New Zealanders will be at the polls on 7 November 2026 for our general election. The result will shape the tax settings, regulation and infrastructure spending that affect every business in the country for the next three years.
Bonded NZ does not endorse any political party or candidate. This newsletter article is a short, neutral summary of what the main parties are campaigning on, so you can make an informed decision. We've linked to each party's own site so you can read their policies in full.
National
National is campaigning on fiscal discipline and no new taxes. Its most recent announcement would increase Pharmac's medicines budget by $604 million over four years, funded by a 10% reduction in foreign aid with Pacific aid protected, alongside expanded cancer screening. It has also promised a dedicated Auckland transport policing unit, recruiting 50 new officers with $7 million a year from Budget 2027.
National's support base has traditionally sat with older, suburban and rural voters, business owners and middle to higher income earners.
Labour
Running under "Better starts now. Kia eke, ināianei.", Labour's headline policy is a capital gains tax. Labour would also write off 10% of student loan balances for certain graduates, and create two independently run wholesalers to separate the retail and wholesale arms of Foodstuffs and Woolworths.
Labour draws strongest support from urban working communities, public sector workers, younger families and Pasifika voters.
Greens
The Greens are campaigning on "For all of us", with progressive tax reform at the centre of its campaign. It includes a wealth tax on the very wealthy, lowering the voting age to 16, a one-year pause on new AI data centres, and tighter climate commitments.
Their base sits with tertiary students, progressive urban voters, environmental groups and academic professionals.
ACT
ACT is campaigning from a libertarian position, focused on substantially reducing government spending. The party’s key focus includes simplifying tax brackets, deregulating primary industries and reforming welfare by placing limits on Jobseeker support.
ACT polls well with farmers, rural property owners, small and medium business operators, and voters who favour a libertarian position.
New Zealand First
New Zealand First is a party campaigning on economic nationalism. Its policies include buying back the Bank of New Zealand, establishing a $100 billion New Zealand Future Fund and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord.
Support for this party comes largely from provincial and regional communities, retirees and older voters.
Te Pāti Māori
Te Pāti Māori campaigns on Māori self-determination and constitutional change, with honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the centre of its platform. Its policy positions have included establishing a $1 Billion Energy Sovereignty Fund, an Independent Te Tiriti Commission, and fair tax distribution to fund housing, health, education and whānau support.
Its support is concentrated in the Māori electorates, among voters on the Māori roll, younger Māori voters and kaupapa Māori communities.
What this means for you
Under New Zealand’s voting system, you get two votes. The party vote decides the overall shape of Parliament, and the electorate vote chooses your local MP.
Check that your enrolment details are current at vote.nz, particularly if you've moved house since the last election. The site also lists advance voting places, overseas voting options and what to do if you'll be away on election day.
Securing your business
Whichever way the election goes, your business still needs the right cover behind it. Bonded NZ offers a range of competitive insurance, warranties and surety bonds, and we tailor it to how your business operates.
Contact our team today to review your cover.
Market Your Business With Us!
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Please reach out to your Bonded NZ contact person for details, or learn more about it here.
