Despite shutting down Cameron Luxton’s members’ bill to liberalise outdated Easter trading rules last year, Labour MP Kieran McAnulty is now campaigning for his own Bill which seeks to do the same thing.When ACT suggests it, nothing. But when Labour does it? Inspired policymaking!
Still, credit where it’s due. Cameron Luxton has welcomed McAnulty’s Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill, which would finally let adults be treated like adults—allowing pubs and supermarkets to sell beer and wine on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day.But let’s be honest—watching Labour suddenly champion the same cause we have fought for is about as subtle as a politician pretending they don’t read the polls. Still, if it gets through, ACT will happily take the win—again. Read More
Interest Rates Drop, But The Work’s Not Done
Finally, some relief. By cutting wasteful spending, inflation has been reined in, giving the Reserve Bank the confidence to cut the Official Cash Rate by 0.5 points. For Kiwi households that have been crushed by skyrocketing mortgage repayments, this will bring meaningful interest rate relief.
But we know it’s still tough out there. As David puts it, “we need to do more. The households paying the bills deserve a government that’s as disciplined as they are.” We can’t expect to coast our way to ongoing interest rate cuts. We need persistent action from Wellington to keep cutting the waste, and ACT is continuously putting ideas forward.Less waste and lower interest rates mean firms, farms, and families can keep more of their own money, to spend and invest on their own priorities. That is how we achieve real prosperity and economic growth.Read More
Defence Spending: Another ACT Win in the Making
It turns out ACT’s push for a two-percent-of-GDP Defence spend is getting some serious traction. The Prime Minister has now publicly backed the idea, something ACT has been campaigning on for two election cycles.
Mark Cameron, ACT’s Defence Spokesperson, says it’s about time:
“Protecting New Zealanders should be a government’s top priority. If we want to be treated as a serious ally, we need to act like one.”
With the world becoming more unstable, it’s crucial that we invest in real defence capabilities, not just token contributions. ACT has laid out exactly how to do this—reallocating wasted spending into real priorities. Time to make it happen.Read More
Real change boosts farmer confidence – but more work to do
Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence Survey shows farmer confidence at a 10-year high, and you can bet ACT had something to do with that. No more ute taxes, keeping Emissions Trading Scheme nonsense away from agriculture, and a Government that actually listens to rural New Zealand.
After years of being on the other side releasing the report while at Federated Farmers, Andrew Hoggard is pleased to see things turning around.
But there’s still unfinished business. Federated Farmers’ latest survey shows that while things are improving, concerns over climate policy are keeping farmers on edge. Mark Cameron is calling for an honest conversation about what the Paris targets mean, how much they’ll cost, and the implications if we were to consider withdrawing.
And with much more in the pipeline, from RMA reform to more cuts to rural red tape, the ACT team looks forward to bringing more real change to rural New Zealand. Read More
We’re looking for Youth MPs for Youth Parliament 2025. ACT is on the hunt for young people aged 16-18 to be Youth MPs for Youth Parliament 2025. If you know a young Kiwi who’s got the drive to make a real impact, this is their chance to step into the world of politics, develop leadership skills, and have their voices heard.
| For those in the Epsom electorate, apply to be David Seymour’s Youth MP here For those in the Tāmaki electorate, apply to be Brooke van Velden’s Youth MP here For those outside of those two areas, apply for one of ACT’s nine other Youth MP spots here Encourage the young people in your life to step up, speak out, and help shape the future. |