ACT blows the whistle on Army cultural overreach
The attempt to indoctrinate the Army into a ‘Māori world view’ is totally wrong and absurd. Thanks to ACT MP Todd Stephenson blowing the whistle, the rollout has now been paused, raising an important question about what the New Zealand Army should focus on.
People don’t join the Army to sing waiata or recite karakia – they join to serve their country. Thanks to Todd raising the alarm, the Defence Minister has now paused the rollout and demanded answers.Todd wrote to the Defence Minister after receiving the Army’s cultural skills framework, which outlined requirements for personnel to:
- Perform karakia
- Recite pepeha
- Learn waiata
- Memorise these requirements off by heart
The framework went well beyond reasonable expectations for a professional, politically neutral defence force.
“Rather than focusing on operational effectiveness and merit, the framework imposes cultural competencies that would not normally be expected of public servants” – Todd Stephenson.
Because Todd spoke up, the Minister is now aware of the issue, and the Army is being asked to explain itself.
| ACT delivers largest-ever reduction in court backlog |
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Courts Minister Nicole McKee has helped drive the largest reduction in the District Court criminal backlog on record, down 22 percent in a single year. That’s 1,562 fewer cases waiting to be heard, and 1,562 fewer victims stuck waiting for justice.
“This means at least 1,562 fewer victims waiting for their day in court to see justice delivered” – Nicole McKee
Justice delayed is justice denied. Faster court times mean victims get closure sooner – and taxpayers spend less housing offenders in custody while they wait.
There’s more work to do, but this result shows what happens when Government focuses on practical reform and fixing what matters.
Pharmac proposing two new therapies for adults with leukemia
“Whatever else you say about Seymour, he has been outstanding in the role of Pharmac Minister.” That’s how the media has described the cultural shift at Pharmac since David took responsibility – with a clear mission to make medicines more accessible.
Pharmac is now proposing to fund two new combination therapies for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): venetoclax with ibrutinib, and venetoclax with obinutuzumab –using money saved from other contracts.
“Improving access to cancer medication in New Zealand is important to cancer patients, and their families. That’s why it has been a focus of this Government.
“The right treatment means patients can live longer, more fulfilling lives. Venetoclax with ibrutinib or obinutuzumab will help patients achieve longer lasting remission, and avoid the need for traditional chemotherapy.” – David Seymour
Pharmac heard from the blood cancer community that these treatments will help patients live longer, more fulfilling lives, achieve longer-lasting remission, and avoid traditional chemotherapy.
Consultation is now open, with funding expected to begin from 1 May 2026 if approved. Have your say here.
Brooke makes employment law fairer
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has now passed its third reading, delivering reforms to make employment law fairer and bring more flexibility for workers and confidence for employers. “This Bill is about backing business to hire with increased confidence.
“When employers can hire and grow their business with confidence, more people get opportunities. That means more jobs and higher paid jobs.” – Brooke van Velden
The changes clarify who is an employee and who is a contractor, restore freedom for workers to negotiate their employment agreements from day one, ensure serious misconduct no longer results in financial payouts, and set a $200,000 income threshold for unjustified dismissal personal grievances.
“Rebalancing the employment relations settings, as this law does, brings more choice for businesses and workers to create and enter working arrangements that suit their individual needs” – Brooke van Velden
Most of these changes will take effect shortly, helping to boost business confidence and support job creation.
| David stands up for Aucklanders on housing plan |
“The Government has listened and is changing its position on Plan Change 120” – David Seymour
Auckland’s housing capacity target will be reduced from 2.08 million homes to 1.6 million – shifting away from an arbitrary number and toward coordinating growth with infrastructure like roads, pipes, and sewers.
“This is good news. Zoning is important for coordinating growth with infrastructure” – David Seymour
This change only happened because David, as the MP for Epsom, made sure the concerns of Aucklanders were heard. The Government must now pass legislation through Parliament to give effect to the new target, expected within the next month after Auckland Council produces updated zoning maps.
“There is still a process to go through, but we just took a big step to a better Auckland for home owners and home buyers alike” – David Seymour.
There is still a process to go through with the changes announced this week (there always is in Government) but this is a big step to a better Auckland for home owners and home buyers alike.