023; no ban was made that term; in September 2024 the next government's MBIE said work was no longer progressing.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Government announced its first Emissions Reduction Plan on 16 May 2022. Under the plan's action 11.2.2, "Ensure the electricity system and market can support high levels of renewables", one of the key initiatives is: "Ban new fossil-fuel baseload electricity generation, to send a clear message that this has no future in Aotearoa." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry for the Environment
  • Established evidenceOn 9 August 2023 Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods released consultation documents including one on "how we will implement the Emissions Reduction Plan action to ban new fossil fuel baseload electricity generation", seeking feedback on "the design of this legislation and whether there should be any exemptions". The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says consultation ran between August and November 2023 and received 11 submissions; Simpson Grierson reported that submissions closed on 2 November 2023. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentMinistry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentSimpson Grierson
  • Established evidenceNo source checked shows a bill introduced or a law or regulation made to ban new thermal or fossil-fuel baseload electricity generation before the term ended in November 2023. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's page, last updated on 6 September 2024 under the next government, says: "Work on the design and implementation of a ban on new fossil-fuel baseload electricity generation is no longer progressing." Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Established evidenceThe speech says "thermal baseload electricity"; the Government's 2022 plan and 2023 documents call the measure a ban on new fossil-fuel baseload electricity generation, and the card treats them as the same commitment. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)Ministry for the EnvironmentNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: Releasing the consultation in August 2023, Megan Woods said: "The future of energy in New Zealand is renewable. We will phase out fossil fuels and replace them with clean energy." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Government announces its first Emissions Reduction Plan, which lists a ban on new fossil-fuel baseload electricity generation among its key initiatives. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry for the Environment
  3. The Government opens consultation on how to implement a ban on new fossil fuel baseload electricity generation. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  4. Submissions on the proposed ban close. Simpson Grierson
  5. Under the next government, MBIE's page on the ban, updated on this date, says the work is no longer progressing. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Landmark climate plan secures path to net zero · Chapter 11: Energy and industry (Aotearoa New Zealand's first emissions reduction plan) · Empowering Kiwis to have a say in the energy transition · Implementing a ban on new fossil-fuel baseload electricity generation · Summary of submissions: Implementing a ban on new fossil-fuel baseload electricity generation · MBIE consults on New Zealand's energy system #5: Ban on gas fired baseload generation

DeliveredGeneral

Respond to the Climate Commission's first recommended emissions budgets

“The Government will respond to the first set of Climate Budgets recommended by the Climate Commission, which will set the total emissions permitted for the next fifteen years.”

Delivered (16 May 2022). The government set the first three emissions budgets on 16 May 2022, the second and third 7 and 13 Mt CO2-e below the Commission's recommendation, and responded to its advice.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Climate Change Minister James Shaw said: "Today's announcement means our net-zero future is closer than ever before." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The government sets the end of May 2022 for the emissions reduction plan. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The government announces Cabinet's agreement to the three emissions budgets, the second and third in principle. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. The Minister of Climate Change sets the three budgets by notice in the Gazette. New Zealand Gazette

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Emissions Budgets for 2022 to 2025, 2026 to 2030 and 2031 to 2035 · Aotearoa sets course to net-zero with first three emissions budgets · Emissions budgets and the emissions reduction plan · The Government's response to He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission's recommendations · Aotearoa New Zealand's first emissions reduction plan: The Government's response to He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission's recommendations · Timeline confirmed for Emissions Reductions Plan

DeliveredGeneral

Stop new low and medium temperature coal boilers being installed

“The Government will … including by preventing the installation of new low and medium temperature coal-fired boilers …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (27 Jul 2023). Regulations preventing new coal boilers for heat below 300°C took effect on 27 July 2023, about 19 months after the end-2021 date the government set in April 2021.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Announcing the rules on 30 June 2023, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods said: "It continues the Government's momentum in reducing emissions and decarbonising industry, and delivers on a key Labour Party manifesto commitment". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The government confirms the ban on new coal boilers, saying it will take effect by 31 December 2021, and proposes phasing out existing ones by 2037. SunLive1News
  3. The government announces the national policy statement and national environmental standards for industrial process heat. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. The regulations come into force, prohibiting discharges from new low to medium temperature coal boilers. Ministry for the EnvironmentHawke's Bay Regional Council

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · National Environmental Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Industrial Process Heat · Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Industrial Process Heat (NPS-GHG, NES-GHG) · Industrial process heat · Government ban on new coal boilers in place · Government announces climate change action · Government confirms ban on new coal boilers

DeliveredGeneral

Support alternatives to plastics through a Plastics Innovation Fund

“The Government will … supporting the development of alternatives through a Plastics Innovation Fund.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (23 Sept 2022). A $50 million Plastics Innovation Fund was announced in June 2021 to open that November, and its first four investments, totalling $5.57 million, were announced in September 2022.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceOn 27 June 2021 Environment Minister David Parker announced "the $50 million Plastics Innovation Fund", which would open in November 2021 to "help support projects that reimagine how we make, use and dispose of plastics." The Ministry for the Environment describes it as "$50 million over 4-years". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry for the Environment
  • Established evidenceOn 23 September 2022 Parker announced "the first four investments to be made from the $50 million Plastics Innovation Fund", totalling $5.57 million: recycling old plumbing pipes into new pipes, biodegradable nursery pots, building products made from waste polystyrene, and a reusable milk keg service. The Ministry for the Environment's announcement says the fund "will fund over $5 million" for the four projects. No source checked gives the total committed from the fund by the end of the term. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry for the Environment
  • Party claimParker's September 2022 release said the fund "was set last year and implemented a 2020 election promise". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: Parker said in September 2022: "Together, these projects help to turn Kiwi innovation and imagination into reality". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Government announces the $50 million Plastics Innovation Fund, to open in November 2021. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The first four investments from the fund are announced. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry for the Environment

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Government takes action on problem plastics · Te Tahua Pūtea mō te Kirihou Auaha Plastics Innovation Fund · Government backs initiatives to cut environmental impact of plastic waste · Four new Plastic Innovation Fund initiatives announced

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

DeliveredMeasurable

End the clean car discount scheme by 31 December 2023

“By December 31 this year, the Government will end the clean car discount scheme and, with it, so-called ute tax which has been particularly unfair on the rural sector and tradespeople.”

Delivered (31 Dec 2023). The clean car discount ended at 11.59pm on 31 December 2023, the date promised, under a repeal law passed that month; no clean car fees applied from 1 January 2024.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Transport Minister Simeon Brown said the scheme "is inequitable and fiscally irresponsible", and that "more has been paid out in rebates than has been received in charges". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Transport Minister announces that the repeal bill has passed. RNZNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Transport Minister signs a direction to NZ Transport Agency to wind up the scheme. New Zealand Gazette
  4. The clean car discount ends at 11.59pm; rebate applications close. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of TransportNZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (Vehicle inspection portal)
  5. No clean car fees apply; the wind-up direction comes into force. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (Vehicle inspection portal)New Zealand Gazette

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Parliament repeals Clean Car Discount · Bill to repeal 'Ute Tax' passed · Clean Cars · Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Repeal) Amendment Act 2023 · Clean Car Discount to end 31 December 2023 · New Zealand Transport Agency (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Repeal) Direction 2023

In progressMeasurable

Recognise 100 per cent of on-farm sequestration in the ETS

“As part of the Emissions Trading Scheme, 100 per cent recognition of on-farm sequestration will be introduced.”

In progress (15 Jul 2026). A framework for recognising non-forestry carbon removals was announced and a bill to let the ETS recognise them was introduced in July 2026; no source checked shows on-farm sequestration recognised.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceBackground: the Ministry for Primary Industries says that to qualify as forest land in the ETS, a forest must cover at least 1 hectare, have or be expected to reach crown cover of more than 30% in each hectare, and be at least 30 metres across on average. Shelter belts less than 30 metres wide on average are excluded unless they join onto other forest land, as are small areas of trees under 1 hectare more than 15 metres from adjacent forest. The speech gave no date for the change. Ministry for Primary IndustriesNew Zealand Gazette
  • Established evidenceOn 4 November 2025 Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced a Carbon Removals Assessment Framework, which he called "a crucial step toward recognising and rewarding non-forestry carbon removals". The release said the Government intended to introduce a bill amending the Climate Change Response Act the next year, including "Expanding opportunities for other types of carbon removals to be recognised in the NZ ETS in the future." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceThe Climate Change Response Amendment Bill was introduced on 15 July 2026. The Ministry for the Environment says it "proposes to add 'carbon removal activities' as an activity that can be recognised under the ETS", and that the changes "don't mean new carbon removal activities or emissions sources would immediately be included in the ETS, if the Bill is passed." S&P Global's report of the bill's introduction on 15 July 2026 makes the same two points. Neither page mentions on-farm sequestration. Ministry for the EnvironmentS&P Global

The government's explanation: Watts said in November 2025: "We are progressing work to help farmers and landholders access pathways for recognition and reward for activities that remove carbon from the atmosphere on farm, including opportunities around rewetting peatlands." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Climate Change Minister announces a Carbon Removals Assessment Framework and a planned bill to widen the removals the ETS can recognise. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Climate Change Response Amendment Bill is introduced, proposing that carbon removal activities can be recognised in the ETS. Ministry for the EnvironmentS&P Global

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · How forest land is defined in the ETS · Improving New Zealand’s climate change act · About the amendment Bill · New Zealand introduces amendments to climate change act

In progressGeneral

Replace the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020

“The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 will be replaced to ensure a local approach, allowing district councils more flexibility in managing environmental limits.”

In progress (27 Jul 2025). Cabinet agreed in December 2023 to replace the 2020 freshwater policy statement and consulted on changes in 2025; the 2020 statement, amended, remained in place in October 2026.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Government announced on 14 December 2023 that "Cabinet has agreed to replace the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM)". Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard said the process "is expected to take between 18 to 24 months". The release announced that the deadline for councils to notify freshwater plan changes would be extended by three years, to 31 December 2027, through legislation. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry for the Environment
  • Established evidenceInside Government reported on 22 October 2024 that RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said "the Government legislated so that councils would have an additional three years to notify their freshwater plans", and that the Government would stop councils notifying freshwater plans before the replacement national direction is gazetted. The Ministry for Primary Industries and Ministry for the Environment's interim regulatory impact statement on replacing the 2020 statement was published on 24 July 2025, and consultation on freshwater proposals, including options to amend the 2020 statement, closed on 27 July 2025. Inside Government NZMinistry for RegulationBell GullyMinistry for the Environment
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry for the Environment lists the current statement as the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, amended 2025, with amendments on consent rules for quarrying and mining in force from 15 January 2026. Bay of Plenty Regional Council says its freshwater plan-making is on hold until the new national direction is in place. No source checked shows a replacement statement made by October 2026. Ministry for the EnvironmentBay of Plenty Regional Council

The government's explanation: Announcing the decision in December 2023, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds said the 2020 statement "has become extremely complex and expensive to implement", and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said the Government would develop an approach that is "fit for purpose and enduring". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Government announces that Cabinet has agreed to replace the 2020 statement. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. Inside Government reports that councils will be stopped from notifying freshwater plans before the replacement is gazetted. Inside Government NZ
  4. Consultation on freshwater proposals, including changes to the 2020 statement, closes. Ministry for the EnvironmentBell Gully
  5. Amendments to the 2020 statement on quarrying and mining consent rules come into force. Ministry for the Environment

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Government takes first steps towards pragmatic and sensible freshwater rules · National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management · Govt feeds freshwater plan clarity for farmers, councils · Interim Regulatory Impact Statement: Replacing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 · Updates to Resource Management National Direction: freshwater package · Managing freshwater better

Law and order

Labour government, 2020–23

DeliveredGeneral

Receive and respond to the Christchurch mosques Royal Commission report

“This is important as we prepare to receive and respond to the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Mosques on 15 March 2019.”

Delivered (8 Dec 2020). The report was received on 26 November 2020; on 8 December 2020 the government agreed in principle with all 44 recommendations and named a minister to coordinate the response.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Royal Commission delivered its report to the Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy, on 26 November 2020, the day of the speech, and the Internal Affairs Minister, Jan Tinetti, received it the same day. Families and victims were to see it confidentially before its public release. The Minister said she would table it in Parliament on Tuesday 8 December, and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet says it was released on 8 December 2020. Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch MasjidainNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
  • Established evidenceOn 8 December 2020 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government had agreed in principle with all 44 recommendations, that Andrew Little would be the coordinating minister, that a multi-agency Response Steering Group had been set up to report to the government in the first quarter of 2021, and that a Ministry for Ethnic Communities would be set up in line with recommendation 30. The Justice Minister announced changes to counter-terrorism laws the same day, citing the Royal Commission's recommendations. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1NewsNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceThe speech commits to receiving and responding to the report; carrying out all its recommendations is not part of this commitment, so implementation is shown here as evidence only. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet published a progress tracker on the 44 recommendations, in editions dated January 2022, July 2022, February 2023 and August 2023. Under the next government, on 2 August 2024, the Government announced that the Royal Commission of Inquiry coordinated response had concluded. Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet1News
  • Party claimLead Coordination Minister Judith Collins said, as 1News reported on 2 August 2024, that 36 recommendations had either been implemented or were being integrated into ongoing work programmes, and that the remaining eight would not progress. 1News

The government's explanation: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on 8 December 2020 that "the Government has agreed in principle with all 44 recommendations contained in the report". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Royal Commission's report is delivered to the Governor-General and received by the Internal Affairs Minister. Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch MasjidainNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The report is released, and the government agrees in principle with all 44 recommendations. Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News
  4. Under the next government, the coordinated response to the report is concluded. 1NewsDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · About the Inquiry · Government receives Royal Commission of Inquiry report into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Mosques · Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain · Prime Minister’s comments on Royal Commission of Inquiry into Christchurch Terror Attack · Full statement: Jacinda Ardern apologises, agrees to all recommendations in Christchurch attack report · Counter terrorism laws to be strengthened · Response Progress · Govt concluding formal response to March 15 Royal Commission

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

DeliveredGeneral

Amend the Sentencing Act

“Too often, sentences do not reflect the gravity of offending so the Sentencing Act will be amended to ensure appropriate consequences for offenders.”

Delivered (29 Jun 2025). The Sentencing Act was amended: from 21 November 2024 gang membership became easier to treat as an aggravating factor, and from 29 June 2025 sentence discounts were capped.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said: "This is a significant milestone in this Government's mission to restore law and order", and "We developed a culture of excuses for crime. That ends today." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Sentencing Amendment Act 2024 takes effect, making it easier for judges to consider gang membership as an aggravating factor. Ministry of JusticeParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)
  3. The sentencing reform bill passes its final reading. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. The 2025 changes to the Sentencing Act come into force. Ministry of JusticeParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Real consequences for crime restored · Sentencing Act changes now in force · Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Act 2025 · Gang laws come into effect · Sentencing Amendment Act 2024

DeliveredGeneral

Ban gang patches and insignia in public places

“That legislation will: Ban gang patches and insignia in public places …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (21 Nov 2024). The Gangs Act 2024 bans the display of gang insignia in public places, in force from 21 November 2024.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Gangs Act 2024 came into force on 21 November 2024. 1News reported that day that a person convicted of breaching the public gang patch ban "is liable to a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to $5000, according to the Gangs Act". New Zealand Legislation1NewsNew Zealand PoliceMinistry of Justice
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry of Justice says the Gangs Act 2024 "bans the display of gang patches and insignia in public places" and applies to 35 gangs named in the Act. Police say the ban covers insignia attached to a vehicle on display, but not tattoos or wearing insignia at home unless the person is under a prohibition order. Ministry of JusticeNew Zealand Police
  • Established evidencePolice reported that from 21 November 2024 to 19 February 2025 they seized 76 patches and 316 other insignia items and laid 337 insignia breach charges under the Act. New Zealand Police

The government's explanation: When the law took effect, Police Minister Mark Mitchell said: "Our message to the gangs is clear - the days of behaving like you are above the law are over." 1News

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. 1News reports that the gang legislation, including the public patch ban, has passed into law that afternoon. 1News
  3. The ban on displaying gang insignia in public places comes into force. New Zealand LegislationMinistry of JusticeNew Zealand Police
  4. Police report 337 insignia breach charges under the Act between 21 November 2024 and 19 February 2025. New Zealand Police

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Gangs Act 2024 · Gang patch legislation passed into law · NZ's new gang laws come into force - what you need to know · The Gangs Act 2024 · Gang laws come into effect · Police put pressure on gangs

In progressGeneral

Create a Young Serious Offender category

“To deter young people from a life of crime, the Government will create a new Young Serious Offender category …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

In progress (17 Sept 2026). The bill creating a Young Serious Offender declaration passed its third reading on 17 September 2026; no source checked gives its Royal assent or commencement date.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill had its first reading on 21 November 2024. The Government's release said it creates a Young Serious Offender (YSO) declaration, for which a young person is eligible if they are 14 to 17 years old at the time of offending, have committed at least two separate serious offences and are likely to keep offending. New Zealand Government (via Scoop)
  • Established evidenceThe bill passed its third reading on 17 September 2026, under urgency. The Minister for Children's release and news reports of the vote give no date for Royal assent or for when the declaration takes effect, and no source checked gives one. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Otago Daily Times (RNZ)NEWS WIRE
  • Established evidenceOranga Tamariki's page on the declaration, published on 28 September 2026, says it "allows the Youth Court to apply stronger measures when responding to serious offending", including longer supervision orders and a Military Style Academy Order for those aged 15 to 17, and that a Youth Court judge has the final say on making it. Oranga Tamariki

The government's explanation: Minister for Children Karen Chhour said when the bill passed its third reading: "When I became the Minister for Children, I made it clear that the status quo was not good enough." In the House she said: "This bill creates a young serious offender declaration and this will unlock stronger powers". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Scoop (Hansard)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The bill creating the Young Serious Offender declaration has its first reading. New Zealand Government (via Scoop)
  3. The House debates the bill's provisions in committee. Scoop (Hansard)
  4. The bill passes its third reading. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Otago Daily Times (RNZ)

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Bill Reaffirms Government's Commitment To Crack Down On Serious Youth Offending · Bill continues progress on responding to serious youth offending · Bootcamps bill kicked over line (RNZ, 17 September 2026) · Boot camps become law as Parliament passes youth offending bill under urgency · Young Serious Offender Declaration · Oranga Tamariki (Responding To Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill || 6 August 2026

Partly deliveredGeneral

Restore the three strikes rule with a tighter definition

“The “three strikes” rule for serious repeat criminals will be restored, with a tighter definition of offences that qualify as strikes.”

Partly delivered (17 Jun 2025). The three strikes rule was restored from 17 June 2025 with new sentence thresholds; the offence list was not narrowed, and no source checked calls the thresholds a tighter definition.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said: "Reinstating the Three Strikes regime will help keep New Zealanders safer". She said the Government had balanced expanding the regime with "making sure it targets serious offending". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill passes its third reading. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Act receives Royal assent. Ministry of JusticeParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)
  4. The three strikes regime comes into force. Ministry of JusticeNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)NZ Lawyer

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Three Strikes Bill passes third reading · Three strikes law · Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Act 2024 · Tougher sentences ahead as Three Strikes returns · Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Act now effective

DeliveredGeneral

Review whether the Firearms Registry improves public safety

“The Firearms Registry will be reviewed to see whether it is improving public safety.”

Delivered (13 May 2025). The Ministry of Justice reviewed the Firearms Registry; its findings, reported in May 2025, recommended it continue. ACT said the review did not meet its coalition commitment.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceSunLive reported on 2 June 2024 that Cabinet had agreed the review's terms of reference and that the review, carried out by the Ministry of Justice, was under way. The terms of reference included whether the Registry improves public safety, whether its requirements on firearm users are necessary and streamlined, and its costs and benefits. SunLive
  • Established evidencePolice and the Firearms Safety Authority reported the review's findings on 13 May 2025. The review found early indications that the Registry contributes to public safety and that it reduces the risk of firearms being diverted to the black market, and its main recommendation was that "the Firearms Registry should continue as planned". New Zealand PoliceFirearms Safety Authority Te Tari Pūreke
  • Party claimACT, a coalition party, said in a press release that it had invoked the "agree to disagree" provisions of its coalition agreement because "the recent review of the firearms registry did not meet the commitment in ACT's coalition agreement", and that National had rejected its proposal for "a more thorough and independent review" in the 2025/26 financial year. 1News reported on 12 May 2025 that ACT had invoked the clause "On Sunday", and quoted Prime Minister Christopher Luxon: "A Cabinet decision was made, ACT disagreed with that position and, as a result, we invoked agree-to-disagree." ACT New Zealand1News

The government's explanation: Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee said in 2024: "Cabinet has agreed to the registry review terms of reference and the review is now underway", and "It is important that we take stock of the available data and information". SunLive

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. SunLive reports that Cabinet has agreed the review's terms of reference and the Ministry of Justice review is under way. SunLive
  3. 1News reports that ACT has invoked the coalition agreement's "agree to disagree" provisions over the review, which ACT says did not meet its coalition commitment. 1NewsACT New Zealand1News
  4. Police and the Firearms Safety Authority report the review's findings, which recommend the Registry continue as planned. New Zealand PoliceFirearms Safety Authority Te Tari Pūreke

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Government commences Firearms Registry review · Review of Firearms Registry finds public safety benefits and recommends it continue · Review of Firearms Registry finds public safety benefits and recommends it continue · ACT invokes "agree to disagree" on firearms registry review · 'It's not emotional' – Luxon addresses disagreements with ACT (12 May 2025)

Immigration and population

Labour government, 2020–23

DeliveredGeneral

Quarantine-free travel zones with the Cook Islands, Niue and Australia

“Planning for quarantine free travel zones is currently underway with the Cook Islands, Niue and Australia.”

Delivered (28 Jun 2022). Quarantine-free zones opened with Australia and the Cook Islands in 2021 and Niue (two-way) in June 2022; Australia's, suspended in July 2021, gave way to isolation-free entry from April 2022.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech says planning was under way. The card's test is whether the three named zones were set up. In December 2020 New Zealand and Niue completed negotiations on an arrangement setting out the health and border requirements for quarantine-free travel. One-way quarantine-free travel into New Zealand resumed for passengers from the Cook Islands from 21 January 2021 and from Niue from 24 March 2021. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceTwo-way quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Australia started on 19 April 2021, when the first quarantine-free flight from Sydney landed in Auckland. Two-way quarantine-free travel with the Cook Islands started on 17 May 2021, when the first quarantine-free flight from New Zealand landed in Rarotonga. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1NewsNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News
  • Established evidenceFrom 11.59pm on 23 July 2021 the Government suspended quarantine-free entry from Australia for at least eight weeks, citing the Delta variant and rising cases in Australia. On 17 September 2021 it extended the suspension for a further eight weeks, saying it would review the decision in mid to late November and the review would be heavily influenced by the policies it was working on for its Reconnecting New Zealand strategy. No source checked shows quarantine-free travel with Australia resuming as its own arrangement: in the general border reopening, the Government announced on 16 March 2022 that Australians could travel to New Zealand isolation-free from 11.59pm on 12 April 2022. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1NewsNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceTwo-way travel with Niue followed when Niue reopened to visitors: RNZ and Cook Islands News reported that the first quarantine-free flight from New Zealand to Niue left on 28 June 2022, after more than two years in which Niue was closed to tourists by the pandemic. RNZCook Islands News (written by RNZ)

The government's explanation: Announcing the Australian start date, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "Quarantine free travel will not be what it was pre-COVID-19." Announcing the Cook Islands start date, she said: "Two way quarantine-free travel is a significant step in both countries' COVID-19 recovery". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. Two-way quarantine-free travel with Australia starts; two-way quarantine-free travel with the Cook Islands follows on 17 May 2021. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1NewsNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News
  3. The Government suspends quarantine-free travel from Australia for at least eight weeks. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News
  4. Under the general border reopening announced on 16 March 2022, Australians can travel to New Zealand isolation-free from 11.59pm. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  5. The first quarantine-free flight from New Zealand to Niue leaves. RNZCook Islands News (written by RNZ)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · New Zealand and Niue announce next steps towards quarantine-free travel · Cook Islanders to resume travel to New Zealand · Quarantine-free travel to New Zealand from Niue · Trans-Tasman bubble to start 19 April · Watch: Tears and high emotion as first quarantine-free flight lands in Auckland · NZ Cook Islands travel bubble significant step in COVID-19 recovery · First quarantine-free flight to Rarotonga from NZ 'first step' to recovery for Cook Islands · Quarantine Free Travel with Australia suspended · Entire trans-Tasman travel bubble suspended for eight weeks · Quarantine-free travel with Australia to remain suspended for a further 8 weeks · Government reopens New Zealand for tourism · 'I think we are pretty lucky to be on this flight now actually' says Niuean traveller · Niue reopens its borders to New Zealand tourists

Partly deliveredMeasurable

Use up to 10% of MIQ places for border exception workers

“The Government will ensure that up to 10 percent of places in our managed isolation facilities are used by people granted exceptions to enter New Zealand to contribute to accelerating our recovery.”

Partly delivered (31 Jan 2022). MBIE tracked the commitment as critical workers using at least 10% of MIQ rooms over three months: 12.4% in March–April 2021, 6.6% in November 2021–January 2022.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech says "up to 10 percent", but MBIE's reports to the COVID-19 Response Minister described "the Government's commitment to ensure that Critical Workers are occupying at least 10% of spaces", counting family travelling with them and measured over a rolling three-month period. This card uses that measure, the one the government and MBIE used. Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentMinistry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Established evidenceMBIE's monthly figures for the share of occupied managed isolation rooms used by critical workers were 13.3% (January 2021), 18.8% (February), 14.3% (March), 10.3% (April), 13.7% (May), 10.5% (June), 9.6% (July), 8.3% (August), 16.3% (September and October), 10.2% (November), 4.0% (December) and 6.1% (January 2022): under 10% in four months, including the last two. MBIE says seasonal workers' arrivals raised the share in January to March 2021, and fewer people entering MIQ after quarantine-free travel with Australia began raised it in April and May. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Established evidenceMBIE's February 2022 report to the minister gave a rolling three-month average of 6.6% for 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022. It said occupancy by critical workers fell away from mid-November, at the time stays changed from 14 days in MIQ to 7 days and the staged opening of the border was announced. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Established evidenceIn May 2021 the government announced that 500 managed isolation spaces a fortnight would be allocated over the next 10 months, many of them for skilled and critical workers. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: In May 2021 COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said: "We're consistently averaging more than 10 per cent of MIQ spaces set aside for economic purposes per month, which Labour promised at the election." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The government announces 500 managed isolation spaces a fortnight for groups including skilled and critical workers; MBIE reports a 12.4% critical worker average for March and April. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  3. The critical worker share is 8.3% in August, after 9.6% in July: the first months below 10% in MBIE's figures. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  4. The share is 6.1% in January 2022, after 4.0% in December, the last month in MBIE's table. Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentMinistry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  5. MBIE reports a rolling three-month average of 6.6% for November 2021 to January 2022. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Managed isolation and quarantine: Critical worker occupancy · 10% Critical Worker target - Report for 1 March to 30 April 2021 · 10% Critical Worker target – Report for December 2021 · 10% Critical Worker target – Report for February 2022 · Thousands of MIQ spaces allocated to secure economic recovery

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

No promise on this topic in this sample.

Economy, business and infrastructure

Labour government, 2020–23

Partly deliveredMeasurable

Invest $710 million to start the Three Waters overhaul

“The Three Waters programme will see a $710 million investment to initiate an overhaul of the nation’s drinking, waste and stormwater infrastructure.”

Partly delivered (14 Dec 2022). Sources show $523 million funded to 67 councils and $30 million for rural water, short of $710 million; the 2022 Act was repealed in February 2024 under the next government.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceOn 4 August 2020, before the speech, the Government announced how it would allocate "the $761 million Three Waters stimulus and reform funding for councils": regional allocations for councils outside Auckland, "an allocation of $51 million" to support Taumata Arowai, the new water regulator, and "$30 million" for non-council rural water supplies. It said "Ministers are still considering the package and approach for Auckland." Councils had to sign a memorandum of understanding and a funding agreement, and submit a delivery plan to Crown Infrastructure Partners "for approval prior to release of funding". None of the sources checked itemises the speech's $710 million. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceCrown Infrastructure Partners, which monitored the grants and managed claims for the Department of Internal Affairs, says "The Government funded $523 million to 67 local authorities", with $159 million of council co-funding taking the programme to $682 million; the work, first due by March 2022 and then June 2022, was complete in December 2022. Its $30 million Rural Drinking Water Programme was fully subscribed by 8 September 2023. The Audit Office reported in July 2022 that "All affected councils other than Auckland Council also received funding from the Government" after signing the memorandum of understanding. Crown Infrastructure PartnersCrown Infrastructure PartnersThe Audit Office
  • Established evidenceThe Water Services Entities Act, which set up four water services entities, was enacted on 14 December 2022. An amendment changing the four entities to ten passed its third reading on 16 August 2023 and received Royal assent on 22 August 2023. Taupō District CouncilNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceOn 14 February 2024, under the next government, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced the repeal of the Three Waters legislation, passed that day. Russell McVeagh reported the same day that the repeal bill "has now passed through the House" and repeals the Water Services Entities Act 2022 and two water services Acts passed in 2023. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Russell McVeagh

The government's explanation: Announcing the allocations in August 2020, Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said: "Councils are keen to get on with investing in critical water infrastructure and services and stimulate the local economy." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Water Services Entities Act is enacted. Taupō District Council
  3. An amending Act, changing the number of water services entities from four to ten, receives Royal assent. Taupō District CouncilNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. Under the next government, Parliament passes the repeal of the Three Waters legislation. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Russell McVeagh

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Government announces allocation of three waters funds for councils · Programme complete December 2022 · Rural drinking water · Part 5: How the Government's proposed three waters reforms affected the long-term plans · Timeline · Water Services Entities Amendment Bill passes third reading · Labour’s Three Waters legislation repealed · Local Water Done Well - First stage implemented with repeal of Affordable Water Reform

DeliveredGeneral

Regulate merchant service fees

“The Government will regulate Merchant Service Fees to reduce costs on retailers …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (8 Aug 2023). The Retail Payment System Act 2022 regulated Visa and Mastercard interchange fees from November 2022; average merchant fees fell 8–18% by December 2022, then rose again to March 2023.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: When the bill passed its third reading, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark said: "We made a campaign promise in 2020 to reduce merchant fees, and today we deliver on that commitment." He said the bill "will save New Zealand businesses around $74 million a year". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. Retail Payment System Bill passes its third reading. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. Retail Payment System Act 2022 receives the Royal assent. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Lane Neave
  4. Interchange fee limits take effect. Commerce CommissionCommerce Commission
  5. Commerce Commission publishes its observations on the effect of the limits, estimating $105 million a year in savings. Commerce Commissioninterest.co.nz

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Retail Payment System Act 2022 · New Retail Payment System Act will benefit merchants and consumers · Mastercard and Visa networks will be initial focus for Commission under new Act · Retail payment system regulation to deliver $105m in savings for businesses · Commerce Commission finds more than $100m in annual savings for retail payments, but says more needs to be passed on · Retail Payment System: Observations on the impact of interchange fee regulation (8 August 2023) · Lower card fees on way for business, consumers

Partly deliveredGeneral

Repeal and replace the Resource Management Act

“The Government will ensure that New Zealand's resource management system is fit for the future by repealing and replacing the Resource Management Act.”

Partly delivered (24 Aug 2023). Two Acts to replace the RMA took effect in August 2023; the RMA kept applying while the new system was to be phased in over about ten years.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: When the bills passed, Environment Minister David Parker said: "The new Bills replace the 30 year-old Resource Management Act." He also said: "The poor implementation of the RMA at the start almost guaranteed its failure", and "We have learned from the past and we know we can't afford to repeat this mistake." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Government announces the RMA will be repealed and replaced by three new Acts. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 receives the Royal assent; most of it comes into force the next day. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Rice SpeirWynn WilliamsDuncan CotterillMinistry for the Environment
  4. Under the next government, Parliament passes legislation repealing the Natural and Built Environment Act and the Spatial Planning Act; the Natural and Built Environment Act is repealed on 23 December. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)UN Environment Programme, Law and Environment Assistance Platform (LEAP)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · RMA to be repealed and replaced · The Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and Spatial Planning Act 2023 have been passed – what happens now? · RMA replacement bills pass third readings in Parliament · End of an era: Bills to replace RMA passed · Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 · Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 · NBA and SPA successfully repealed · Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 · Faster, cheaper, better - once in a generation RMA reforms · Resource management reforms: what you need to know · The road to reform: Natural and Built Environment Act and Spatial Planning Act given Royal Assent. What does this mean now? · Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).

Partly deliveredMeasurable

Roll out over 150 smaller community infrastructure projects

“In addition, over 150 smaller community infrastructure projects will roll out over the coming months and across the term.”

Partly delivered (30 Sept 2023). No programme was named; across the wider shovel-ready programme, the closest match, 220 of 222 projects had started construction and 112 were complete by September 2023.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech names no programme, so the match is the site's inference. The closest official match is the shovel-ready programme, the $3 billion of infrastructure funding announced in July 2020. Its projects range beyond small community ones, so the figures on this card cover the whole programme. Kānoa, MBIE's regional development unit, says "More than 150 of these projects were transferred to Kānoa to administer", meaning projects from that $3 billion fund. A Cabinet paper from the Regional Economic Development Minister's office said the Provincial Development Unit (Kānoa) was best placed to deliver most regional projects below $20 million, including small-scale community projects such as libraries, art galleries, sports facilities, pools and surf clubs. Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment)Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Established evidenceKānoa's report to the Cabinet Economic Development Committee for October to December 2021 listed 169 approved projects under the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund (Infrastructure Reference Group), with $678.5 million contracted and $261.8 million paid as at 31 December 2021. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Established evidenceOf the 150 shovel-ready projects the government said it would fund, fewer than half were under construction at the end of February 2021, Stuff reported. Crown Infrastructure Partners' report to 31 December 2021 showed that of 232 approved projects, 224 had funding agreements, 203 had commenced construction and 34 were completed. StuffCrown Infrastructure Partners
  • Established evidenceBy 30 September 2023, Crown Infrastructure Partners reported that 220 of the programme's 222 projects had commenced construction and 112 were completed, according to the Audit Office's December 2023 report. That report counts 222 approved projects, against 232 in December 2021, and does not say why the number fell. The Audit OfficeCrown Infrastructure Partners

The government's explanation: In February 2021 Infrastructure Minister Grant Robertson told a local government meeting that the government had "now announced 170 projects representing $2,6bn of government funding", with "over $750m in funding going towards Council projects so far". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Infrastructure Minister says 170 shovel-ready projects have been announced. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. Fewer than half of the shovel-ready projects are under construction, Stuff later reports. Stuff
  4. 203 of 232 approved shovel-ready projects have commenced construction and 34 are completed; Kānoa's report lists 169 approved projects under the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund (Infrastructure Reference Group). Crown Infrastructure PartnersMinistry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  5. 220 of 222 shovel-ready projects have commenced construction and 112 are completed. The Audit OfficeCrown Infrastructure Partners

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · COVID-19 recovery funding · Delivering the 'Shovel Ready' Infrastructure Projects · Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit Quarterly Update to the Cabinet Economic Development Committee, October 2021 – December 2021 · Less than half of 'shovel-ready' projects begun by deadline · Quarterly Infrastructure Reference Group Update Q4: to 31 December 2021 · Appendix 3: Summary of shovel-ready progress report, 30 September 2023 · Quarterly Infrastructure Reference Group update, September 2023 · Prepared speech notes for LGNZ Metro Sector Meeting

Partly deliveredMeasurable

Waka Kotahi to receive $9.6 billion for new transport projects

“Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will receive $9.6 billion to invest in new roads and public transport projects that reduce congestion and travel times, support businesses, open up new areas for housing, and increase choice, including safer options for walking and cycling.”

Partly delivered (27 Nov 2023). No source checked confirms the $9.6 billion figure. Waka Kotahi had $5.6 billion for NZ Upgrade projects, and its 2021–24 programme planned road improvements and public transport investment.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech gives the figure straight after referring to "a record $42.2 billion on the books for infrastructure investment over the next four years", and does not say how the $9.6 billion is made up. No source checked confirms the $9.6 billion figure, breaks it down or reports Waka Kotahi receiving that sum. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  • Established evidenceWaka Kotahi's 2020 briefing to the incoming minister says "The transport component of the NZ Upgrade Programme is a $6.8 billion investment over the next 10 years in road, rail, public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure", and "Waka Kotahi has $5.6 billion of funding to deliver 20 projects that will support a shift to greater transport choice." The Ministry of Transport says the Government announced the programme in January 2020, before the speech, and on 4 June 2021 confirmed its funding, setting aside "an additional $1.9 billion in the multi-year capital allowance"; the projects are delivered by Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (published on beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Transport
  • Party claimTransport Minister Michael Wood's release of 7 September 2021 said the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme "outlines the planned investments Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will make over the next three years", and that with local government the Government would invest "a record $24.3 billion into transport services and infrastructure". It said "nearly $6 billion" would go to public transport and walking and cycling and "Almost $7 billion" to local road and state highway maintenance, and that "a further $3.9 billion will be spent on road improvements". The release does not say whether the $3.9 billion is part of the $24.3 billion, or how much of the programme is new Crown funding. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: Michael Wood's September 2021 release on the 2021–24 programme said: "We know we have to keep driving down emissions and congestion by giving Kiwis more transport choices." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. The Government confirms the direction and funding commitment for the NZ Upgrade Programme, setting aside an additional $1.9 billion. Ministry of Transport
  3. The 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme is released, setting out $24.3 billion of planned investment with local government. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Waka Kotahi Briefing to the Incoming Minister 2020 · Land transport Crown investment packages · Transport to drive economic recovery

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

In progressGeneral

Create long-term City and Regional deals with local government

“The Government will partner with local government to create long-term City and Regional deals so there is an agreed, visible pipeline of priority projects underway across the country.”

In progress (6 Oct 2026). Three deals signed in 2026: Auckland (April), Western Bay of Plenty (May), Otago Central Lakes (October; implementation plan due within six months). No others; no projects shown under way.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said in October 2026 that City and Regional Deals are "about backing regions with real economic potential" and are "deliberately long-term". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Auckland Deal, the first City and Regional Deal, is signed. Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and TransportMinistry for Cities, Environment, Regions and TransportNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The Western Bay of Plenty Deal is signed. Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and TransportMinistry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport
  4. The Otago Central Lakes Deal is signed. Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and TransportNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · City and regional deals · Auckland deal - Our work - Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport · Western Bay of Plenty deal - Our work - Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport · Otago Central Lakes deal - Our work - Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport · About city and regional deals · Otago Central Lakes Deal signed to back growth · Landmark Auckland deal to unlock city's potential

DeliveredGeneral

Establish a Ministry for Regulation

“A new government department, reporting to the Minister for Regulation, will be established to assess and improve the quality of new and existing legislation and regulation.”

Delivered (1 Mar 2024). The Ministry for Regulation was established as a public service department on 1 March 2024 and delivered its first major regulatory review report in December 2024.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceCabinet agreed on 23 January 2024 to establish a Public Service department named the Ministry for Regulation, effective from 1 March 2024. The Public Service (Ministry for Regulation) Order 2024, made on 19 February 2024, came into force on 1 March 2024 and added the Ministry to the list of departments in the Public Service Act 2020. The New Zealand Government's agency directory says the Ministry was established on 1 March 2024 and that David Seymour is the Minister for Regulation. Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service CommissionNew Zealand LegislationNew Zealand Government (govt.nz)Ministry for Regulation
  • Established evidenceThe Cabinet paper establishing the Ministry gives its functions as "evaluating proposals for new regulation" and "carrying out regulatory reviews of specific sectors or regulatory systems that sit across sectors". The Ministry describes its role as "to strengthen New Zealand's Regulatory Management System and to improve regulatory quality". Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service CommissionMinistry for Regulation
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry's first major regulatory review, of early childhood education, began in June 2024 and its report, with 15 recommendations, was delivered to the Minister for Regulation on 18 December 2024. The Ministry's list of its work also names reviews of agricultural and horticultural products, hairdressing and barbering, residential solar, telecommunications, building and hospitality. Ministry for RegulationSimpson GriersonMinistry for Regulation
  • Party claimThe Minister's release marking the Ministry's first year said it had reformed the Cabinet Circular guiding Regulatory Impact Analysis, "increasing the Ministry’s role in policy making". New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: Minister for Regulation David Seymour said on 1 March 2025: "One year ago, the Ministry for Regulation was set up. It was given the task of cutting red tape and lifting the quality of all regulatory systems in New Zealand." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Cabinet agrees to establish the Ministry for Regulation as a Public Service department from 1 March 2024. Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
  3. The Ministry for Regulation is established. New Zealand LegislationNew Zealand Government (govt.nz)Simpson Grierson
  4. The Ministry delivers its first major regulatory review report, on early childhood education, to the Minister for Regulation. Ministry for Regulation
  5. The Minister for Regulation marks the Ministry's first year. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Establishment of the Ministry for Regulation · Public Service (Ministry for Regulation) Order 2024 · Ministry for Regulation | New Zealand Government · About us | Ministry for Regulation · And that's a wrap! A 2024 recap of the Ministry for Regulation · Ministry delivers on first major regulatory review report · What we've done | Ministry for Regulation · Deregulating for economic growth remains focus after year one

In progressMeasurable

Progress 13 new Roads of National Significance

“The Government will invest in better transport infrastructure including progressing 13 new Roads of National Significance, with a focus on unlocking land for new housing developments and easing congestion in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga.”

In progress (30 Jul 2026). The RoNS, now 17, progressed: by July 2026 parts of four were under construction and two in procurement, one since contracted for $3.649bn; five sections continue more slowly.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech did not name the 13 roads or say what 'progressing' meant, so matching it to the RoNS programme is the site's reading. National's July 2023 transport policy said "National will deliver 13 new Roads of National Significance" and listed them by region (Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Greater Wellington, Nelson and Canterbury). The draft transport policy statement of March 2024 reintroduced the programme with 15 projects; by July 2024 it had 17. New Zealand GazetteNew Zealand National PartyNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1NewsNew Zealand National Party
  • Established evidenceIn October 2025 the NZ Transport Agency Board endorsed investment cases for all of the RoNS and approved more than $675 million to progress consenting, design, route protection, site investigations and some early works. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceNZTA's Major Transport Projects Pipeline, released on 9 July 2026, put four RoNS under construction (Ōtaki to north of Levin, the Hawke's Bay Expressway, Takitimu North Link Stage 1 and SH29 Tauriko West at the Omanawa Bridge) and two in procurement (the Northland Expressway's first stage and Cambridge to Piarere). Belfast to Pegasus had provisional consent with early works under way, and Takitimu North Link Stage 2 was consented under the Fast-track Approvals Act. On 30 July 2026 the Crown signed a $3.649 billion public-private partnership for the Northland Expressway's first stage, Warkworth to Te Hana. 1NewsNew Zealand National Party1News
  • Established evidenceThe pipeline put five sections in a phase continuing more slowly, with no construction timeline: Hope Bypass Stage 2, Northland Expressway Sections 2 and 3 (excluding the Brynderwyns), Auckland's East-West Link, Mill Road (Alfriston to Drury) and Petone to Grenada. 1NewsNew Zealand National Party

The government's explanation: Transport Minister Chris Bishop said: "As I've said many times, not all projects can start immediately." He said "It takes time to get projects ready for construction", and that "The pipeline shows why a phased approach to delivering the Roads of National Significance is important." New Zealand National Party1News

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The draft transport policy statement reintroduces the RoNS programme with 15 projects. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. The NZTA Board endorses investment cases for all RoNS and approves funding for consenting, design, route protection and some early works. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. NZTA's project pipeline puts four RoNS under construction and five sections continuing more slowly. New Zealand National Party1News
  5. The Crown signs a $3.649 billion public-private partnership for Warkworth to Te Hana. 1News

Status checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · National releases bold Transport plan · GPS 2024: 15 new Roads of National Significance · Early work set to begin on 7 Roads of National Significance - Brown · Next steps for Roads of National Significance · Transport pipeline provides certainty · Govt pulls flagship roading projects into the slow lane · Govt inks $3.6b deal for first stage of Northland Expressway

DeliveredGeneral

Rewrite the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act

“The Government will re-write the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act to protect vulnerable consumers, without unnecessarily limiting access to credit.”

Delivered (1 Jul 2026). The credit law overhaul passed, amending the existing Act rather than replacing it; most took effect on 1 July 2026, and repayment waiver and disclosure changes on 5 December 2026.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said on 31 July 2024 that "prescriptive loan affordability requirements have been removed" from the Act's regulations. The Financial Markets Authority says the regulations on assessing the likelihood of substantial hardship were revoked with effect from 31 July 2024, that lenders must still make reasonable inquiries, and that a revised Responsible Lending Code came into effect that day. Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentFinancial Markets Authority
  • Established evidenceThe Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill was introduced on 31 March 2025 and passed its third reading on 28 May 2026. The resulting Act amends the existing Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 rather than replacing it. Most of it came into force on 1 July 2026. Changes to repayment waivers, cancellation rights and initial disclosure come into force six months after Royal assent, on 5 December 2026. The speech says "re-write", which can be read as replacing the Act or as changing it substantially; the card uses the milder reading and counts the amendment Act as the promised rewrite. New Zealand GazetteCommerce CommissionDLA PiperParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Buddle FindlayChapman TrippParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceThe Act moves regulation of consumer credit from the Commerce Commission to the Financial Markets Authority from 1 July 2026, replaces lender certification with licensing, repeals the personal due diligence duty on directors and senior managers, and lets a court relieve borrowers of some or all of the costs of borrowing where a lender breached its disclosure obligations. Buddle FindlayChapman TrippFinancial Markets AuthorityParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)
  • Party claimNotes to the Government's release of 20 October 2025 on the credit Bills said this delivers on a National–ACT coalition agreement to rewrite the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: A release from Minister Scott Simpson on 20 October 2025 said, in its notes, that the credit legislation delivers on a National–ACT coalition agreement to rewrite the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003. Simpson said: "Ultimately, this legislation is about improving access to credit and reducing unnecessary red tape for both lenders and consumers." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Prescriptive affordability requirements are removed from the Act's regulations. Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentFinancial Markets Authority
  3. The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill is introduced to Parliament. Commerce CommissionDLA PiperParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)
  4. The bill passes its third reading. Buddle Findlay
  5. Most of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2026 comes into force, and the Financial Markets Authority takes over as regulator. Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)Financial Markets AuthorityChapman Tripp

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Government lifts loan affordability assessment rules · Assessing for affordability · Transfer of responsibility for regulation of consumer credit · Three Bills introduced to Parliament as part of phase two of financial services reforms · Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill · Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill passes its third reading · The FMA takes the lead on consumer lending · Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2026 · Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) · Clear Direction for Credit Access and Consumer Confidence

DeliveredGeneral

Set up a fast-track one-stop shop for major project consents

“There will be a fast-track one-stop-shop established for the consenting and permitting process for regional and national projects of significance.”

Delivered (7 Feb 2025). The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 set up a one-stop-shop approvals regime, open to applications from 7 February 2025; the Government reported 14 projects approved by March 2026.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Fast-track Approvals Bill was introduced to Parliament under urgency in March 2024 and passed its third reading on 17 December 2024. Under section 2, the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 came into force on the day after Royal assent, in December 2024. 1NewsMinistry for the EnvironmentAnderson LloydMinistry for the EnvironmentParliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz)
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry for the Environment says "The Act establishes a permanent fast-track approvals regime for a range of infrastructure and development projects", aimed at projects that would deliver regional and national benefits, with a "'one-stop-shop' approach" to the approvals they usually need. The Act lists 149 projects. Listed projects could apply for substantive approvals, and other projects for referral, from 7 February 2025. Ministry for the EnvironmentAnderson LloydMinterEllisonRuddWatts
  • Party claimThe Government said on 7 February 2026 that nine projects had been approved so far, 17 were before expert panels, and decisions on substantive applications had taken 128 days on average from when officials found an application complete and in scope. On 19 March 2026 it said the Takitimu North Link Stage 2 was the 14th project approved through the fast-track process. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said in February 2026: "Fast-track combines multiple approval processes into a single, integrated pathway, while maintaining environmental safeguards through independent expert panels and robust approval conditions." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Cabinet approves the Fast Track Approvals Bill, with its first reading under urgency set for that afternoon. 1News
  3. The bill passes its third reading. Anderson Lloyd
  4. The fast-track regime opens to applications. Anderson LloydMinterEllisonRuddWatts
  5. The Government says nine projects have been approved in the regime's first year. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Fast-track Approvals Act · 'One-stop shop': fast track consenting process established · The Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 – what you need to know · RM reform update - February 2025 · Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 · Applications to utilise the new Fast-track approvals process open on 7 February · One year on, Fast-track is building NZ’s future · Takitimu North Link Stage 2 Fast-tracked

DeliveredGeneral

Stop work on Industry Transformation Plans, income insurance and two transport projects

“As part of restoring fiscal discipline, … the Government will also stop work on Industry Transformation Plans, the costly Income Insurance Scheme, Auckland’s Light Rail project, and Let’s Get Wellington Moving.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (12 Apr 2024). Industry Transformation Plans and Auckland Light Rail were stopped and Let’s Get Wellington Moving dissolved by early 2024, with some projects continuing; income insurance work had stopped in February 2023.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) says: "Work on Industry Transformation Plans has stopped". MBIE's list of ministerial documents includes a briefing titled "Closure of the MBIE-Led Industry Transformation Plan Programme", received by the Minister on 1 December 2023. Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentMinistry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Established evidenceWork on the income insurance scheme had stopped under the previous government. 1News reported on 8 February 2023, after Prime Minister Chris Hipkins's post-Cabinet announcements, that the social insurance scheme was to be delayed and "will not progress this term". On 1 December 2023 MBIE wrote to Minister Upston that all work on the scheme stopped in February 2023, and that the alternative work Cabinet then directed "has also ceased". The Spinoff's February 2024 review of the 100-day plan lists "Stop work on the Income Insurance Scheme" as done. 1NewsMinistry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentThe Spinoff
  • Established evidenceOn 14 January 2024 Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced that Auckland Light Rail was cancelled. 1News reported that Auckland Light Rail Limited "has been instructed to immediately cease work on the project" and "to take the necessary steps to wind up the company". 1News
  • Established evidenceOn 17 December 2023 the Government, Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council announced they had agreed in principle to dissolve Let’s Get Wellington Moving. Central government took on the second Mt Victoria tunnel and the Basin Reserve upgrade, and the city council the Golden Mile project. The 20 December 2023 mini-Budget listed exiting Let’s Get Wellington Moving ($525 million) among its savings. Wellington City Council said on 12 April 2024 that the programme "was dissolved in early 2024" and that the council was continuing three of its projects. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Transport1News1NewsWellington City Council

The government's explanation: Announcing the end of Auckland Light Rail, Transport Minister Simeon Brown said the Government "continues to deliver on its 100-day plan", and that the decision meant it could stop work on "a project which has not delivered". 1News

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. The Government and the two Wellington councils agree in principle to dissolve Let’s Get Wellington Moving. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ministry of Transport1News
  3. The Government cancels Auckland Light Rail and tells Auckland Light Rail Limited to stop work and wind up. 1News
  4. The Government reports its 100-day plan complete, including withdrawing from Let’s Get Wellington Moving and ending Auckland Light Rail. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Wellington City Council
  5. Wellington City Council says Let’s Get Wellington Moving was dissolved in early 2024 and that it is continuing three of the former programme's projects. Wellington City Council

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · Industry Transformation Plans · Economic Development – 2023 · What you need to know about today's Government announcements · MBIE Letter – Confirmation that work has stopped on Income Insurance · What’s been done – and what’s left to do – in the government’s 100-day plan · Government officially cancels Auckland Light Rail · Ministers, Mayor and Chair agree to end Let’s Get Wellington Moving · Let's Get Wellington Moving · Major Wellington infrastructure project scrapped · At a glance: The Coalition Govt's mini-Budget · Coalition Government completes 100-day plan · Wellington City Council taking over some projects from Let’s Get Wellington Moving

In progressGeneral

Upgrade transport infrastructure in Ashburton, Queenstown, Otago and Southland

“There will also be upgrades to transport infrastructure in Ashburton, Queenstown, Otago and Southland.”

In progress (22 May 2026). Matching projects is the site's reading: Ashburton's second bridge and Queenstown's SH6/6A upgrade are under construction, due 2027 and 2028; no named Southland project was found.

Evidence and timeline
  • Established evidenceThe speech named no projects, so matching it to particular projects is the site's reading. National's July 2023 transport policy release used the same words ("We will also upgrade transport infrastructure in Ashburton, Queenstown, Otago, and Southland") without naming projects in those places. New Zealand GazetteNew Zealand National Party1News
  • Established evidenceThe second Ashburton Bridge is one of the Government's Roads of Regional Significance. Funding was confirmed on 19 December 2024, with the Government paying for the bridge and Ashburton District Council for a connecting road. Early works had been under way for several months when main construction officially began on 22 May 2026, after the design-and-build contract was signed with Fletcher Construction. The estimated total cost is $134 million to $144 million, and the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ashburton District Council (via Scoop)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News
  • Established evidenceIn Queenstown, designation paperwork for the SH6/6A upgrade at Frankton was lodged in December 2022. At a sod-turning on 4 April 2024 Transport Minister Simeon Brown raised its budget to $250 million, up from the $115 million previously announced, for a four-year build. In March 2025 NZTA said it remained on track for completion in winter 2028. Lakes Weekly BulletinOtago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times
  • Established evidenceThe Transport Minister's release on the 2024–27 National Land Transport Programme put transport investment in Otago and Southland at $1.4 billion, including over $870 million on maintenance and pothole prevention, rock armouring at SH1 Katiki Straight, flood work at the Kakanui River and SH1 Waikouaiti, and $125 million for public transport across Otago. It named no place in Southland. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

The government's explanation: South Island Minister James Meager said in May 2026: "I’m proud to be delivering on the National Party’s 2023 campaign promise to start construction of the bridge in our first term." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. New Zealand Gazette
  2. Construction of the SH6/6A upgrade in Queenstown starts, with its budget raised to $250 million. Otago Daily Times
  3. The Transport Minister announces $1.4 billion of 2024–27 transport investment in Otago and Southland. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. Funding for the second Ashburton Bridge is confirmed. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)Ashburton District Council (via Scoop)
  5. Main construction of the second Ashburton Bridge officially begins, after the design-and-build contract is signed with Fletcher Construction; early works had been under way for several months. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)1News

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech From the Throne · National releases bold Transport plan · National unveils $24 billion transport policy · Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge · Funding Confirmed For Ashburton's Second Bridge · Work on Second Ashburton bridge underway · Ground broken for Ashburton's second bridge · Milestone for Queenstown's transport network · $250 million bill for Queenstown roundabout · Roundabout project going to plan so far · Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland

Foreign affairs and defence

Labour government, 2020–23

Partly deliveredGeneral

Expand the CPTPP and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement

“It will continue to open new opportunities, including … by expanding the CPTPP and the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement.”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Partly delivered (16 Jul 2023). The UK's CPTPP accession protocol was signed in July 2023 and Korea's DEPA talks substantially concluded in June 2023; both expansions took effect in 2024, after the term.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: The government's 16 July 2023 release said that with the UK's accession complete, the CPTPP now covered more than 500 million people. Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said: "New Zealand has always supported expanding the bloc and bringing in economies willing and able to meet its high standards." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. Chile, New Zealand and Singapore announce that discussions on Korea joining DEPA have substantially concluded. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  3. The UK and the CPTPP members sign the UK's accession protocol in Auckland. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeNew Zealand Treaties Online (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. Under the next government, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore welcome Korea as DEPA's first new member after its formal accession. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeMinistry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  5. Under the next government, the UK's accession to the CPTPP enters into force. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Status checked 18 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · NZ welcomes start of UK CPTPP accession process · CPTPP bolstered by decision on UK accession · United Kingdom accession to the CPTPP · Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom to the Comprehensive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership · Joint press release on the Accession of the Republic of Korea to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement · Joint Press Release on the successful accession of the Republic of Korea to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement · Overview of the DEPA · New Zealand welcomes the United Kingdom to the CPTPP

DeliveredGeneral

Implement the signed RCEP trade agreement

“In the Indo-Pacific region, the Government will work to implement the signing of RCEP …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Delivered (1 Jan 2022). New Zealand ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership on 2 November 2021, and the agreement entered into force for New Zealand on 1 January 2022.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: Phil Twyford said in November 2021 that RCEP "gives us an influential seat at the table where the economic decisions for our region will be made." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. New Zealand deposits its instrument of ratification. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  3. RCEP enters into force for New Zealand. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeNew Zealand Treaties Online (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · Timeline and history of the RCEP negotiations · Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement · New Zealand ratifies RCEP, agreement to enter into force early next year

Partly deliveredGeneral

Open new opportunities through trade deals with the EU and UK

“It will continue to open new opportunities, including through trade deals with the EU and the UK …”

“…” marks the other commitments in the same sentence. Each is listed separately under “Every commitment in the speech”.

Partly delivered (9 Jul 2023). The UK trade agreement took effect on 31 May 2023; the EU agreement was signed on 9 July 2023 and took effect in May 2024, after the term.

Evidence and timeline

The government's explanation: When the UK agreement took effect on 31 May 2023, Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O'Connor said: "Trade agreements can at times feel more academic than tangible, that is until the savings begin to flow through to every day New Zealanders." New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)

  1. Promised in the Speech from the Throne. Beehive.govt.nz (New Zealand Government)
  2. New Zealand and the UK sign their free trade agreement (1 March New Zealand time). Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  3. New Zealand and the European Union conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  4. The UK free trade agreement enters into force. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeNew Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)
  5. New Zealand and the European Union sign their free trade agreement in Brussels; it enters into force on 1 May 2024, under the next government. New Zealand Government (beehive.govt.nz)New Zealand Treaties Online (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Status checked 19 Oct 2026. Sources: Speech from the throne · New Zealand-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Overview · UK FTA delivers benefits from today · New Zealand secures major free trade deal with European Union · Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA · European Union-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement · New Zealand and European Union Free Trade Agreement Overview

National–ACT–NZ First government, 2023–26

No promise on this topic in this sample.