Sixth National Government of New Zealand#Issues and controversies

{{Main|2023 New Zealand general election}}

In the 2023 general election held on 14 October, the National Party defeated the incumbent Labour Party,{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title=New Zealand abandons Labour and shifts to the right as country votes for wholesale change |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/new-zealand-election-2023-results-national-party-labour- |access-date=20 October 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018021137/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/new-zealand-election-2023-results-national-party-labour- |archive-date=18 October 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Nick |title=New Zealand elects conservative Christopher Luxon as premier after 6 years of liberal rule |url=https://apnews.com/article/new-zealand-election-luxon-hipkins-ardern-9309fc1816569adac27efe0e7ec77c25 |access-date=20 October 2023 |work=Associated Press News |date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015150908/https://apnews.com/article/new-zealand-election-luxon-hipkins-ardern-9309fc1816569adac27efe0e7ec77c25 |archive-date=15 October 2023}} winning 48 seats and 38.1% of the popular vote.{{Cite news |date=3 November 2023|title=National and Act lose majority in final vote count |url= https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page/national-and-act-lose-majority-in-final-vote-count |access-date=7 November 2023 |work=Newsroom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103110034/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page/national-and-act-lose-majority-in-final-vote-count|archive-date=3 November 2023|url-status=live}} Labour won 27% of the popular with its share of parliamentary seats dropping from 64 to 34. Prime Minister and Labour leader Chris Hipkins conceded the election and congratulated National Party leader Christopher Luxon.

Following the 2023 general election, National entered into coalition negotiations with both the libertarian ACT New Zealand and populist New Zealand First parties.{{cite news |title=Election 2023: Christopher Luxon ready to get to work on coalition negotiations |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/500273/election-2023-christopher-luxon-ready-to-get-to-work-on-coalition-negotiations |access-date=20 October 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 October 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016044415/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/500273/election-2023-christopher-luxon-ready-to-get-to-work-on-coalition-negotiations |archive-date=16 October 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title=New Zealand in political limbo as National considers shape of coalition |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/16/new-zealand-in-political-limbo-as-national-considers-shape-of-coalition |access-date=20 October 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=16 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018053244/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/16/new-zealand-in-political-limbo-as-national-considers-shape-of-coalition |archive-date=18 October 2023}} Luxon said that he would be conducting the negotiations privately "and would not confirm [...] his stance on policies such as ACT's referendum on co-governance". University of Otago law professor Andrew Geddis speculated that National's coalition talks with ACT would be influenced by NZ First leader Winston Peters' demands and history of playing a "kingmaker" role in previous elections. Peters had publicly criticised several National and ACT policies during the 2023 election campaign including National's proposal to ease the ban on foreign home purchases, tax cuts, agricultural emissions pricing, proposal to raise the retirement age from 65 to 67, and ACT's proposal to slash government expenditure and public service jobs.

Coalition talks between the three parties was influenced by close results in several marginal seats including Te Atatū, Banks Peninsula, Nelson, Tāmaki Makaurau, and Te Tai Tokerau.{{cite news |title=Government in caretaker mode as coalition talks start |url=https://waateanews.com/2023/10/17/government-in-caretaker-mode-as-coalition-talks-start/ |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=Waatea News |date=17 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020141149/https://waateanews.com/2023/10/17/government-in-caretaker-mode-as-coalition-talks-start/ |archive-date=20 October 2023|url-status=live}} Nicola Willis was expected to be Finance Minister.{{Cite news |date=16 October 2023 |title=New Zealand PM-elect Luxon says Willis 'locked in' as finance minister |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/new-zealand-pm-elect-luxon-says-willis-locked-in-finance-minister-2023-10-16/ |access-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029043547/https://www.reuters.com/world/new-zealand-pm-elect-luxon-says-willis-locked-in-finance-minister-2023-10-16/|archive-date=29 October 2023|url-status=live}} Following the release of final results on 3 November, National's parliamentary representation dropped from 50 to 48 seats. As National and ACT did not reach the 62-seat threshold for forming a government, a prospective National-led government needed to include New Zealand First.

On 8 November, ACT and NZ First made first contact in their coalition talks with National during a meeting between ACT's chief of staff Andrew Ketels and NZ First's chief of staff Darroch Ball. This introductory meeting was meant "to establish a line of communication" between the two parties. Luxon and Peters, along with senior colleagues and chiefs of staff from National and NZ First, held talks in Wellington that same week. Peters' negotiation team included Ball and fellow NZ First MP Shane Jones while National's negotiation team included Chris Bishop.{{cite news |last1=Trevett |first1=Claire |title=Election 2023: NZ First and Act make first contact in coalition talks as National, NZ First hold secret meetings around Parliament |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2023-nz-first-and-act-make-first-contact-in-coalition-talks-as-national-nz-first-hold-secret-meetings-around-parliament/AHZ7IGYK4RCH7E2LU3ZUA4U3EU/ |access-date=9 November 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108200858/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2023-nz-first-and-act-make-first-contact-in-coalition-talks-as-national-nz-first-hold-secret-meetings-around-parliament/AHZ7IGYK4RCH7E2LU3ZUA4U3EU/ |archive-date=8 November 2023|url-status=live}} Following the release of final results, Seymour had attempted to contact Peters via text message but the NZ First leader had dismissed it as a scam.{{cite news |last1=Hendry-Tennent |first1=Ireland |title=Election 2023: ACT's David Seymour reveals what he said in text that likely coalition partner Winston Peters thought was 'fake' |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/election-2023-act-s-david-seymour-reveals-what-he-said-in-text-that-likely-coalition-partner-winston-peters-thought-was-fake.html |access-date=9 November 2023 |work=Newshub |date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106095540/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/election-2023-act-s-david-seymour-reveals-what-he-said-in-text-that-likely-coalition-partner-winston-peters-thought-was-fake.html |archive-date=6 November 2023|url-status=dead}} On 9 November, Seymour expressed a hope that coalition negotiations and government formation would be completed before an upcoming APEC meeting in mid-November 2023.{{cite news |title=ACT's Seymour on early NZ First talks: 'So far, so good' |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/09/acts-seymour-on-early-nz-first-talks-so-far-so-good/ |access-date=9 November 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=9 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109025405/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/09/acts-seymour-on-early-nz-first-talks-so-far-so-good/|archive-date=9 November 2023|url-status=live}} That same day, Peters criticised the law change by the previous Labour Government that had allowed voters to register on election day, thus delaying the Electoral Commission's publication of final results by one week. Peters had supported the law change in 2020.{{cite news |last=Coughlan |first=Thomas |title=National, Act, NZ First coalition talks: Winston Peters blames delayed negotiations on decision supported by... Winston Peters |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/winston-peters-blames-delayed-negotiations-on-decision-supported-by-winston-peters/T2J6B2EUKJETNJEXXIDGAZXK5Q/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110154338/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/winston-peters-blames-delayed-negotiations-on-decision-supported-by-winston-peters/T2J6B2EUKJETNJEXXIDGAZXK5Q/ |archive-date=10 November 2023}}

The ACT party had proposed a referendum on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, something that gained media attention during the election campaign.{{Cite news |title=Seymour holds firm on treaty referendum demand |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/09/25/seymour-holds-firm-on-treaty-referendum-demand/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |work=Te Ao Māori News |date=25 September 2023 |publisher=Māori Television |language=en |url-status=live |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104114346/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/09/25/seymour-holds-firm-on-treaty-referendum-demand/ }}{{Cite news |title=Election 2023: ACT hammers home treaty referendum pledge at campaign launch |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/09/election-2023-act-hammers-home-treaty-referendum-pledge-at-campaign-launch.html |access-date=4 November 2023 |date=17 September 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104112848/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/09/election-2023-act-hammers-home-treaty-referendum-pledge-at-campaign-launch.html }}{{Cite news |last= |first= |last2= |title=NZ could hold referendum on Treaty of Waitangi |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/global-affairs/nz-could-hold-referendum-on-treaty-of-waitangi-despite-warnings-of-civil-disobedience-over-proposed-changes-to-founding-document/news-story/4507e70d43a78db6feca1e3974444b92 |access-date=4 November 2023 |work=Sky News Australia |date=16 October 2023 |language=en |url-status=live |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104112847/https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/global-affairs/nz-could-hold-referendum-on-treaty-of-waitangi-despite-warnings-of-civil-disobedience-over-proposed-changes-to-founding-document/news-story/4507e70d43a78db6feca1e3974444b92 }}{{Cite news |date=2 November 2023 |title=What stands in the way of the ACT Party plan for a referendum on the Treaty of Waitangi |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/501486/what-stands-in-the-way-of-the-act-party-plan-for-a-referendum-on-the-treaty-of-waitangi |access-date=4 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104112842/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/501486/what-stands-in-the-way-of-the-act-party-plan-for-a-referendum-on-the-treaty-of-waitangi |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=5 November 2023 |title=Majority would support Treaty referendum, although unsure if they want to vote on it |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2023-majority-would-support-acts-treaty-referendum-although-voters-unsure-if-they-want-to-vote-on-it/CQFL5K2AFVGFBI6QMJWBYO4MI4/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |url-status=live |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104112844/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2023-majority-would-support-acts-treaty-referendum-although-voters-unsure-if-they-want-to-vote-on-it/CQFL5K2AFVGFBI6QMJWBYO4MI4/ }} The referendum was a negotiation issue for the incoming government. The referendum idea drew criticism from Green Party co-leader James Shaw, Labour MP Willie Jackson, and former Prime Minister and National MP Jim Bolger, who expressed concerns that it would antagonise Māori people and provoke violence.{{cite news |last1=Witton |first1=Bridie |title='It could lead to violence': James Shaw's warning about ACT's Treaty of Waitangi referendum |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/133123493/it-could-lead-to-violence-james-shaws-warning-about-acts-treaty-of-waitangi-referendum |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Stuff |date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112053059/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/133123493/it-could-lead-to-violence-james-shaws-warning-about-acts-treaty-of-waitangi-referendum |archive-date=12 November 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Doyle |first1=Trent |title=Labour MP Willie Jackson warns of Māori uprising over ACT's proposed Treaty referendum |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/labour-mp-willie-jackson-warns-of-m-ori-uprising-over-act-s-proposed-treaty-referendum.html |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Newshub |date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109225730/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/labour-mp-willie-jackson-warns-of-m-ori-uprising-over-act-s-proposed-treaty-referendum.html |archive-date=9 November 2023|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=Former PM Jim Bolger on ACT's Treaty referendum plan – 'It won't and shouldn't happen' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/501912/former-pm-jim-bolger-on-act-s-treaty-referendum-plan-it-won-t-and-shouldn-t-happen |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112053106/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/501912/former-pm-jim-bolger-on-act-s-treaty-referendum-plan-it-won-t-and-shouldn-t-happen |archive-date=12 November 2023|url-status=live}}

NZ First and ACT both expressed disagreement with National's proposed 15% tax on foreign house buyers, a key component of its tax policy which was estimated to raise NZ$740 million a year.{{cite news |title=Coalition talks cast uncertainty over National's foreign buyers tax |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018915177/coalition-talks-cast-uncertainty-over-national-s-foreign-buyers-tax |access-date=20 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119134846/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018915177/coalition-talks-cast-uncertainty-over-national-s-foreign-buyers-tax|archive-date=19 November 2023|url-status=live}}

On 13 November, Luxon said he was unlikely to go to the 2023 APEC summit in the United States due to prioritising a government coalition.{{cite news |title='There'll be another APEC' – Luxon says he's unlikely to make forum |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/13/therell-be-another-apec-luxon-says-hes-unlikely-to-make-forum/ |access-date=20 November 2023 |work=1News |date=13 November 2023 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117163913/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/13/therell-be-another-apec-luxon-says-hes-unlikely-to-make-forum/|archive-date=17 November 2023|url-status=live}} Instead, the outgoing Trade Minister Damien O'Connor represented New Zealand at the summit.{{cite news |last1=Craymer |first1=LUY |title=New Zealand prime minister-elect will not attend APEC, government says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-prime-minister-elect-will-not-attend-apec-government-says-2023-11-14/ |access-date=20 November 2023 |work=Reuters |date=14 November 2023 |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120023132/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-prime-minister-elect-will-not-attend-apec-government-says-2023-11-14/ |url-status=live }}

On 15 November, Luxon, Seymour and Peters met at Pullman Hotel's boardroom in Auckland. It was the first time the three leaders had met in person since the election.{{cite news |title=Coalition talks: Luxon, Seymour and Peters meet in Auckland |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/15/coalition-talks-luxon-seymour-and-peters-meet-in-auckland/ |work=1 News |date=15 November 2023 |language=en |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115003930/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/15/coalition-talks-luxon-seymour-and-peters-meet-in-auckland/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |last2=McCulloch |first2=Craig |title=Coalition talks: Christopher Luxon, David Seymour and Winston Peters meet in person |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/502447/coalition-talks-christopher-luxon-david-seymour-and-winston-peters-meet-in-person |work=RNZ |date=15 November 2023 |language=en-nz |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121000116/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/502447/coalition-talks-christopher-luxon-david-seymour-and-winston-peters-meet-in-person |url-status=live }}

On 20 November, Luxon said that National had reached an agreement on policy positions with ACT and New Zealand First, but Peters said that it was an "assumption" to say that a policy agreement had been reached,{{cite news |title=Significant development as Luxon confirms agreements reached with Act, NZ First |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/live-updates/20-11-2023/significant-development-as-luxon-confirms-deals-reached-with-act-nz-first |access-date=22 November 2023 |work=The Spinoff |date=20 November 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120202434/https://thespinoff.co.nz/live-updates/20-11-2023/significant-development-as-luxon-confirms-deals-reached-with-act-nz-first }}{{cite news |title=Policy positions sorted in negotiations between National, ACT and NZ First – Christopher Luxon |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/502833/policy-positions-sorted-in-negotiations-between-national-act-and-nz-first-christopher-luxon |access-date=22 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=20 November 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121222815/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/502833/policy-positions-sorted-in-negotiations-between-national-act-and-nz-first-christopher-luxon }} and Seymour said "that Luxon had maybe had too many Weet-Bix that day". Seymour also opined that ACT as the second largest party in the coalition should hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister and have more ministerial portfolios than NZ First.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Election 2023: Christopher Luxon says ACT, NZ First have agreed to each other's policy progammes with National |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/election-2023-christopher-luxon-says-act-nz-first-have-agreed-to-each-other-s-policy-progammes-with-national.html?s=03 |access-date=22 November 2023 |work=Newshub |date=21 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130201129/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/election-2023-christopher-luxon-says-act-nz-first-have-agreed-to-each-other-s-policy-progammes-with-national.html?s=03 |url-status=dead }} That same day, the three parties entered into talks about allocating cabinet ministerial positions. On 21 November, Luxon met with Seymour to discuss ministerial portfolios.{{cite news |last1=Sherman |first1=Maiki |title=Luxon, Seymour meet to discuss ACT's ministerial portfolios |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/21/luxon-seymour-meet-to-discuss-acts-ministerial-portfolios/ |access-date=22 November 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=21 November 2023 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128115643/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/21/luxon-seymour-meet-to-discuss-acts-ministerial-portfolios/ |url-status=live }}

Coalition negotiations between the three parties concluded on the afternoon of 23 November. That same day Luxon, Seymour and Peters met in Wellington to finalise the agreement between National, ACT, and NZ First. Later that night, Luxon informed Governor-General Cindy Kiro that he had the numbers to form the incoming government. On the morning of 24 November, the leaders of the three parties signed the coalition agreement, which was subsequently released to the public.{{cite news |last1=Couglan |first1=Thomas |title=Coalition talks live updates: New Government next week, legislation bonfire planned for first 100 days |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/coalition-talks-new-government-next-week-legislation-bonfire-planned-for-first-100-days/W5V6VTXMIFBYBNMS25C5CI6JMU/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123212508/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/coalition-talks-new-government-next-week-legislation-bonfire-planned-for-first-100-days/W5V6VTXMIFBYBNMS25C5CI6JMU/|archive-date=23 November 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=New Zealand's Luxon forges deal to lead new coalition government |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/23/new-zealands-luxon-forges-deal-to-lead-new-coalition-government |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=Al Jazeera English |date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124013804/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/23/new-zealands-luxon-forges-deal-to-lead-new-coalition-government |archive-date=24 November 2023|url-status=live}} Seymour welcomed the coalition deal and told The New Zealand Herald that the Government would announce a 100-day plan that could include repealing some legislation passed by the outgoing Labour government.

The terms of National's two coalition agreements with NZ First and ACT were unveiled on 24 November 2023.{{cite news|last=Quinlivan |first=Mark|title= Election 2023: National, ACT and NZ First's Coalition agreement |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/election-2023-national-act-and-nz-first-s-coalition-agreement.html |access-date=27 November 2023|work=Newshub |date=24 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124040207/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/election-2023-national-act-and-nz-first-s-coalition-agreement.html|archive-date=24 November 2023|url-status=dead}} As part of National's agreement with NZ First, National would no longer proceed with its proposed foreign buyer tax but would instead fund tax cuts via reprioritisation and other forms of revenue gathering. The Government would also adopt ACT's policies of restoring interest deductibility for rental properties and pet bonds. In addition to adopting National's youth crime and gang policies, the new Government would adopt ACT's policies of rewriting firearms legislation and NZ First's policy of training 500 new Police officers. The new Government would also scrap the previous Labour Government's Fair Pay Agreements Act 2022, proposed hate speech legislation, co-governance policies, Auckland light rail, Three Waters reform programme, and Māori Health Authority. The Government would also establish a new regulatory agency answerable to Minister for Regulation Seymour that would review the quality of new and existing legislation. The Government would also adopt NZ First's policy of establishing $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund. In addition, fees-free tertiary education would be shifted from the first to last year of tertiary study.{{cite news |title=Live: Luxon makes call to Gov-General to say he can form a govt |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/live-new-govt-to-shake-up-gun-laws-co-governance-tax-rules/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124023819/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/live-new-govt-to-shake-up-gun-laws-co-governance-tax-rules/ |archive-date=24 November 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Coalition details at a glance: What you need to know |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503153/coalition-details-at-a-glance-what-you-need-to-know |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123222232/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503153/coalition-details-at-a-glance-what-you-need-to-know |archive-date=23 November 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Daalder|first=Mark|title=Which policies survived the negotiations – and which didn't|url=https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/11/24/which-policies-survived-the-negotiations-and-which-didnt/ |access-date=27 November 2023|work=Newsroom |date=24 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124093235/https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/11/24/which-policies-survived-the-negotiations-and-which-didnt/|archive-date=24 November 2023|url-status=live}}

While the new Government would not support Act's proposed referendum on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Government would introduce a Treaty Principles Act and amend exiting Treaty of Waitangi legislation to focus on the "original intent of the legislation."{{cite news |title=New government plans to review Treaty of Waitangi principles |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503168/new-government-plans-to-review-treaty-of-waitangi-principles |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124032344/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503168/new-government-plans-to-review-treaty-of-waitangi-principles |archive-date=24 November 2023}} The Government also adopted NZ First's policy of legislating the English language as an official language of New Zealand and requiring all government departments to use English in their communications and keep their primary name in English, except for those dealing with Māori people. The Government also adopted NZ First's policy of halting all work related to the He Puapua report and confirming that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has no legal basis in New Zealand law. The Government would also restore the right to local referendum on the establishment or ongoing use of Māori wards.{{cite news |title=What the new government may mean for Māori, Te Tiriti |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/what-the-new-government-may-mean-for-maori-te-tiriti/ |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=24 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124070105/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/what-the-new-government-may-mean-for-maori-te-tiriti/|archive-date=24 November 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=LaHatte |first=Deborah |title=Treaty issues among policy compromises for new government|url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/11/24/treaty-issues-among-policy-compromises-for-new-government/ |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Māori Television |date=24 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124040204/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/11/24/treaty-issues-among-policy-compromises-for-new-government/|archive-date=24 November 2023|url-status=live}} In addition, the new Government would adopt most of National's fiscal, taxation, 100-day and 100-point economic plans, with exceptions specified in the agreements with ACT and NZ First.

As part of National's agreement with New Zealand First, the Government agreed to end all remaining COVID-19 vaccine mandates and to hold an independent inquiry into how the COVID-19 pandemic was handled in New Zealand. This proposed independent inquiry would be conducted publicly by local and international experts and is expected to examine the use of multiple lockdowns, vaccine procurement and efficacy, social and economic impacts on both national and regional levels, and whether decisions and actions taken by the Government were justified.{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Ruth |title=Coalition government inquiry into pandemic response could undermine Royal Commission – expert |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503270/coalition-government-inquiry-into-pandemic-response-could-undermine-royal-commission-expert |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126001817/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503270/coalition-government-inquiry-into-pandemic-response-could-undermine-royal-commission-expert |archive-date=26 November 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Hannah |title=What we know about the Government's Covid-19 inquiry |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/301015849/what-we-know-about-the-governments-covid19-inquiry |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=Stuff |date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206185445/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/301015849/what-we-know-about-the-governments-covid19-inquiry |archive-date=6 December 2023|url-status=live}} While the outgoing Labour Government had commissioned a Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned, Peters claimed the inquiry's terms of reference were "too limited" during election campaigning. Luxon also stated that the Government supported broadening the inquiry's terms of reference.

{{further|List of acts of the 54th New Zealand Parliament}}

The new government was formally sworn into office on 27 November 2023. On 29 November, the Government announced its 100-day plan which would focus on implementing 49 economic, law and order, and public service policies. Notable economic policies have included introducing legislation to limit the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's mandate to combating inflation, cancelling various fuel taxes including the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, repealing the Clean Car discount programme, reintroducing 90-day trials periods for all businesses, halting the Lake Onslow hydro scheme, and repealing the previous Labour Government's Water Services Entities Act 2022, Spatial Planning Act 2023 and Natural and Built Environment Act 2023. Notable law and order policies have included banning gang patches, preventing gang members from gathering in public and communicating with each other, ending taxpayer funding for Section 27 cultural reports, and extending rehabilitation programmes to remand prisoners. Notable public service policies have included beginning work on establishing a third medical school at the University of Waikato, banning cellphones in schools, testing new World Health Organization (WHO) regulations against a "national interest" test, and disestablishing Te Pukenga and the Māori Health Authority.{{cite news |title=Government confirms its 100-day plan |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503534/government-confirms-its-100-day-plan |access-date=3 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201180731/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503534/government-confirms-its-100-day-plan |archive-date=1 December 2023}} The government has been described by various observers as a very conservative government for New Zealand standards.{{Cite web |last1=Malpass |first1=Luke |title=Kiwis voted for a right-wing Government – now they will get it |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/350118294/kiwis-voted-right-wing-government-now-they-will-get-it |access-date=2024-03-05 |work=The Post }}{{Cite web |last=Hooton |first=Matthew |date=29 November 2023 |title=Kiwi coalition marks return to the right |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/kiwi-coalition-marks-return-to-the-right/news-story/2030a9d7d2689c582372e9014022e0cc |access-date=6 March 2024 |website=The Australian}}{{Cite news |last=Cooke |first=Henry |date=2023-11-04 |title=Bumpy roads ahead: New Zealand's incoming PM set to lead a three-headed, 'anti-woke' government |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/04/bumpy-roads-ahead-new-zealands-incoming-pm-set-to-lead-a-three-headed-anti-woke-government |access-date=2024-03-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Associated Press |date=14 October 2023 |title=New Zealand elects conservative Christopher Luxon as premier after 6 years of liberal rule |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/14/new-zealand-elects-conservative-christopher-luxon-as-premier-after-6-years-of-liberal-rule-00121586 |access-date=6 March 2024 |website=Politico}}

On 7 December, Foreign Minister Winston Peters successfully moved a motion calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war. The motion also condemned Hamas' terror attack on 7 October 2023, called for the release of all hostages, recognised Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law, and called for civilians to be protected from armed conflict. The government's motion also incorporated an amendment by Labour MP Phil Twyford calling for the establishment of a State of Palestine in accordance with a two-state solution. Peter's motion was criticised as being insufficient by Labour MP Damien O'Connor and Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Gaza ceasefire debate: Opposition pleas for stronger statement largely rejected |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504156/gaza-ceasefire-debate-opposition-pleas-for-stronger-statement-largely-rejected |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210044437/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504156/gaza-ceasefire-debate-opposition-pleas-for-stronger-statement-largely-rejected|archive-date=10 December 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Neilson |first1=Michael |title=Israel-Hamas war: Government Gaza ceasefire motion debated by politicians |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/israel-hamas-war-mps-to-debate-gaza-ceasefire-in-parliament/HH7RFULYYBGDJP7WIIAHB2NDKM/ |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=7 December 2023}}

On 8 December, Minister of Transport Simeon Brown ordered Waka Kotahi (the New Zealand Transport Agency) to give primacy to its English name over its Māori name.{{cite news |title=Waka Kotahi to use its English name first after pressure from government |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504248/waka-kotahi-to-use-its-english-name-first-after-pressure-from-government |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 December 2023}} That same day, Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds confirmed that the mega polytechnic Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) would be dissolved and replaced by eight to ten institutions.{{cite news |title=Te Pūkenga to be replaced with 8–10 institutions – minister |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504215/te-pukenga-to-be-replaced-with-8-10-institutions-minister |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 December 2023}} Also on the same day, Luxon announced during an official visit to Hawke's Bay that the Government would pause work on restoring the Napier-Wairoa railway line and focus on repairing State Highway 2.{{cite news |last1=Pocock |first1=James |title=Christopher Luxon puts brakes on Napier-Wairoa rail during Hawke's Bay visit |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/christopher-luxon-puts-brakes-on-napier-wairoa-rail-during-hawkes-bay-visit/2FDU7SG7H5C5VOI7SZC4I5OCJ4/ |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=Hawke's Bay Today |publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217190800/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/christopher-luxon-puts-brakes-on-napier-wairoa-rail-during-hawkes-bay-visit/2FDU7SG7H5C5VOI7SZC4I5OCJ4/ |archive-date=17 December 2023}}

On 11 December, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced that the Government would be delaying the previous Labour Government's plans to make online mathematics and literacy tests a prerequisite for National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) qualifications in 2026. Trial runs of the tests had recorded failure rates of more than 40% particularly among Māori, Pasifika students, and schools in poorer communities. Stanford said that the students had been let down by the education curriculum and that it would be unfair to make the tests the only way to achieve NCEA qualifications.{{cite news |title=Government delays NCEA literacy, numeracy tests prerequisite |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504466/government-delays-ncea-literacy-numeracy-tests-prerequisite |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211110334/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504466/government-delays-ncea-literacy-numeracy-tests-prerequisite |archive-date=11 December 2023}}

On 13 December, the Government passed its first new law reversing the previous Labour Government's law change in 2018 giving the Reserve Bank of New Zealand the dual mandate of managing inflation and supporting maximum sustainable employment. The Government's law change ordered the Reserve Bank to focus solely on managing inflation. The Bill was introduced by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Labour's finance spokesperson Grant Robertson criticised the National coalition government for reversing his party's financial reforms.{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=New Government passes its first bill, reverting Reserve Bank to single mandate |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/new-government-passes-its-first-bill-reverting-reserve-bank-to-single-mandate/PUIWN7KPURB75PXELR4DTBHQIU/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=13 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213163451/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/new-government-passes-its-first-bill-reverting-reserve-bank-to-single-mandate/PUIWN7KPURB75PXELR4DTBHQIU/ |archive-date=13 December 2023}} That same day, Willis declined KiwiRail's request for an additional NZ$1.47 billion to replace its ageing Interislander ferry fleet. The Government also cancelled the previous Labour Government's plans to buy new replacement ferries, with Willis stating that the Government would be looking at cheaper alternatives.{{cite news |title=Interislander ferry fleet project to wind down after being denied further government funding |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504650/interislander-ferry-fleet-project-to-wind-down-after-being-denied-further-government-funding |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=13 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213063510/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504650/interislander-ferry-fleet-project-to-wind-down-after-being-denied-further-government-funding |archive-date=13 December 2023|url-status=live}}

On 14 December, the Government passed legislation repealing the previous Labour Government's Fair Pay Agreements Act 2022 under urgency. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties.{{cite news |title=Parliament repeals Fair Pay Agreements |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504707/parliament-repeals-fair-pay-agreements |access-date=14 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214095111/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504707/parliament-repeals-fair-pay-agreements |archive-date=14 December 2023|url-status=live}} Several unions including Stand Up, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Post Primary Teachers' Association and Unite Union had also opposed the National-led government's plans to repeal fair pay agreements, staging protests outside the electorate office of ACT leader Seymour on 12 December.{{cite news |last1=Stanford |first1=Emma |title=Protesters wanting to keep Fair Pay Agreements target ACT leader's office |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504477/protesters-wanting-to-keep-fair-pay-agreements-target-act-leader-s-office |access-date=14 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211112552/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504477/protesters-wanting-to-keep-fair-pay-agreements-target-act-leader-s-office |archive-date=11 December 2023|url-status=live}} By contrast, Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young welcomed the repeal of Fair Pay Agreements, claiming they were unnecessary and complicated employment laws.{{cite news |title=Retailers welcome demise of 'unnecessary' Fair Pay Agreements legislation |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504516/retailers-welcome-demise-of-unnecessary-fair-pay-agreements-legislation |access-date=14 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214095724/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504516/retailers-welcome-demise-of-unnecessary-fair-pay-agreements-legislation |archive-date=14 December 2023|url-status=live}}

On 14 December, the Government passed the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Repeal) Amendment Act 2023 under urgency. This bill repealed the previous Labour Government's Clean Car Discount, which encouraged consumers to buy electrical and hybrid vehicles by imposing a tax on high-emissions vehicles such as utes. While the governing National, ACT and NZ First parties supported the Bill, it was opposed by the opposition Labour, Green and Māori parties.{{cite news |title=Government repeals Clean Car Discount |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/301027372/government-repeals-clean-car-discount |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Stuff |date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214063353/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/301027372/government-repeals-clean-car-discount |archive-date=14 December 2023|url-status=live}}

On 16 December Transport Minister Brown instructed the New Zealand Transport Agency to halt the Transport Choices Programme, which involved funding various local council projects to promote cycling, walking and public transportation. The Government's transport policy changes were criticised by Cycling Action Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan and Mayor of New Plymouth Neil Holdom but were supported welcomed by New Plymouth councillor Murray Cheong.{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Robin |title=Minister pulls brakes on cycling and walking initiatives |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504884/minister-pulls-brakes-on-cycling-and-walking-initiatives |access-date=18 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216085115/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504884/minister-pulls-brakes-on-cycling-and-walking-initiatives |archive-date=16 December 2023}} Notable projects affected by the Government's transportation policy change included the "Let's Get Wellington Moving" programme. Following negotiations with the Wellington City Council (WCC) and the Greater Wellington Regional Council, the three parties reached an agreement in which the Government would fund the Basin Reserve upgrade while the WCC would take over the Golden Mile project.{{cite news |title=Let's Get Wellington Moving grinds to a halt |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/301028320/lets-get-wellington-moving-grinds-to-a-halt |access-date=18 December 2023 |work=Stuff |date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216231305/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/301028320/lets-get-wellington-moving-grinds-to-a-halt |archive-date=16 December 2023|url-status=live}}

On 20 December, the Government passed legislation repealing the Natural and Built Environment Act and the Spatial Planning Act as part of its plans to reform the Resource Management Act framework.{{cite press release |last1=Bishop |first1=Chris |title=NBA and SPA successfully repealed |url= https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nba-and-spa-successfully-repealed |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220093404/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nba-and-spa-successfully-repealed |archive-date=20 December 2023 |date=20 December 2023 |url-status=live}} That same day, Finance Minister Willis released the Government's mini-budget, which delivered NZ$7.47 billion in operational savings.{{cite press release |last1=Willis |first1=Nicola |title=Fiscal repair job underway |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/fiscal-repair-job-underway |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220093339/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/fiscal-repair-job-underway |archive-date=20 December 2023 |date=20 December 2023 |url-status=live}}

On 21 December, the Government passed legislation reinstating 90-day trials for all employers, a key campaign promise by National and Act. While the bill was supported by National, ACT, and NZ First, it was opposed by Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden argued the legislation would provide employers and employees with certainty and allow the removal of difficult employees. By contrast, Labour's Workplace Relations and Safety spokesperson Camilla Belich criticised the repeal as an attack on working people.{{cite news |title=Government passes legislation to fully reinstate 90-day trials |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/505252/government-passes-legislation-to-fully-reinstate-90-day-trials |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221013911/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/505252/government-passes-legislation-to-fully-reinstate-90-day-trials |archive-date=21 December 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Bill |url=https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/358c127f-6fd6-4060-208b-08dba9b9dfac?Tab=history |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=28 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128033856/https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/358c127f-6fd6-4060-208b-08dba9b9dfac?Tab=history|archive-date=28 January 2024}} By further contrast, The Treasury published a review of the prior 90-day trial which started in 2009. The authors concluded that the main benefit of the policy was a decrease in dismissal costs for firms, while many employees faced increased uncertainty about their job security for three months after being hired.{{Cite web |date=2016-06-17 |title=The Effect of Trial Periods in Employment on Firm Hiring Behaviour (WP 16/03) {{!}} The Treasury New Zealand |url=https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/wp/effect-trial-periods-employment-firm-hiring-behaviour-wp-16-03 |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=www.treasury.govt.nz |language=en}} That same day, Reti announced that the Government would invest NZ$50 million over the two next years to help Māori health providers boost immunisation rates within the Māori community.{{cite press release |title=$50 million to lift immunisation rates |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/50-million-lift-immunisation-rates |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221124347/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/50-million-lift-immunisation-rates |archive-date=21 December 2023 |date=21 December 2023 |url-status=live}}

On 12 January, Foreign Minister Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed New Zealand's support for Anglo-American airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, which had been disrupting international shipping in response to the 2023 Israel-Hamas war.{{cite press release |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-support-strikes-against-houthis|website=Beehive.govt.nz|last1=Collins|first1=Judith|last2=Peters|first2=Winston|title=NZ support for strikes against Houthis|date=12 January 2024|access-date=13 January 2024|publisher=New Zealand Government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114115749/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-support-strikes-against-houthis|archive-date=14 January 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=NZ Govt throws support behind US, UK's strikes in Yemen |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/12/nz-govt-throws-support-behind-us-uks-strikes-in-yemen/ |access-date=15 January 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112114721/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/12/nz-govt-throws-support-behind-us-uks-strikes-in-yemen/ |archive-date=12 January 2024|url-status=live}}

On 14 January, Transport Minister Brown confirmed the cancellation of Auckland light rail, stating the projected NZ$29.2 billion cost of the project. He also criticised the previous Labour Government for spending NZ$228 million on the project over the past six years with little to show for it.{{Cite news |date=14 January 2024 |title=National-led government officially cancels Auckland Light Rail plans |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/506674/national-led-government-officially-cancels-auckland-light-rail-plans |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115013806/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/506674/national-led-government-officially-cancels-auckland-light-rail-plans|archive-date=15 January 2024|url-status=live}}

On 23 January, the Government dispatched six New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel to the Middle East in response to the 2024 missile strikes in Yemen to help provide maritime security including "precision targeting."{{cite news |title=Watch live: NZ sending Defence Force team to Red Sea to provide maritime security, Christopher Luxon fronts post-Cabinet press conference |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/peace-needed-now-more-than-ever-winston-peters-speaks-out-at-remarks-by-israeli-prime-minister/CJIDTEJIJFAP3PXL4UJQDVR2UA/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124012635/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/peace-needed-now-more-than-ever-winston-peters-speaks-out-at-remarks-by-israeli-prime-minister/CJIDTEJIJFAP3PXL4UJQDVR2UA/ |archive-date=24 January 2024}} The opposition Labour and Green parties criticised the deployment, citing the lack of a United Nations mandate and claiming it would inflame tensions respectively.{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=Labour, Greens warn of escalating risks as Government deploys military to Red Sea |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-greens-warn-of-escalating-risks-as-government-deploys-military-to-red-sea/IJAVLADUZZA6RAHY7JECJE3FSM/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124014155/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-greens-warn-of-escalating-risks-as-government-deploys-military-to-red-sea/IJAVLADUZZA6RAHY7JECJE3FSM/ |archive-date=24 January 2024}} Though Foreign Minister Peters rejected any connection between New Zealand's Yemen military contribution and the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, University of Otago geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller opined that this development could mark the end of New Zealand's "independent" foreign policy due to the Government's support for the Anglo-American military actions in Yemen.{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Geoffrey |title=New Zealand's huge shift in the Middle East |url=https://democracyproject.nz/2024/01/24/geoffrey-miller-new-zealands-huge-shift-in-the-middle-east/?s=03 |website=Democracy Project |publisher=Victoria University of Wellington |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126040352/https://democracyproject.nz/2024/01/24/geoffrey-miller-new-zealands-huge-shift-in-the-middle-east/ |archive-date=26 January 2024 |date=24 January 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 26 January, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown confirmed that the Government would halt plans by the previous Labour Government to introduce legislation to lower the voting age to 16 years for local council elections.{{cite news |title=Government formally withdraws bill to lower voting age in council elections |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507608/government-formally-withdraws-bill-to-lower-voting-age-in-council-elections |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128114259/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507608/government-formally-withdraws-bill-to-lower-voting-age-in-council-elections |archive-date=28 January 2024}}{{cite news |title=Government scraps Bill to lower voting age in council elections |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/26/government-scraps-bill-to-lower-voting-age-in-council-elections/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=1News |date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128213835/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/26/government-scraps-bill-to-lower-voting-age-in-council-elections/ |archive-date=28 January 2024}} Also on this day, Finance Minister Nicola Willis asked "all departments" to identify savings to cut annual public service spending by $1.5 billion. Agencies have been asked to identify savings options of either 6.5 or 7.5 percent.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-26 |title=The public service agencies asked to cut spending |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507659/the-public-service-agencies-asked-to-cut-spending |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} As at 6 April, at least 845 job losses have been signalled, according to figures made public by ministries and the Public Service Association.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-04 |title=NZ public service job cuts: what we know so far |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513456/nz-public-service-job-cuts-what-we-know-so-far |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} Some confusion was evident over whether the Suicide Prevention Office would close or not.{{Cite web |title=Ministry admits it didn't 'sufficiently brief' Mental Health Minister |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/06/ministry-admits-it-didnt-sufficiently-brief-mental-health-minister/ |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=1News |language=en}}

On 30 January, Luxon announced that New Zealand would be suspending its annual NZ$1 million aid to UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East) in light of allegations that at least 12 UNRWA workers had participated in the 7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel.{{cite news |title=NZ halts funding for beleaguered UN aid agency |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507907/nz-halts-funding-for-beleaguered-un-aid-agency |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129212225/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507907/nz-halts-funding-for-beleaguered-un-aid-agency |archive-date=29 January 2024}}

On 1 February 2024, Peters and Collins met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles in Melbourne to discuss New Zealand's involvement in the AUKUS Pillar Two developments. Marles confirmed that Australia would send officials to brief their New Zealand counterparts about Pillar Two, which would focus on advanced military technology including quantum computing and artificial intelligence. New Zealand is not expected to join AUKUS Pillar One due to its nuclear-free policy. The two governments also committed to reinforced security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and increased military integration between the Australian and New Zealand militaries.{{cite news |title=AUKUS: Australian officials to brief New Zealand govt on Pillar Two this year |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/508167/aukus-australian-officials-to-brief-new-zealand-govt-on-pillar-two-this-year |access-date=2 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201102507/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/508167/aukus-australian-officials-to-brief-new-zealand-govt-on-pillar-two-this-year |archive-date=1 February 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title=New Zealand steps up interest in Aukus as Pacific security concerns grow |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/02/new-zealand-aukus-alliance-membership |access-date=2 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202020946/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/02/new-zealand-aukus-alliance-membership |archive-date=2 February 2024}}

That same day, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden confirmed that the Government would raise the minimum wage by two percent to NZ$23.15 an hour from 1 April 2024.{{cite news |title=Government announces minimum wage to rise from April 1 |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/01/government-announces-minimum-wage-to-rise-from-april-1/ |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201095834/http://1news.co.nz/2024/02/01/government-announces-minimum-wage-to-rise-from-april-1/ |archive-date=1 February 2024|url-status=live}} On 2 February, the Government confirmed that it would expand the scope of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned to include lockdowns, vaccine procurement, the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-effectiveness of the Government's policies, social disruptions caused by the Government's policies, and whether the Government response was consistent with the rule of law.{{cite news |title=Government mulls expanding inquiry into Covid-19 response |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/508262/government-mulls-expanding-inquiry-into-covid-19-response |access-date=2 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202032025/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/508262/government-mulls-expanding-inquiry-into-covid-19-response |archive-date=2 February 2024|url-status=live}}

On 11 February 2024, Luxon and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced that the Government would contribute NZ$63 million to aid the removal of sediment and debris caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne District.{{cite news |title=Government announces $63 million cyclone recovery boost |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/11/government-announces-63-million-cyclone-recovery-boost/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214032512/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/11/government-announces-63-million-cyclone-recovery-boost/ |archive-date=14 February 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, Social Development Minister Louise Upston confirmed that the Government would introduce a "traffic light system" to combat "entrenched welfare dependency" including the use of sanctions and mandatory community work experience, a 2023 election campaign promise. In response, Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March claimed the Government's welfare policies were cruel and would reinforce the cycle of poverty.{{cite news |title=More beneficiaries to face sanctions under new Govt – minister |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/11/more-beneficiaries-to-face-sanctions-under-new-govt-minister/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=1News |date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214035014/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/11/more-beneficiaries-to-face-sanctions-under-new-govt-minister/ |archive-date=14 February 2024|url-status=live}}

On 14 February, the Government passed legislation repealing the previous Labour Government's Three Waters reform programme under urgency. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties.{{cite news |title=Parliament repeals Three Waters programme under urgency |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/509144/parliament-repeals-three-waters-programme-under-urgency |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216020717/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/509144/parliament-repeals-three-waters-programme-under-urgency |archive-date=16 February 2024}} Local Government Minister Brown also announced that the Government would introduce two new laws in 2024 and 2025 rolling its own "Local Water Done Well" programme, which would emphasise local control over water infrastructure and services.{{cite press release |title=Labour's Three Waters legislation repealed |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/labour%E2%80%99s-three-waters-legislation-repealed |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=18 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214062045/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/labour%E2%80%99s-three-waters-legislation-repealed |archive-date=14 February 2024 |date=14 February 2024 |url-status=live}} The Government also announced that the replacement legislation would allow local councils to voluntarily form their own water services groupings and council-controlled organisations similar to Wellington Water and Auckland's Watercare Services.

On 19 February, Social Development Minister Louise Upston announced a ramping up of benefit sanctions from June 2024 including "work check-ins" for jobseekers who have been on a benefit for at least six months. Luxon confirmed the check-ins would not apply to those on a sole parent or supported living benefits.{{cite news |title=Benefit sanctions to ramp up with 'work check-ins' – Minister Louise Upston |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/509590/benefit-sanctions-to-ramp-up-with-work-check-ins-minister-louise-upston |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 February 2024 |language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220204922/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/509590/benefit-sanctions-to-ramp-up-with-work-check-ins-minister-louise-upston|archive-date=20 February 2024|url-status=live}}

On 22 February, the Government extended the New Zealand Defence Force's Ukrainian training deployment to June 2025. Foreign Minister Peters also confirmed that New Zealand would contribute a NZ$25.9 million military, humanitarian and reconstruction aid package to Ukraine, bringing NZ's total aid contribution since the Russian invasion of Ukraine to over NZ$100 million.{{cite news |title=New support for Ukraine |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/new-support-for-ukraine/ |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=New Zealand Defence Force |date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223045516/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/new-support-for-ukraine/ |archive-date=23 February 2024}}

On 25 February, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced that the Government would introduce legislation to ban gang insignia in public places, empower Police to stop criminal gangs from gathering and gang members from communicating, and giving greater weight to gang membership during sentencing.{{cite web |last1=Goldsmith |first1=Paul |last2=Mitchell |first2=Mark |title=Government backs police to crackdown on gangs |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-backs-police-crackdown-gangs |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226235256/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-backs-police-crackdown-gangs |archive-date=26 February 2024 |date=25 February 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 28 February 2024, the Government passed urgent legislation disestablishing Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority) and repealing the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022.{{cite news |last1=Harawira |first1=Tumamao |title=Parliament passes bill to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/02/28/parliament-passes-bill-to-disestablish-te-aka-whai-ora/ |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Whakaata Māori |date=28 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303101758/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/02/28/parliament-passes-bill-to-disestablish-te-aka-whai-ora/|archive-date=3 March 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Smokefree generation law scrapped by coalition government |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/510439/smokefree-generation-law-scrapped-by-coalition-government |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 February 2024 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229155751/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/510439/smokefree-generation-law-scrapped-by-coalition-government |url-status=live }} That same day, the Government designated the entire Hamas organisation as a terrorist entity. Previous governments had only designated the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. In addition, the Government barred entry to several extremist Israeli settlers who had attacked Palestinians in the West Bank. The Government also extended sanctions against Russia.{{cite news |title=NZ designated all of Hamas a terrorist entity |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/29/nz-designates-all-of-hamas-a-terrorist-entity/ |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229054629/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/29/nz-designates-all-of-hamas-a-terrorist-entity/ |archive-date=29 February 2024}}

On 5 March, Minister for Children Karen Chhour announced that the Government would be launching a pilot boot camp for youth offenders run by Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry for Children) in mid 2024.{{cite news |title='Military academy' for youth offenders to be trialled from mid-2024 |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/05/military-academy-for-youth-offenders-to-be-trialled-from-mid-2024/ |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305041217/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/05/military-academy-for-youth-offenders-to-be-trialled-from-mid-2024/ |archive-date=5 March 2024|url-status=live}} On 6 March, the Government passed urgent legislation ending taxpayer funding for cultural reports.{{cite news |last1=Desmarais |first1=Felix |title=Bill passes to remove taxpayer funding for cultural reports |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/06/bill-passes-to-remove-taxpayer-funding-for-cultural-reports/ |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=1News |date=6 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306035133/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/06/bill-passes-to-remove-taxpayer-funding-for-cultural-reports/|archive-date=6 March 2024|url-status=live}}

On 7 March, the Government introduced legislation to fast-track the resource consent process for significant projects and allow overseas investors to invest in rental housing developments.{{cite web |last1=Bishop |first1=Chris |last2=Jones |first2=Shane |title=One-stop shop major projects on the fast track |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/one-stop-shop-major-projects-fast-track |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308080656/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/one-stop-shop-major-projects-fast-track |archive-date=8 March 2024 |date=7 March 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Bishop |first1=Chris |title=Unlocking investment in Build-To-Rent developments |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/unlocking-investment-build-rent-housing-developments |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307093549/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/unlocking-investment-build-rent-housing-developments |archive-date=7 March 2024 |date=7 March 2024 |url-status=live}} On 8 March, Reti announced that the Government would focus on meeting five health targets in the areas of cancer treatment, child immunisation, shorter stays in emergency departments, and shorter wait times for special assessments and treatments.{{cite web |last1=Reti |first1=Shane |title=Health targets will deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/health-targets-will-deliver-better-outcomes-new-zealanders |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308093600/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/health-targets-will-deliver-better-outcomes-new-zealanders |archive-date=8 March 2024 |date=8 March 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 10 March, Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced that the Government would restore interest deductions on residential investment properties.{{cite web |last1=Seymour |first1=David |title=Government agrees to restore interest deductions |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-agrees-restore-interest-deductions |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310093437/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-agrees-restore-interest-deductions |archive-date=10 March 2024 |date=10 March 2024 |url-status=live}} The government has increased allocations for the landlord tax deductions by $800 million, from $2.1 billion to $2.9 billion. From 1 April 2024, landlords will be able to write off 80 percent of their mortgage interest on residential investment properties, and 100 percent from 1 April 2025.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-12 |title=Prime Minister Christopher Luxon unable to assure promised Budget surplus amid tax cuts |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/511461/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-unable-to-assure-promised-budget-surplus-amid-tax-cuts |access-date=2024-03-12 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz}}{{cite news |title=Mortgage tax deductions to be restored from April – Seymour |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/511318/mortgage-tax-deductions-to-be-restored-from-april-seymour |access-date=12 March 2024 |work=RNZ |date=10 March 2024 |language=en-nz}}

On 13 March, Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden confirmed that the Government was planning to overhaul health and safety regulations and amend the Holiday Act 2003. While Business NZ welcomed the proposed changes, First Union New Zealand denounced the proposed changes as an attack on workers.{{cite news |title=Major workplace and public holiday changes signalled by Govt |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/13/major-workplace-and-public-holiday-changes-signalled-by-govt/ |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313092107/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/13/major-workplace-and-public-holiday-changes-signalled-by-govt/ |archive-date=13 March 2024}} That same day, the Government confirmed plans to upgrade Linton Military Camp's dilapidated barracks as the first project of its new flagship public-private infrastructure financing programme.{{cite news |last1=Milne |first1=Jonathan |title=New army barracks to spearhead move to public-private partnerships |url=https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/03/13/new-army-barracks-to-spearhead-move-to-public-private-partnerships/ |access-date=16 March 2024 |work=Newsroom |date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312212145/https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/03/13/new-army-barracks-to-spearhead-move-to-public-private-partnerships/ |archive-date=12 March 2024|url-status=live}}

On 14 March, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that the government would suspend the obligation for councils to impose Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) under the previous Labour Government's National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while the Resource Management Act 1991 is being replaced. Their protection was previously required under the Resource Management Act 1991.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-14 |title=Government drops need for councils to comply with Significant Natural Areas provisions |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/511689/government-drops-need-for-councils-to-comply-with-significant-natural-areas-provisions |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} On 15 March he released a statement saying his 14 March comment had been misunderstood and that there had been no changes to statutory and regulatory obligations for local council. University of Otago law Professor Andrew Geddis said the statement was "misleading at best, and borderline unlawful at worst. No minister can by mere announcement remove an existing legal obligation imposed by a parliamentary enactment."{{Cite news |title=Andrew Hoggard walks back environment announcement after experts call it unlawful |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/03/associate-environment-minister-andrew-hoggard-backtracks-on-significant-natural-areas-announcement.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315054313/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/03/associate-environment-minister-andrew-hoggard-backtracks-on-significant-natural-areas-announcement.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 March 2024 |access-date=2024-03-15 |work=Newshub |language=en}}

Between 10 and 16 March 2024, Peters undertook a tour of India, Indonesia and Singapore where he met with several foreign political and business leaders. Peters stated that the coalition government regarded South and Southeast Asia as a priority in "maintaining and building New Zealand's security and prosperity."{{cite news |title=FM announces detail of South East Asian tour |url=https://insidegovernment.co.nz/fm-announces-details-of-south-east-asian-tour/ |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=Inside Government |publisher=JSL Media |date=5 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321112243/https://insidegovernment.co.nz/fm-announces-details-of-south-east-asian-tour/|archive-date=21 March 2024|url-status=live}} On 14 March, Peters attracted media attention after making remarks during an interview with the Indian media outlet The Indian Express that appeared to cast doubt on Canadian assertions that the Indian Government was responsible for assassinating Canadian Sikh independence activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. MFAT and Peters clarified that New Zealand's position on the matter remained unchanged during the course of the investigation.{{cite news |title=Winston Peters wades into India-Canada spat over Sikh leader's death |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/14/winston-peters-wades-into-india-canada-spat-over-sikh-leaders-death/ |access-date=16 March 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=14 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313233216/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/14/winston-peters-wades-into-india-canada-spat-over-sikh-leaders-death/ |archive-date=13 March 2024}} On 18 March, Peters hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his state visit to Wellington. The two leaders discussed a range of issues important to China-New Zealand relations including economic relations, people-to-people relations links, bilateral cooperation as well as differences on human rights issues and China's territorial claims to the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.{{cite news |last1=Craymer |first1=Lucy |last2=Qiu |first2=Stella |title=New Zealand raises South China Sea, Taiwan tensions with China during foreign minister's visit |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-foreign-minister-willing-strengthen-communications-with-new-zealand-2024-03-18/ |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=Reuters |date=18 March 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Zhou |first1=Laura |title=China and New Zealand are a 'force for stability' in a turbulent world, says Foreign Minister Wang Yi |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3255852/china-and-new-zealand-are-force-stability-turbulent-world-says-foreign-minister-wang-yi |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=South China Morning Post |date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320231418/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3255852/china-and-new-zealand-are-force-stability-turbulent-world-says-foreign-minister-wang-yi |archive-date=20 March 2024|url-status=live}}

On 18 March, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Finance Minister Nicola Willis ordered state housing provider Kāinga Ora to end the previous Government's "Sustainable Tenancies Framework" and take disciplinary action against unruly tenants and those with overdue rent including evictions and relocations.{{cite news |last1=Desmarais |first1=Felix |title=Harder line on unruly Kāinga Ora tenants, overdue rent – government |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/18/harder-line-on-unruly-kainga-ora-tenants-overdue-rents-govt/ |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320001507/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/18/harder-line-on-unruly-kainga-ora-tenants-overdue-rents-govt/ |archive-date=20 March 2024}}

On 19 March Disabilities Minister Penny Simmonds announced the Government would eliminate respite care funding for families with disabled children due to budgetary reasons.{{Cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glen |last2=Bhatia |first2=Ripu |title=Parents worried their children will suffer after disability services suddenly cut |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350218178/parents-worried-their-children-will-suffer-disability-services-suddenly-cut |access-date=20 March 2024 |date=19 March 2024|work=Stuff}} On 20 March, Simmonds said Ministry for Disabled People had done an inadequate job in conveying changes to disabled people's funding and suggested some families were wasting their funding on "massages, overseas travel and pedicures". The changes have caused widespread anguish within the disabled community with a petition opposing the changes attracting more than 10,000 signatures in 24 hours.{{Cite news |title=We got it wrong on disability announcement – Minister Penny Simmonds |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/512172/we-got-it-wrong-on-disability-announcement-minister-penny-simmonds |access-date=20 March 2024 |date=20 March 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz}} In response to criticism, Finance Minister Willis called officials and Simmonds for an urgent briefing, after families were blindsided by news of cuts to respite care.{{Cite news |last=McConnell |first=Glen |title=Finance Minister Nicola Willis calls in officials after cuts to disability services |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350219245/finance-minister-nicola-willis-calls-officials-after-cuts-disability-services |access-date=2024-03-20 |date=19 March 2024 |work=Stuff}}

On 19 March, Transport Minister Simeon Brown confirmed that the Government would reduce the proposed road user charge on hybrid vehicles from NZ$53 per 1,000 km to NZ$38. Earlier, the Parliamentary transport select committee had adopted a Labour and Green proposal to reduce the road user charge for hybrid vehicles to NZ$38 against the wishes of committee chair and NZ First MP Andy Foster.{{cite news |title=Government agrees to slash road user charges for plug-in hybrids |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/512095/government-agrees-to-slash-road-user-charges-for-plug-in-hybrids |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 March 2024}} In mid January 2024, the Government had announced that it would implement road user charges on both electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids from 1 April 2024.{{cite news |title=EVs, plug-in hybrids to pay road user charges from 1 April |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/506844/evs-plug-in-hybrids-to-pay-road-user-charges-from-1-april |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 January 2024}}

On 20 March, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced that the Government would introduce legislation to ban disposable vapes, and increase the maximum fine from selling to under-18s from $10,000 to $100,000.{{Cite news |title='Crackdown': Total ban on disposable vapes, retailer fines increase |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/20/crackdown-total-ban-on-disposable-vapes-retailer-fines-increase/ |access-date=20 March 2024 |date=20 March 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320093902/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/20/crackdown-total-ban-on-disposable-vapes-retailer-fines-increase/|archive-date=20 March 2024|url-status=live}} On 11 July, Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier took the rare step of forcing Costello to apologise to public broadcaster RNZ and to University of Otago Professor of Public Health Janet Hoek for her handling of OIA requests, and for trying to keep information about tobacco and vaping policy secret. In an interview on Newstalk ZB, Costello said the information was an "extraction of a whole lot of historical documents. She said. "I'm not sure who put it on my desk."{{Cite web |date=2024-07-11 |title=NZ First Minister Casey Costello forced to apologise after acting 'contrary to law' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/521816/nz-first-minister-casey-costello-forced-to-apologise-after-acting-contrary-to-law |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718062738/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/521816/nz-first-minister-casey-costello-forced-to-apologise-after-acting-contrary-to-law|archive-date=18 July 2024|url-status=live}} On 18 July, Casey Costello cut the excise rate on Heated tobacco products (HTPs) by 50 percent effective from 1 July. Costello said she aims to make them more attractive as an alternative to smoking. The Ministry of Health disagreed with the change saying "there is no evidence to support HTPs use as a quit smoking tool".{{Cite web |date=2024-07-18 |title=NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/522429/nz-first-minister-casey-costello-orders-50-percent-cut-to-excise-tax-on-heated-tobacco-products |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718062711/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/522429/nz-first-minister-casey-costello-orders-50-percent-cut-to-excise-tax-on-heated-tobacco-products|archive-date=18 July 2024|url-status=live}} On 19 September, Casey Costello was again been reprimanded by the Chief Ombudsman for her handling of a mystery document containing tobacco-industry friendly ideas. He said he is "concerned the associate minister was unable to produce any records about the provenance of the notes". Costello also told the Chief Ombudsman "the likely source was a political party staffer or volunteer". When Costello released the mystery document to RNZ under the Official Information Act she made redactions under a clause of the OIA which protects the "confidentiality of advice tendered by ministers of the Crown and officials". Costello initially denied the document existed at all.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-19 |title=Chief Ombudsman criticises Costello over withholding tobacco documents |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528429/chief-ombudsman-criticises-costello-over-withholding-tobacco-documents |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}

On 27 March, the Government passed major tax legislation restoring interest deductibility for residential investment property, reducing the bright-line test for residential property to two years, and eliminating depreciation deductions for commercial and industrial buildings that were reinstated by the previous Labour government as part of its economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last1=Willis |first1=Nicola |last2=Watts |first2=Simon |title=Passage of major tax bill welcomed |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/passage-major-tax-bill-welcomed |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327225344/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/passage-major-tax-bill-welcomed |archive-date=27 March 2024 |date=27 March 2024 |url-status=live}} On 28 March, the Government passed legislation requiring electric cars and plug-in hybrids to pay road user charges.{{cite news |title=EV and plug-in hybrid RUC legislation |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/512934/ev-and-plug-in-hybrid-ruc-legislation-passes-through-parliament |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331171512/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/512934/ev-and-plug-in-hybrid-ruc-legislation-passes-through-parliament |archive-date=31 March 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced the Government had halted work on legislation to create a 620,000sqkm ocean sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands.{{cite news |title=Government halts plans for Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/512889/government-halts-plan-for-kermadec-ocean-sanctuary |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331131627/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/512889/government-halts-plan-for-kermadec-ocean-sanctuary |archive-date=31 March 2024|url-status=live}}

On 2 April, Luxon announced a 36-point full second quarter action plan for the next three months, focusing on the economy and cost of living, law and order, and public services. Notable policies and priorities have included reducing wasteful spending while investing in "frontline" services, legislating on income tax relief, childcare tax credit, improving the rental marketing, and reintroducing charter schools, keeping agriculture out of the Emissions Trading Scheme, reversing the ban on offshore gas and oil exploration, restoring three strikes legislation, reviewing the firearms registry, establishing a Youth Serious Offender Category, improving teacher training and school attendance, and taking steps to replace mega polytechnic Te Pūkenga.{{cite news |title=Prime Minister lays out his priority for the next three months |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/513171/prime-minister-lays-out-his-priority-list-for-next-three-months |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=2 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401223634/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/513171/prime-minister-lays-out-his-priority-list-for-next-three-months |archive-date=1 April 2024|url-status=live}}

On 3 April, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the creation of an establishment board to introduce a new charter school model, that would be expected to launch by the start of the 2025 school year.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Former St Cuthbert's College principal Justine Mahon to oversee charter school revival |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/former-st-cuthberts-college-principal-justine-mahon-to-oversee-charter-school-revival/QICDJOYCTVEAJOJU33EOROHFK4/ |access-date=7 April 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=3 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406002740/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/former-st-cuthberts-college-principal-justine-mahon-to-oversee-charter-school-revival/QICDJOYCTVEAJOJU33EOROHFK4/ |archive-date=6 April 2024|url-status=live}} On 4 April, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced that local and regional councils that introduced Māori wards and constituencies without polling residents would have to hold referendums or dissolve the wards they had established.{{cite news |title=Maori wards ultimatum for councils as coalition government imposes referendums |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513401/maori-wards-ultimatum-for-councils-as-coalition-government-imposes-referendums |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405073507/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513401/maori-wards-ultimatum-for-councils-as-coalition-government-imposes-referendums |archive-date=5 April 2024|url-status=live}} On 7 April, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced that the Government would be revising the Accredited Employer Worker Visa program to address migrant exploitation and "unsustainable" net migration.{{cite news |title=Immigration changes to target 'unsustainable' migration |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513642/immigration-changes-to-target-unsustainable-migration |access-date=7 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407050840/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513642/immigration-changes-to-target-unsustainable-migration|archive-date=7 April 2024|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=Changes to accredited work visa scheme |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350237836/changes-accredited-work-visa-scheme |access-date=7 April 2024|date=7 April 2024|work=Stuff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407083336/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350237836/changes-accredited-work-visa-scheme|archive-date=7 April 2024|url-status=live}} A new immigration rule requiring low-skilled immigrants to leave the country and apply for a new visa was criticised by Jagjeet Singh Sidhu, who said it would impact not only businesses but workers and their families. He organised a petition opposing the change.{{cite news |title=Immigration Changes: New Petition |url=https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/immigration-changes-new-petition-backs-low-skilled-migrant-workers |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=The Indian Weekender |date=15 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416202236/https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/immigration-changes-new-petition-backs-low-skilled-migrant-workers |archive-date=16 April 2024}}

On 12 April, the Government passed the Misuse of Drugs (Pseudoephedrine) Amendment Act 2024 which allows 11 pseudoephedrine cold and flu medicines to be sold without prescriptions from June 2024; reversing a 2011 law change meant to combat their use in the production of methamphetamine.{{Cite news|title=Pseudoephedrine cold and flu products back on shelves this winter |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/12/pseudoephedrine-cold-and-flu-products-back-on-shelves-this-winter/ |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=12 April 2024|work=1News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415014840/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/12/pseudoephedrine-cold-and-flu-products-back-on-shelves-this-winter/|archive-date=15 April 2024|language=en|url-status=live}}

On 14 April, a plethora of "sensible, pro-tenant" changes were announced to help increase the supply of rental properties. The changes include re-introducing 90-day "no-cause" terminations for periodic tenancies, meaning landlords can end a periodic tenancy without giving any reason. For fixed-term tenancies, the ability for landlords to end a tenancy, without giving a specific reason will also be re-introduced. For periodic tenancies, landlords will now only need to give 42 days' notice for ending a tenancy.{{Cite web |title=Govt announces changes for renters, landlords, bill coming in May |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/11/govt-announces-changes-for-renters-landlords-bill-coming-in-may/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=1News |language=en}} Back in May 2023, Chris Bishop said a charity group working with homeless people told him to bring back "no-cause" evictions. Bishop didn't respond to a request for a hint as to the identity of the charities he talked to.{{Cite web |last=Donnell |first=Hayden |date=2023-05-04 |title=We can't find the charity that told Chris Bishop to bring back no-cause evictions |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/04-05-2023/we-cant-find-the-charity-that-told-chris-bishop-to-bring-back-no-cause-evictions |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=The Spinoff |language=en}}

On 15 April, the Government released its pet bond policy for tenants. The pet bond would be worth two weeks' rent and could be added to existing bonds. Tenants would be responsible for any damage caused by their pets and would have to seek their landlords' consent.{{cite news |title=Government announces pet bond policy for renters |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514298/government-announces-pet-bond-policy-for-renters |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=RNZ |date=15 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415014505/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514298/watch-government-announces-pet-bond-policy-for-renters|archive-date=15 April 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, Luxon and Peters condemned Iranian airstrikes against Israel.{{cite news |title=Luxon, Peters condemn 'shocking and illegal' Iran strikes on Israel |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/15/luxon-peters-condemn-shocking-and-illegal-iran-strikes-on-israel/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=1News |date=15 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415115818/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/15/luxon-peters-condemn-shocking-and-illegal-iran-strikes-on-israel/ |archive-date=15 April 2024|url-status=live}}

Between 14 and 21 April, Luxon undertook a tour of Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines as part of a "very deliberate" foreign policy reset meant to shore up Southeast Asia's strategic and commercial importance to New Zealand.{{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |title=Christopher Luxon readies for 'full-on' Southeast Asia tour |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514211/christopher-luxon-readies-for-full-on-southeast-asia-tour |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415195320/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514211/christopher-luxon-readies-for-full-on-southeast-asia-tour |archive-date=15 April 2024|url-status=live}} He met with foreign leaders including Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Philippines President Bongbong Marcos to strengthen bilateral relations in the areas of trade, tourism, defence and climate change.{{cite news |title=Watch: Christopher Luxon faces questions in Singapore |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514401/watch-christopher-luxon-faces-questions-in-singapore |access-date=23 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422054422/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514401/watch-christopher-luxon-faces-questions-in-singapore |archive-date=22 April 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Walters |first1=Laura |title=Luxon spreads his wings in Thailand |url=https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/04/18/luxon-spreads-his-wings-in-thailand/ |access-date=23 April 2024 |work=Newsroom |date=3 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417191836/https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/04/18/luxon-spreads-his-wings-in-thailand/ |archive-date=17 April 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=NZ to strengthen defence, security ties with Philippines |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/19/nz-to-strengthen-defence-security-ties-with-philippines/ |access-date=23 April 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=19 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423130232/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/19/nz-to-strengthen-defence-security-ties-with-philippines/|archive-date=23 April 2024|url-status=live}}

On 16 April, Associate Education Minister Seymour announced several changes to the early childhood sector including easing qualification requirements for teachers, allowing the government to decide the location of early childhood centres, and introducing mandatory reporting of child abuse.{{cite news |title=Watch: David Seymour announces early childhood education centre changes |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514372/watch-david-seymour-announces-early-childhood-education-centre-changes |access-date=22 April 2024 |work=RNZ |date=16 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417183011/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514372/watch-david-seymour-announces-early-childhood-education-centre-changes |archive-date=17 April 2024}} On 21 April, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced that the Government would ease lending policies to make it easier for people to obtain housing loans, revoke the previous Government's affordability regulations and revise dispute resolution rules.{{cite news |title=Government announces lending changes |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514834/government-announces-lending-changes |access-date=22 April 2024 |work=RNZ |date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421105552/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514834/government-announces-lending-changes |archive-date=21 April 2024}}

On 22 April, Luxon and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee confirmed that the Government would proceed with plans to reintroduce three strikes legislation, which had been repealed by the previous Labour Government.{{cite news |title=Watch: Three strikes policy to return with changes, PM announces |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514909/watch-three-strikes-policy-to-return-with-changes-pm-announces |access-date=22 April 2024 |work=RNZ |date=22 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422030813/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514909/watch-three-strikes-policy-to-return-with-changes-pm-announces |archive-date=22 April 2024}} On 23 April, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced that the Government would scrap or amend farming, mining and other industrial regulations as part of its planned overhaul of the Resource Management Act 1991.{{cite news |title=Govt reveals first changes to Resource Management Act |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/23/govt-reveals-first-changes-to-resource-management-act/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=1News |date=23 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423130528/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/23/govt-reveals-first-changes-to-resource-management-act/ |archive-date=23 April 2024|url-status=live}}

On 29 April, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the Government's top six educational priorities to mark the start of the second term. These included a clearer curriculum, a focus on literacy and numeracy, more consistent assessment and achievement reporting, better teacher training, targeted support for students with special needs and an evidence-based approach to improvement.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |last2=Trevett |first2=Claire |title=Education: PM Christopher Luxon, Education Minister Erica Stanford outline Government's six priorities |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-and-education-minister-erica-stanford-to-front-on-school-cellphone-ban-and-budget-funding-for-pharmac/45XGENY5MVBH3NT3EV5Y3BEBGE/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429040819/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-and-education-minister-erica-stanford-to-front-on-school-cellphone-ban-and-budget-funding-for-pharmac/45XGENY5MVBH3NT3EV5Y3BEBGE/ |archive-date=29 April 2024}} That same day, the Government's school cellphone ban came into force.{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Adam |title=School phone ban: How effective will it be? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/515423/school-phone-ban-how-effective-will-it-be |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=RNZ |date=29 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428204944/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/515423/school-phone-ban-how-effective-will-it-be |archive-date=28 April 2024}} On 30 April, Energy Minister Simeon Brown confirmed that the Government would invest in 25 new high speed electric vehicle charging facilities along key routes between major urban centres.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Simeon |title=Government to boost public EV charging network |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-boost-public-ev-charging-network |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505204427/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-boost-public-ev-charging-network |archive-date=5 May 2024 |date=30 April 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 1 May, Seymour confirmed that the Government would continue to fund the free school lunches programme for a few years until the completion of a review into the programme.{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |title=Free school lunches scheme to get temporary funding until review is complete |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515699/free-school-lunches-scheme-to-get-temporary-funding-until-review-is-complete |access-date=3 May 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501145016/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515699/free-school-lunches-scheme-to-get-temporary-funding-until-review-is-complete |archive-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}} In April 2024, Health Coalition Aotearoa organised a petition calling for the continuation of the free school lunch programme, which was received by Labour MP Jan Tinetti.{{cite news |last1=Dexter |first1=Giles |title=Students petition Parliament to keep free school lunches funding |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513956/students-petition-parliament-to-keep-free-school-lunches-funding |access-date=3 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501055416/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513956/students-petition-parliament-to-keep-free-school-lunches-funding |archive-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}} On 2 May, Education Minister Stanford confirmed that the Government would be instituted a structured literacy reading approach in all state schools from the first term of the 2025 school year.{{cite news |last1=Swift |first1=Molly |title=Structured literacy: Government to roll out new approach to reading in all state schools |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/structured-literacy-government-to-roll-out-new-approach-to-reading-in-all-state-schools.html |access-date=3 May 2024 |work=Newshub |date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502210448/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/structured-literacy-government-to-roll-out-new-approach-to-reading-in-all-state-schools.html |archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=dead}} Due to the planned shift towards a structured literacy approach, the Government also announced the termination of the existing reading recovery programme, which uses a "whole language" approach based on using pictures to help children guess words.{{cite news |title=Erica Stanford confirms end of reading recovery programme in schools, doesn't rule out job losses |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/stanford-confirms-end-of-reading-recovery-programme-in-schools-doesn-t-rule-out-job-losses.html |access-date=3 May 2024 |work=Newshub |date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502210515/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/stanford-confirms-end-of-reading-recovery-programme-in-schools-doesn-t-rule-out-job-losses.html |archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=dead}}

On 2 May, in an interview on RNZ's Morning Report programme, Winston Peters criticised the former Australian senator Bob Carr's views on the security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, leading to the Carr-Peters scandal. RNZ has removed the comments from the interview online after Carr, who was Australia's foreign minister from 2012 to 2013, told RNZ he considered the remarks to be "entirely defamatory" and would commence legal action.{{Cite news|last1=Moir|first1=Jo |last2=McCulloch |first2=Craig |date=2 May 2024|title=Winston Peters accused of 'entirely defamatory' remarks about ex-Australian minister |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515762/winston-peters-accused-of-entirely-defamatory-remarks-about-ex-australian-minister |access-date=2 May 2024 |work=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502165521/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515762/winston-peters-accused-of-entirely-defamatory-remarks-about-ex-australian-minister|archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=2 May 2024 |title=Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 2 May |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018936662/morning-report-essentials-for-thursday-2-may |access-date=2 May 2024|website=RNZ |language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502094549/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018936662/morning-report-essentials-for-thursday-2-may|archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=live}} Lawyers for Bob Carr have confirmed they are looking to commence defamation proceedings against Foreign Minister Winston Peters. In a letter, Carr's lawyers said Peters' statements in an interview on RNZ this morning are "indefensibly defamatory" and have "no basis in fact". In the interview Peters criticised the former Australian senator's views on the AUKUS security partnership. He also made allegations concerning Carr's relationship with China.{{Cite news |date=2 May 2024|title=Bob Carr's lawyers send legal letter to Winston Peters |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/02/bob-carrs-lawyers-send-legal-letter-to-winston-peters/ |access-date=2 May 2024|work=1News |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502173423/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/02/bob-carrs-lawyers-send-legal-letter-to-winston-peters/|archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=2 May 2024 |title='He's embarrassed the country': NZ's foreign minister slammed for on air-comments about Bob Carr |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-02/bob-carr-to-sue-nz-winston-peters-over-aukus-radio-interview/103794588 |access-date=2 May 2024 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502193334/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-02/bob-carr-to-sue-nz-winston-peters-over-aukus-radio-interview/103794588|archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Corlett |first=Eva |date=2 May 2024|title=Bob Carr accuses Winston Peters of defamation after NZ deputy PM calls him a 'Chinese puppet' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/may/02/bob-carr-suing-winston-peters-defamation-nz-deputy-pm-chinese-puppet-remark |access-date=2 May 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502113355/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/may/02/bob-carr-suing-winston-peters-defamation-nz-deputy-pm-chinese-puppet-remark|archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=live}}

On 5 May Luxon, Brown and Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown jointly announced that Auckland would avoid a 25.8 percent rates increase as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well plan.{{cite web |title=Local Water Done Well agreement flows for Auckland |url=https://insidegovernment.co.nz/local-water-done-well-agreement-flows-for-auckland/ |website=Inside Government |publisher=JSL Media |access-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507212313/https://insidegovernment.co.nz/local-water-done-well-agreement-flows-for-auckland/ |archive-date=7 May 2024 |date=5 May 2024 |url-status=live}} On 6 May Luxon and Police and Corrections Minister Mitchell announced that the Government would allocate NZ$1.9 billion from the upcoming 2024 New Zealand budget to training 470 new corrections officers and adding 810 beds to Waikeria Prison.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=PM Christopher Luxon announces $1.9 billion Corrections investment|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-to-front-law-and-order-announcement-amid-police-hunt-after-auckland-shooting/A6I6MCKMEJHZBFLLUBSQCOFMNA/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507114238/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-to-front-law-and-order-announcement-amid-police-hunt-after-auckland-shooting/A6I6MCKMEJHZBFLLUBSQCOFMNA/ |archive-date=7 May 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 8 May, Seymour announced the Government's modified school lunch programme. Under the revised scheme, 10,000 pre-schoolers in low-equity, non-profit early childhood centres would be eligible for free morning tea and lunch five days a week at a cost of NZ$4 million. While the school lunch programme would remained unchanged for primary school students in 2025, the school lunch programme for intermediate and high school students would be bulk-purchased by the Government and delivered to schools. During the press announcement, Seymour also said that the bulk-purchased food would consist of sandwiches and fruit rather than sushi, quinoa, couscous, and hummus.{{cite news |title=Free school lunches: Year 7 students and above to shift to alternative model |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/516276/free-school-lunches-year-7-students-and-above-to-shift-to-alternative-model |access-date=11 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510145321/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/516276/free-school-lunches-year-7-students-and-above-to-shift-to-alternative-model |archive-date=10 May 2024}}

Between 11 and 18 May, Foreign Minister Peters led a delegation of New Zealand MPs including Health Minister Dr Reti, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, the NZ Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee chairperson Tim van de Molen, and Labour's foreign affairs spokesperson David Parker on a tour of Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Tuvalu. Besides strengthening bilateral relations, the tour covered various issues including climate change, development policies and stability.{{cite news |title=Foreign Affairs minister to lead Pacific delegation |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/516280/foreign-affairs-minister-to-lead-pacific-delegation |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510203625/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/516280/foreign-affairs-minister-to-lead-pacific-delegation |archive-date=10 May 2024|url-status=live}} On 12 May, Peters met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, who had succeeded Manasseh Sogavare following the 2024 Solomon Islands general election.{{cite news |title=Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters meets with new Solomon Islands PM |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/516623/foreign-affairs-minister-winston-peters-meets-with-new-solomon-islands-pm |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=12 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512130748/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/516623/foreign-affairs-minister-winston-peters-meets-with-new-solomon-islands-pm|archive-date=12 May 2024|url-status=live}} The New Caledonia visit was cancelled due to the 2024 New Caledonia unrest.{{cite news |title=Winston Peters cancels New Caledonia visit amid violent unrest |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/516750/winston-peters-cancels-new-caledonia-visit-amid-violent-unrest |access-date=17 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514212317/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/516750/winston-peters-cancels-new-caledonia-visit-amid-violent-unrest |archive-date=14 May 2024|url-status=live}} Between 21 and 28 May, the Government sent the Royal New Zealand Air Force to evacuate stranded New Zealanders and other foreign nationals from New Caledonia.{{cite news |title=Plane heading for New Caledonia to bring Kiwis home |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/517385/plane-heading-for-new-caledonia-to-bring-kiwis-home |access-date=21 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521004747/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/517385/plane-heading-for-new-caledonia-to-bring-kiwis-home |archive-date=21 May 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=More New Zealanders stuck in New Caledonia evacuated |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/517969/more-new-zealanders-stuck-in-new-caledonia-evacuated |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527095256/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/517969/more-new-zealanders-stuck-in-new-caledonia-evacuated |archive-date=27 May 2024}}

On 14 May, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster and Police Minister Mitchell confirmed that the Police would establish a national gang unit, with district units nationwide.{{cite news |title=Police to establish national gang unit |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/516761/police-to-establish-national-gang-unit |access-date=16 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514225121/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/516761/police-to-establish-national-gang-unit |archive-date=14 May 2024}} That same day, Seymour announced that the Government would allocate NZ$153 million from the 2024 Budget to convert 35 state schools into charter schools and create 15 new charter schools between 2025 and 2026.{{cite news |title=Watch: Charter schools to get $153m in new funding in Budget 2024 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/516744/watch-charter-schools-to-get-153m-in-new-funding-in-budget-2024 |access-date=16 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514132217/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/516744/watch-charter-schools-to-get-153m-in-new-funding-in-budget-2024 |archive-date=14 May 2024}}

Following a critical review by Sir Bill English into housing provider Kāinga Ora's borrowing and spending practices, Luxon and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced on 20 May a multi-year revamp of the agency including replacing the leadership board, realigning contractual arrangements across Kāinga Ora and community housing providers, simplifying the agency's directive and requiring the new leadership board to develop a plan to improve financial performance and reduce losses.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |last2=Gabel |first2=Julia |last3=Coughlan |first3=Thomas |title=PM Christopher Luxon announces Kāinga Ora changes, new board refresh, KiwiBuild to be scrapped |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-announces-kainga-ora-changes-new-board-refresh-kiwbuild-to-be-scrapped/WJJQFZKUTRAUXMHBICWJBK24W4/ |access-date=22 May 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521055916/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-announces-kainga-ora-changes-new-board-refresh-kiwbuild-to-be-scrapped/WJJQFZKUTRAUXMHBICWJBK24W4/ |archive-date=21 May 2024|url-status=live}} On 21 May, Newshub reported that the Government would scrap Kāinga Ora's NZ$60 million first-home grant programme and redirect the money towards social housing as part of the 2024 Budget.{{cite news |last1=Lynch |first1=Jenna |title=Budget 2024: Newshub reveals Government set to scrap first-home grants |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/budget-2024-newshub-reveals-government-set-to-scrap-first-home-grants.html |access-date=22 May 2024 |work=Newshub |date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521063347/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/budget-2024-newshub-reveals-government-set-to-scrap-first-home-grants.html |archive-date=21 May 2024|url-status=dead}} On 22 May, the Government confirmed that it would invest NZ$24 million into Mike King's I Am Hope's Gumboot Friday programme providing counselling to young people.{{cite news |title=Coalition confirms $24m for Gumboot Friday charity I Am Hope |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/517470/coalition-confirms-24m-for-gumboot-friday-charity-i-am-hope |access-date=22 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522010533/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/517470/coalition-confirms-24m-for-gumboot-friday-charity-i-am-hope |archive-date=22 May 2024|url-status=live}}

On 26 May, Education Minister Stanford announced that the Government would invest NZ$53 million in education including in-school training for new teachers and recruiting, retaining and training 1,500 new teachers over the next four years.{{cite news |title=$53m extra for teacher training, recruitment, Education Minister Erica Stanford announces |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/517866/53m-extra-for-teacher-training-recruitment-education-minister-erica-stanford-announces |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526043515/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/517866/53m-extra-for-teacher-training-recruitment-education-minister-erica-stanford-announces |archive-date=26 May 2024|url-status=live}} On 30 May, Finance Minister Willis released the 2024 New Zealand budget, which delivered NZ$14 billion worth of tax cuts ranging from NZ$4 and NZ$40 a fortnight for all workers earning more than NZ$14,000.{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=Budget 2024 live updates: Tax cuts revealed worth $14 billion to tackle 'prolonged cost-of-living crisis', Kiwis with young families the big winners |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2024-live-updates/3RRNZYBHQFGVZJ7QMM5DZJNLZQ/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530122307/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2024-live-updates/3RRNZYBHQFGVZJ7QMM5DZJNLZQ/ |archive-date=30 May 2024}} While the incumbent National, ACT and New Zealand First parties supported the budget as "fiscally responsible," the opposition Labour, Green parties and Te Pāti Māori criticised the budget's tax cuts for hurting the poor and public service.{{cite news |title=Budget 2024: Political parties react to coalition government's budget announcement |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/518255/budget-2024-political-parties-react-to-coalition-government-s-budget-announcement |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530093900/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/518255/budget-2024-political-parties-react-to-coalition-government-s-budget-announcement |archive-date=30 May 2024}}{{cite news |title=All the reaction to the 2024 Budget |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/30/live-updates-budget-2024-revealed/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=1News |date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530035819/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/30/live-updates-budget-2024-revealed/ |archive-date=30 May 2024}} Te Pāti Māori and Toitū Te Tiriti (Honour the Treaty) movement also staged nationwide protests against the Government's policies towards Māori to coincide with the budget's release.

In early June 2024, Luxon visited Niuean Premier Dalton Tagelagi. On 5 June, Luxon announced an agreement to enhance the free association relationship between the two countries and that New Zealand would invest NZ$20.5 million into a new large-scale renewable energy project on Niue.{{cite news |title=Christopher Luxon, Dalton Tagelagi announce $20m Niue energy project |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/518690/christopher-luxon-dalton-tagelagi-announce-20m-niue-energy-project |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604234630/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/518690/christopher-luxon-dalton-tagelagi-announce-20m-niue-energy-project |archive-date=4 June 2024}} On 7 June, Foreign Minister Peters announced that New Zealand would resume its annual NZ$1 million funding to UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency) that month.{{cite news |title=NZ to make UNRWA payment 'on schedule and in coming days' – Peters |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/07/nz-to-make-unrwa-payment-on-schedule-and-in-coming-days-peters/ |access-date=7 June 2024 |work=1News |date=7 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607232227/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/07/nz-to-make-unrwa-payment-on-schedule-and-in-coming-days-peters/ |archive-date=7 June 2024 |url-status=live}} That same day, the Government discontinued funding for the Mongrel Mob's controversial drug rehabilitation programme Kahukura, which had been supported by the previous Labour Government.{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=Kahukura: Funding stops for Mongrel Mob-led drug rehabilitation programme |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/kahukura-funding-cut-for-mongrel-mob-led-drug-rehabilitation-programme/3PSWJQJGTJFFTLOU32CK6YHXAE/ |access-date=17 June 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=7 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613022803/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/kahukura-funding-cut-for-mongrel-mob-led-drug-rehabilitation-programme/3PSWJQJGTJFFTLOU32CK6YHXAE/ |archive-date=13 June 2024|url-status=live}} On 9 June, Minister for Resources Shane Jones announced that the Government would introduce legislation to reverse the previous Labour Government's ban on oil and gas exploration in the second half of 2024.{{cite news |title=Bill to resume oil and gas exploration set for later this year |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519058/bill-to-resume-oil-and-gas-exploration-set-for-later-this-year |access-date=9 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=9 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608233615/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519058/bill-to-resume-oil-and-gas-exploration-set-for-later-this-year |archive-date=8 June 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 11 June, Housing Minister Chris Bishop confirmed that the Government would introduce legislation to amend the Overseas Amendment Act 2005 to better support the Government's "Build to Rent" housing development programme.{{cite news |title=NZ's largest Build to Rent development opens its doors |url=https://insidegovernment.co.nz/nzs-largest-build-to-rent-development-opens-its-doors/ |access-date=17 June 2024 |work=Inside Government |publisher=JSL Media |date=11 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617043047/https://insidegovernment.co.nz/nzs-largest-build-to-rent-development-opens-its-doors/ |archive-date=17 June 2024}} That same day, Agricultural Minister Todd McClay confirmed that the Government would exclude agriculture from the NZ emissions trading scheme (ETS).{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=Coalition exempts farmers from ETS, sets up fresh working group |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519248/coalition-exempts-farmers-from-ets-sets-up-fresh-working-group |access-date=19 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=11 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616223803/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519248/coalition-exempts-farmers-from-ets-sets-up-fresh-working-group |archive-date=16 June 2024|url-status=live}} On 14 June, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee confirmed that the Government would introduce new firearms legislation by 2026 to replace the Arms Act 1983.{{cite news |title=New gun laws in place by 2026 – Nicole McKee |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519541/new-gun-laws-in-place-by-2026-nicole-mckee |access-date=19 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=14 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615020927/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519541/new-gun-laws-in-place-by-2026-nicole-mckee |archive-date=15 June 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, the Government cancelled the annual service charges for forestry under the ETS, which amounts to NZ$30.25 per hectare.{{cite news |title=Government cancels annual ETS charge for forestry |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519547/government-cancels-annual-ets-charge-for-forestry |access-date=19 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=14 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614044951/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519547/government-cancels-annual-ets-charge-for-forestry |archive-date=14 June 2024}}

On 17 June, Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced that the Government would begin consultation on policy changes that would allow "granny flats" (or dwellings of 60 meters or less) to be built without undergoing the resource consent process.{{cite news |title=Granny flats will be easier to build following promised plan changes; Chris Bishop ponders whether house price falls would be a bad thing |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/granny-flats-will-be-easier-to-build-following-promised-plan-changes-chris-bishop-ponders-whether-house-price-falls-would-be-a-bad-thing/UAVPYFVCPZDKDBLPGPG7HWTWWE/ |access-date=23 June 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=18 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621093734/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/granny-flats-will-be-easier-to-build-following-promised-plan-changes-chris-bishop-ponders-whether-house-price-falls-would-be-a-bad-thing/UAVPYFVCPZDKDBLPGPG7HWTWWE/ |archive-date=21 June 2024|url-status=live}} On 20 June, Luxon signed a bilateral intelligence sharing agreement with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a state visit to Japan.{{cite news |last1=Wade |first1=Amelia |title=Christopher Luxon finalises deal with Japan to share top secret information |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/06/christopher-luxon-finalises-deal-with-japan-to-share-top-secret-information.html |access-date=21 June 2024 |work=Newshub |date=20 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617194111/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/519777/air-new-zealand-boss-to-apologise-to-delayed-passengers-on-japan-flight |archive-date=17 June 2024}} The visit was complicated by a breakdown on the RNZAF's Boeing 757 jet carrying Luxon and a business delegation during a refuelling stop in Papua New Guinea.{{cite news |title=PM catches commercial flight to Japan after Defence Force plane breaks down |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519690/pm-catches-commercial-flight-to-japan-after-defence-force-plane-breaks-down |access-date=21 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=17 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617053340/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/519690/pm-catches-commercial-flight-to-japan-after-defence-force-plane-breaks-down |archive-date=17 June 2024}}

On 23 June Luxon, Mitchell and Chhour announced that the Government would be introducing legislation to create a new Youth Serious Offender sentencing category, that would allow 14–17 year olds to be sent to military-style boot camps. A pilot military-style training programme is expected to launch in late July 2024. Mitchell and Police Commissioner Andrew Coster also announced that new community police teams would be established in major cities nationwide.{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=Labour, Greens respond to new youth offender sentencing category, boot camps |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/cruel-labour-greens-respond-to-new-youth-offender-sentencing-category-boot-camps/72YBEMID3BB2TNT66U34AJNEQY/ |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=23 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623082139/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/cruel-labour-greens-respond-to-new-youth-offender-sentencing-category-boot-camps/72YBEMID3BB2TNT66U34AJNEQY/ |archive-date=23 June 2024|url-status=live}}

On 24 June, Health Minister Reti announced that the Government would be investing NZ$604 million over the next four years in boosting Pharmac funding for 54 new medicines including 26 cancer treatments. He reiterated that the Government would be able to fulfill its election promise of funding 13 cancer drugs.{{cite news |title=Cancer drugs promise: Government confirms $600m extra for Pharmac |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/520419/cancer-drugs-promise-government-confirms-600m-extra-for-pharmac |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624094911/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/520419/cancer-drugs-promise-government-confirms-600m-extra-for-pharmac |archive-date=24 June 2024}} That same day, Luxon and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston confirmed that job seeker beneficiaries would be required to attend a job search seminar after six months, with the exception of those receiving disability and health condition payments.{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=New requirement for job seeker beneficiaries kicks in |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/frivolous-new-requirement-for-job-seeker-beneficiaries-kicks-in/PBYYHKL7BNB5DEBY2RAQL4XRA4/ |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624095404/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/frivolous-new-requirement-for-job-seeker-beneficiaries-kicks-in/PBYYHKL7BNB5DEBY2RAQL4XRA4/ |archive-date=24 June 2024}}

On 25 June, the Government introduced legislation to reinstate the three-strikes legislation that was repealed by the previous Labour government.{{cite web |last1=McKee |first1=Nicole |title=Government introduces Three Strikes BIll |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-introduces-three-strikes-bill |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627013917/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-introduces-three-strikes-bill |archive-date=27 June 2024 |date=25 June 2024 |url-status=live}} That same day, Internal Affairs Minister Van Velden announced the terms of reference for the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned, which is expected to run between November 2024 and February 2025.{{cite news |title=NZ First disagrees with Cabinet over current Covid-19 inquiry continuing |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/520512/nz-first-disagrees-with-cabinet-over-current-covid-19-inquiry-continuing |access-date=26 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625030005/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/520512/nz-first-disagrees-with-cabinet-over-current-covid-19-inquiry-continuing |archive-date=25 June 2024}}

On 26 June, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the Government would encourage judges to hand down "cumulative" sentences for offences committed on parole, bail or in custody. Earlier, the Government had announced it would require "cumulative" sentences for such offenses but backtracked due to concerns about increasing the prison population.{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=Government moves to harsher punishments for offences committed on bail, parole, or in custody |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-announces-suite-of-sentencing-reforms-for-less-leniency-from-judges/GT6JQOXVTVG6JGB7VO3XJPCVWE/ |access-date=30 June 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628162330/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-announces-suite-of-sentencing-reforms-for-less-leniency-from-judges/GT6JQOXVTVG6JGB7VO3XJPCVWE/ |archive-date=28 June 2024|url-status=live}} On 27 June, Immigration Minister Stanford announced that low-skilled Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders would no longer be able to sponsor work, visitor or student visa applications for partners and dependent children. Changes to the AEWV scheme were prompted by the Government's desire to strike a balance between recruiting highly-skilled migrants and reducing pressure on infrastructure, health and education services.{{cite news |title=Migrant group horrified by 'ruthless' changes to visa scheme |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/520728/migrant-group-horrified-by-ruthless-changes-to-visa-scheme |access-date=30 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=27 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627102043/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/520728/migrant-group-horrified-by-ruthless-changes-to-visa-scheme |archive-date=27 June 2024|url-status=live}}

On 1 July, Luxon released the Government's 40 point "Q3 Action Plan," which included passing legislation requiring local councils to develop plans for "sustainable" water services, banning gang insignia, empowering police to confiscate firearms from criminals and launching a pilot boot camp programme for youth offenders.{{cite news |last1=Gunson |first1=Isaac |title=Luxon unveils coalitions' third 100(ish)-day plan, focussing on Police and gangs |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/07/01/luxon-unveils-coalitions-third-100ish-day-plan-focussing-on-police-and-gangs/ |access-date=11 October 2024 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Whakataa Māori |date=1 July 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Sowman-Lund |first1=Stewart |title=What's new in the new quarterly action plan? |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/02-07-2024/whats-new-in-the-new-quarterly-action-plan |access-date=11 October 2024 |work=The Spinoff |date=2 July 2024}} On 2 July, the Government announced that it would progress the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, which had been introduced by the previous Labour Government. The Bill was supported by all parliamentary parties except the ACT party, which invoked the "agree to disagree" provision within its coalition agreement with National.{{cite news |title=Coalition to press ahead with Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521044/coalition-to-press-ahead-with-fair-digital-news-bargaining-bill |access-date=4 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=2 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702232027/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521044/coalition-to-press-ahead-with-fair-digital-news-bargaining-bill |archive-date=2 July 2024|url-status=live}} On 3 July, Luxon and Stanford confirmed that the Government would be introducing standardised testing for primary school students from 2026.{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=Education: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Erica Stanford announce standardised testing for primary schools |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-erica-stanford-set-to-make-education-announcement/EB6UG3HY25GIDGLXP7W2ADER5I/ |access-date=4 July 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703011158/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-erica-stanford-set-to-make-education-announcement/EB6UG3HY25GIDGLXP7W2ADER5I/ |archive-date=3 July 2024|url-status=live}} On 4 July, Luxon and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey released new mental health targets including ensuring that 80% of patients were seen within three weeks.{{cite news |title=New targets set to mental health sector as $10m fund opens |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/07/04/new-targets-set-to-mental-health-sector-as-10m-fund-opens/ |access-date=7 July 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=4 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705173614/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/07/04/new-targets-set-to-mental-health-sector-as-10m-fund-opens/ |archive-date=5 July 2024|url-status=live}} On 6 July, the Government contributed $3 million to flood recovery efforts in Wairoa following the 2024 East Coast floods.{{cite news |title=Government pumps a further $3m into Wairoa flood recovery |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521446/government-pumps-a-further-3m-into-wairoa-flood-recovery |access-date=7 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706062752/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521446/government-pumps-a-further-3m-into-wairoa-flood-recovery |archive-date=6 July 2024|url-status=live}}

On 9 July, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced plans to make remote virtual inspections the default for building consents across New Zealand in an effort to boost the building process.{{cite news |title=Building consent inspections to be virtual by default, government says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521664/building-consent-inspections-to-be-virtual-by-default-government-says |access-date=11 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709121047/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521664/building-consent-inspections-to-be-virtual-by-default-government-says |archive-date=9 July 2024|url-status=live}} During the second week of July, Luxon attended the 2024 Washington summit where he represented New Zealand as an Indo-Pacific ally of the United States. Besides meeting both Democratic and Republican legislators, Luxon also met with United States President Joe Biden at a White House dinner.{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |title=Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrives in Washington, spends time at Capitol Hill |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/521722/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-arrives-in-washington-spends-time-at-capitol-hill |access-date=12 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709193532/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/521722/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-arrives-in-washington-spends-time-at-capitol-hill |archive-date=9 July 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=O'Brien |first1=Tova |title=Watch: Christopher Luxon met Joe Biden at White House dinner |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350340047/watch-christopher-luxon-meets-joe-biden-white-house-dinner |access-date=11 July 2024 |work=Stuff |date=11 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711063043/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350340047/watch-christopher-luxon-meets-joe-biden-white-house-dinner|archive-date=11 July 2024|url-status=live}} In addition, Luxon allocated NZ$16 million worth of aid to Ukraine prior to a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 12 July.{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |title=New Zealand commits further $16m to support Ukraine |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/521727/new-zealand-commits-further-16m-to-support-ukraine |access-date=12 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711042047/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/521727/new-zealand-commits-further-16m-to-support-ukraine |archive-date=11 July 2024|url-status=live}}

On 10 July, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts released the Government's climate change strategy on 10 July 2024 and announced that the Government would seek consultation for its 2024–2030 emissions reduction plan.{{cite news |title=Watch: Climate Change Minister Simon Watts gives strategy announcement |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521741/watch-climate-change-minister-simon-watts-gives-strategy-announcement |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713182745/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521741/watch-climate-change-minister-simon-watts-gives-strategy-announcement |archive-date=13 July 2024|url-status=live}} On 11 July, Goldsmith and McKee announced the formation of a new retail crime advisory group to combat retail crime.{{cite news |title=Government sets up two-year advisory group on retail crime |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521869/government-sets-up-two-year-advisory-group-on-retail-crime |access-date=14 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712062326/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521869/government-sets-up-two-year-advisory-group-on-retail-crime |archive-date=12 July 2024}} On 12 July, the Government extended the NZ Defence Force's deployment to US-led efforts to combat Houthi forces in the Red Sea from 31 July 2024 to 31 January 2025.{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=Government has extended controversial deployment after saying troops would be home at the end of July |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-has-extended-controversial-deployment-after-saying-troops-would-be-home-at-the-end-of-july/BLQEVE5NPZAOZHNCMK4JBM6H6A/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713005152/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-has-extended-controversial-deployment-after-saying-troops-would-be-home-at-the-end-of-july/BLQEVE5NPZAOZHNCMK4JBM6H6A/ |archive-date=13 July 2024}}

As part of the Government's cost-cutting measures, the Ministry of Education halted 100 school building projects in late July 2024 in order to save NZ$2 billion. Several school leaders including Beach Haven School principal Stephanie Thompson, Burnside High School principal Scott Haines and Ashburton College principal Simon Coleman expressed concerns that these cutbacks would affect plans to upgrade dilapidated facilities and expand classroom space to accommodate more students.{{cite news |last1=Gerritsen |first1=John |title=Ministry of Education puts 100 school building projects on ice |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/523204/ministry-of-education-puts-100-school-building-projects-on-ice |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=26 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727031831/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/523204/ministry-of-education-puts-100-school-building-projects-on-ice |archive-date=27 July 2024}}

On 30 July, the Government set aside NZ$216 million in order to pay for tax cuts it might need to fund tax cuts for heated tobacco products.{{cite news |last1=Espiner |first1=Guyon |title=Govt set aside $216m to pay for heated tobacco product tax cuts |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/523526/govt-set-aside-216m-to-pay-for-heated-tobacco-product-tax-cuts |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730094543/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/523526/govt-set-aside-216m-to-pay-for-heated-tobacco-product-tax-cuts |archive-date=30 July 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, Parliament passed legislation reinstating the requirement for local referenda on the establishment or "ongoing use" of Māori wards and constituencies. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties.{{cite news |title=Māori wards bill passes third reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/523622/maori-wards-bill-passes-third-reading |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730095311/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/523622/maori-wards-bill-passes-third-reading |archive-date=30 July 2024|url-status=live}} Councils that have already established a Māori ward without a referendum are now required to hold a binding poll alongside the 2025 local elections or to disestablish them.

On 2 August, Attorney-General Judith Collins confirmed that the Government would not progress eight of the 44 recommendations of the "Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Mosques" including creating a new national intelligence and security agency, establishing an advisory group on counter-terrorism, instituting mandatory reporting of firearms injuries and amending the Crimes Act 1961 to criminalise inciting religious or racial disharmony.{{cite news |title=Government won't progress remaining 8 recommendations of Christchurch terror attack commission |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/523941/government-won-t-progress-remaining-8-recommendations-of-christchurch-terror-attack-commission |access-date=4 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803150230/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/523941/government-won-t-progress-remaining-8-recommendations-of-christchurch-terror-attack-commission |archive-date=3 August 2024|url-status=live}}

On 4 August, Stanford and Luxon announced a "Maths Action Plan" including a new mathematics curriculum from 2025, twice-annual maths assessments, funding for teaching professional development, and raising maths entry requirements for new teachers.{{cite web |last1=Luxon |first1=Chris |last2=Stanford |first2=Erica |title=Government transforms maths education |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-transforms-maths-education |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=7 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804212838/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-transforms-maths-education |archive-date=4 August 2024 |date=4 August 2024 |url-status=live}} In response, the New Zealand Educational Institute expressed concerns that rapid changes to the maths and literacy curriculum and the short teaching training timeframe would strain the workforce without delivering on its goals.{{cite news |last1=Nightingale |first1=Melissa |title=Government's maths teaching changes not in line with expert recommendations, union says |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/governments-maths-teaching-changes-not-in-line-with-expert-recommendations-union-says/LMR2JHOEPJGJHFWQXDPR6FIZUI/ |access-date=7 August 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=4 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806130240/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/governments-maths-teaching-changes-not-in-line-with-expert-recommendations-union-says/LMR2JHOEPJGJHFWQXDPR6FIZUI/ |archive-date=6 August 2024|url-status=live}}

On 8 August, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced that council-controlled organisations would be able to borrow money for water infrastructure through the Local Government Funding Agency.{{cite news |title=New details of Three Waters replacement revealed |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/08/08/new-details-of-three-waters-replacement-revealed/ |access-date=11 August 2024 |work=1News |date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811031257/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/08/08/new-details-of-three-waters-replacement-revealed/ |archive-date=11 August 2024|url-status=live}} On 9 August, Immigration New Zealand announced that they would be raising a range of visa fees from 1 October in line with the National Government's policy of shifting the visa processing system towards a "user-pay system" in order to reduce taxes.{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Liu |title=Visa fee hikes will discourage migration to New Zealand – immigration advisors |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/524669/visa-fee-hikes-will-discourage-migration-to-new-zealand-immigration-advisors |access-date=11 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=9 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811032038/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/524669/visa-fee-hikes-will-discourage-migration-to-new-zealand-immigration-advisors |archive-date=11 August 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, the Ministry of Social Development announced that it would tighten emergency housing eligibility criteria and obligations from 26 August as part of Government policy to reduce the usage of motels as emergency housing.{{cite news |last1=Pennington |first1=Phil |title=Ministry of Social Development to introduce new rules for cutting emergency housing numbers |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524658/ministry-of-social-development-to-introduce-new-rules-for-cutting-emergency-housing-numbers |access-date=11 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=9 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811095809/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524658/ministry-of-social-development-to-introduce-new-rules-for-cutting-emergency-housing-numbers |archive-date=11 August 2024}}

On 12 August, Social Development Minister Louise Upston announced the introduction of the traffic light system for the Jobseeker Support benefit, effective immediately, with legislation to expand the system to be introduced in November and expected to come into force in early 2025. She promised that the rule of preventing sanctions from cutting benefit pay by more than 50 per cent of job seekers who had children would remain in place.{{cite news |title=Watch: Government further increases sanctions for beneficiaries |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524919/watch-government-further-increases-sanctions-for-beneficiaries |access-date=13 August 2024 |date=12 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814211327/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524919/watch-government-further-increases-sanctions-for-beneficiaries|archive-date=14 August 2024|url-status=live}} On 13 August, Crown–Māori Relations Minister Tama Potaka announced that Te Arawhiti's (the Office for Māori Crown Relations) monitoring and Treaty of Waitangi settlements compliance functions would be shifted to Te Puni Kōkiri (the Ministry for Māori Development).{{cite news |title=Government 'clarifying' functions of Te Arawhiti and Te Puni Kōkiri |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/525032/government-clarifying-functions-of-te-arawhiti-and-te-puni-kokiri |access-date=15 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=13 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814104147/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/525032/government-clarifying-functions-of-te-arawhiti-and-te-puni-kokiri |archive-date=14 August 2024}} That same day, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins announced plans to introduce legislation to end the ban on genetic modification and genetic engineering outside laboratories.{{cite news |title=Ban on genetic modification and genetic engineering outside lab to end, government announces |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524990/ban-on-genetic-modification-and-genetic-engineering-outside-lab-to-end-government-announces |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=13 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816020747/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524990/ban-on-genetic-modification-and-genetic-engineering-outside-lab-to-end-government-announces |archive-date=16 August 2024}} On 15 August, Upston announced that Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People would be restructured as a policy and advisory department and that its support service delivery functions would be assumed by the Ministry of Social Development.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Watch: Disability services to shift from Whaikaha to MSD after budget |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/525212/watch-disability-services-to-shift-from-whaikaha-to-msd-after-budget |access-date=16 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=15 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815101959/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/525212/watch-disability-services-to-shift-from-whaikaha-to-msd-after-budget |archive-date=15 August 2024|url-status=live}}

On 28 August, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced that a new National Infrastructure Agency would commence operations from 1 December as part of a restructuring of the government's various infrastructure agencies.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Infrastructure Agency and Plan: Government announces settings, start date |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526379/infrastructure-agency-and-plan-government-announces-settings-start-date |access-date=1 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828180059/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526379/infrastructure-agency-and-plan-government-announces-settings-start-date |archive-date=28 August 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, the Government passed legislation requiring local councils to develop plans for delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services. Under the new legislation, water services regulator Taumata Arowai would no longer have to consider Te Mana o te Wai and National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management when setting their wastewater standards.{{cite news |last1=Dexter |first1=Giles |title=Bill for local council water service delivery passes third reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526349/bill-for-local-council-water-service-delivery-passes-third-reading |access-date=1 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227191153/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526349/bill-for-local-council-water-service-delivery-passes-third-reading|archive-date=27 December 2024|url-status=live}} On 29 August, Disabilities Minister Louis Upston announced that the Government would raise fines for illegally parking in disabled car parks from NZ$150 to NZ$750 effective 1 October 2024.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Disability parking fines: Government to 'get tough' on rule-breakers, hikes fine by 400% |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/disability-parking-fines-government-to-get-tough-on-rule-breakers-hikes-fine-by-400/YCMMPJIS4ZBXNNLRGTDKBWGF7Q/ |access-date=1 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830170055/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/disability-parking-fines-government-to-get-tough-on-rule-breakers-hikes-fine-by-400/YCMMPJIS4ZBXNNLRGTDKBWGF7Q/ |archive-date=30 August 2024|url-status=live}}

On 2 September, Transport Minister Simeon Brown unveiled the Government's National Land Transport Programme, which would invest NZ$32.9 billion in building 17 "Roads of National Significance" over the next three years.{{cite news |title=Government to spend nearly $33 billion on transport over the next 3 years |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526837/government-to-spend-nearly-33-billion-on-transport-over-the-next-3-years |access-date=5 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903203650/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526837/government-to-spend-nearly-33-billion-on-transport-over-the-next-3-years |archive-date=3 September 2024|url-status=live}} On 3 September, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey announced that the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) on most international tourists would be raised from NZ$35 to NZ$100 from 1 October 2024.{{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |title=Tourists will have to pay $100 to enter NZ |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/526894/tourists-will-have-to-pay-100-to-enter-nz |access-date=5 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=3 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903153326/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/526894/tourists-will-have-to-pay-100-to-enter-nz |archive-date=3 September 2024|url-status=live}}

On 11 September, Parliament passed a private member's bill amending the Fair Trading Act 1986 to ensure that gift cards have a minimum expiry date of three years from their initial purchase. The bill was supported by all parties except ACT.{{cite news |last1=Dexter |first1=Giles |title=Parliament votes to extend gift card expiry dates |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/527716/parliament-votes-to-extend-gift-card-expiry-dates |access-date=11 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=11 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911130147/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/527716/parliament-votes-to-extend-gift-card-expiry-dates |archive-date=11 September 2024|url-status=live}} On 13 September, the Cabinet Office issued a new directive that public services should be delivered based on "need" rather than "race," fulfilling a coalition agreement secured by ACT and NZ First. The Government also scrapped a Labour Government policy that government agencies should ensure that at least 8% of annual procurement contracts be awarded to Māori businesses.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Government directs public service to deliver on need, not race |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-tells-public-services-to-deliver-based-on-need-not-race/3WX4KBSKPFE2RLEY32K2XMUYSI/ |access-date=14 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=13 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913005116/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-tells-public-services-to-deliver-based-on-need-not-race/3WX4KBSKPFE2RLEY32K2XMUYSI/ |archive-date=13 September 2024|url-status=live}} Earlier in the week, Health Minister Reti had instructed Hawke's Bay health services to stop prioritising young Māori and Pasifika youths for free doctor and nurse visits

on the basis of ethnicity.{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Hannah |title=Māori and Pacific young people dropped from list eligible for free GP visits in Hawke's Bay |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350409830/maori-and-pacific-young-people-dropped-list-eligible-free-gp-visits-hawkes-bay |access-date=14 September 2024 |work=Stuff |date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913035347/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350409830/maori-and-pacific-young-people-dropped-list-eligible-free-gp-visits-hawkes-bay |archive-date=13 September 2024|url-status=live}}

On 19 September, the Government passed two new laws banning Gang patches and making gang membership an aggavating sentencing factor. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties.{{cite news |title=Coalition's gang legislation passes into law banning patches in public places |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528460/coalition-s-gang-legislation-passes-into-law-banning-patches-in-public-places |access-date=19 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919070248/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528460/coalition-s-gang-legislation-passes-into-law-banning-patches-in-public-places |archive-date=19 September 2024}} That same day, Transport Minister Brown announced that the Government would roll out new data collection vans to assess the condition of New Zealand roads and prevent potholes.{{cite news |title=Inspection vans to assess road conditions in bid to prevent potholes |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/19/inspection-vans-to-assess-road-conditions-in-bid-to-prevent-potholes/ |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919094452/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/19/inspection-vans-to-assess-road-conditions-in-bid-to-prevent-potholes/ |archive-date=19 September 2024|url-status=live}} On 20 September, RMA Reform Minister Bishop announced that the Government would introduce two new laws to replace the Resource Management Act 1991. One law would focus on managing the environmental effects of development activities while the second would enable urban development and infrastructure.{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Robin|title=Resource Management Act to be replaced by two new laws|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/528567/resource-management-act-to-be-replaced-by-two-new-laws |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=20 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920164310/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/528567/resource-management-act-to-be-replaced-by-two-new-laws |archive-date=20 September 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, Luxon said that the coalition government planned to propose a referendum to extend the parliamentary term from three to four years at the 2026 general election.{{cite news |last1=Walton |first1=Felix |title=Referendum on four-year political terms may come by next election – Luxon |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528560/referendum-on-four-year-political-terms-may-come-by-next-election-luxon |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=20 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920164310/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/528567/resource-management-act-to-be-replaced-by-two-new-laws |archive-date=20 September 2024|url-status=live}}

On 25 September, the Government passed legislation reviving charter schools.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=Charter schools revived as bill passes third reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528977/charter-schools-revived-as-bill-passes-final-reading |access-date=25 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=25 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925031951/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528977/charter-schools-revived-as-bill-passes-final-reading |archive-date=25 September 2024|url-status=live}} On 26 September, Associate Education Minister Seymour announce the Government would prosecute parents for persistent truancy and remove teacher-only days during school term time.{{cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Anna |title=Govt reveals new plan for getting kids to school – here's how it will work |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/26/govt-reveals-new-plan-for-getting-kids-to-school-heres-how-it-will-work/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=1News |date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925230101/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/26/govt-reveals-new-plan-for-getting-kids-to-school-heres-how-it-will-work/ |archive-date=25 September 2024}} In addition, Education Minister Stanford reallocated NZ$30 million from the "Te Ahu o te Reo Māori" teacher training programme to revamping the mathematics curriculum.{{cite news |last1=Maher |first1=Rachel |title=Education Minister Erica Stanford reveals $30m cut to te reo Māori funding to boost maths curriculum |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/education/education-minister-erica-stanford-reveals-30m-cut-to-te-reo-maori-funding-to-boost-maths-curriculum/65A27XEF6BBPXDS3GQR7HVKNWI/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926163210/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/education/education-minister-erica-stanford-reveals-30m-cut-to-te-reo-maori-funding-to-boost-maths-curriculum/65A27XEF6BBPXDS3GQR7HVKNWI/ |archive-date=26 September 2024|url-status=live}} Health Minister Reti and Infrastructure Minister Bishop also confirmed that the Government would be scaling back Dunedin Hospital rebuild significantly, citing its projected NZ$3 billion cost and renovation projects at other regional hospitals.{{cite news |title=Government signals downgrade of new Dunedin Hospital |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529094/government-signals-downgrade-of-new-dunedin-hospital |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926063731/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529094/government-signals-downgrade-of-new-dunedin-hospital |archive-date=26 September 2024|url-status=live}} That same day Science, Innovation and Techonology Minister Judith Collins announced plans to give the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) oversight over fellow weather forecaster and MetService to improve the national weather forecasting system.{{cite news |title=NIWA to take over MetService in forecaster merger |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/529112/niwa-to-take-over-metservice-in-forecaster-merger |access-date=22 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009214030/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/529112/niwa-to-take-over-metservice-in-forecaster-merger |archive-date=9 October 2024}}

On 26 September, Trade Minister Todd McClay announced that New Zealand had signed a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates that would remove duties on 99% of New Zealand exports over the next three years.{{cite news |title=New Zealand, United Arab Emirates reach trade pact |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/new-zealand-united-arab-emirates-reach-trade-pact-2024-09-25/ |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=Reuters |date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927020401/https://www.reuters.com/world/new-zealand-united-arab-emirates-reach-trade-pact-2024-09-25/ |archive-date=27 September 2024}} On 30 September, the Government released its fourth-quarter action plan with 43 targets including passing the Fast-track Approvals Bill and the first RMA reform bill, establishing the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing agency, expanding free breast cancer screening and introducing legislation to combat foreign interference.{{cite news |title=Watch: PM Christopher Luxon targets infrastructure in latest quarterly plan for government |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/529456/watch-pm-christopher-luxon-targets-infrastructure-in-latest-quarterly-plan-for-government |access-date=11 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=30 September 2024}} On 4 October, Education Minister Stanford and Infrastructure Minister Bishop announced that the Government would consider establishing a new government agency separate from the Education Ministry to manage school property and assets.{{cite web |last1=Bishop |first1=Chris |last2=Stanford |first2=Erica |title=Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/response-ministerial-inquiry-school-property |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=11 October 2024 |date=4 October 2024}}

On 5 October, Transport Minister Brown announced a NZ$226 million roads and highways resilience package to reduce the impact of severe weather events.{{cite news |title=$226m roads resilience package approved |url=https://insidegovernment.co.nz/226m-roads-resilience-package-approved/ |access-date=30 October 2024 |work=Inside Government |date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005050117/https://insidegovernment.co.nz/226m-roads-resilience-package-approved/ |archive-date=5 October 2024}} On 14 October Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced 19 new marine protection areas in the Hauraki Gulf.{{cite news |title=New marine protection areas in Hauraki Gulf announced |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018959661/new-marine-protection-areas-in-hauraki-gulf-announced |access-date=25 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=14 October 2024}}

On 21 October, Associate Health Minister Costello announced a NZ$21 million funding boost for ambulance provider Hato Hone St John.{{cite news |title=Hato Hone St John to receive $21 million funding boost |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/casey-costello-associate-health-minister-on-the-government-confirming-a-funding-boost-for-hato-hone-st-john/ |access-date=28 October 2024 |work=Newstalk ZB |date=23 October 2024}} On 22 October, Associate Education Minister Seymour released the Government's revised school meal programme, which he claimed would save $130 million.{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=David Seymour's new $3 school lunches revealed: Chicken katsu, butter chicken, lasagne on the menu |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/david-seymours-new-3-school-lunches-revealed-chicken-katsu-butter-chicken-lasagne-on-the-menu/52R54PFDOJEENM47JCQAOGBXYM/ |access-date=22 October 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=22 October 2024}} That same day, the Government appointed a Crown observer to oversee the Wellington City Council in response to the Council's budgetary problems.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Sam |title=Government to appoint Crown observer to Wellington City Council |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360460123/government-appoint-crown-observer-wellington-city-council |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=Stuff |date=22 October 2024}} On 23 October, the Government passed new resource management legislation to ease the "regulatory burden" on the country's farming, mining and other primary industries.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Louis |title=The House: Government passes Resource Management Act changes to freshwater |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thehouse/531811/the-house-government-passes-resource-management-act-changes-to-freshwater |access-date=25 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=24 October 2024}} On 31 October, Trade Minister McClay confirmed that New Zealand had reached a free trade agreement with the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). As part of the agreement, tariffs would be lifted on 51% of New Zealand exports to GCC member states while 99% of New Zealand exports to the GCC would become duty-free over a period of 10 years.{{cite news |title=New Zealand reaches trade deal with Gulf states |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/new-zealand-reaches-trade-deal-with-gulf-states-2024-10-31/ |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=Reuters |date=1 November 2024}}

On 10 November, the Government allocated NZ$20 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to building upgrades and repairs at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Rātana Pā.{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title=Government gives $10 million each to Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Rātana Pā|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360481745/government-gives-10-million-each-waitangi-treaty-grounds-and-ratana-pa |access-date=10 November 2024 |work=Stuff |date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110033237/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360481745/government-gives-10-million-each-waitangi-treaty-grounds-and-ratana-pa |archive-date=10 November 2024}} On 12 November, Luxon delivered the Government's apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care at Parliament.{{cite news |title=The full text of Christopher Luxon's Crown apology to abuse survivors |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/533547/the-full-text-of-christopher-luxon-s-crown-apology-to-abuse-survivors |access-date=12 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112031730/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/533547/the-full-text-of-christopher-luxon-s-crown-apology-to-abuse-survivors |archive-date=12 November 2024|url-status=live}} On the same day, the Government introduced legislation dealing with abuse in care including banning strip searches on children and strengthening security checks for people working with children.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Live updates: Christopher Luxon makes official apology for abuse in state care |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/abuse-in-state-care-government-cops-flak-as-redress-scheme-absent-ahead-of-apology/QTCLKHZYOBFANIPH4R7T6DSO3I/ |access-date=12 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=12 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112033545/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/abuse-in-state-care-government-cops-flak-as-redress-scheme-absent-ahead-of-apology/QTCLKHZYOBFANIPH4R7T6DSO3I/|archive-date=12 November 2024|url-status=live}}

On 14 November, the ACT party's contentious Treaty Principles Bill passed its first reading with the support of National and NZ First. The bill has triggered much controversy and opposition.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Treaty Principles Bill live updates: Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke suspended as haka derails bill's first reading vote |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treaty-principles-bill-government-to-face-grilling-ahead-of-vote/LHPY7ZGX3FDUNKUCIS6XJHC32I/ |access-date=15 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115031326/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treaty-principles-bill-government-to-face-grilling-ahead-of-vote/LHPY7ZGX3FDUNKUCIS6XJHC32I/ |archive-date=15 November 2024}} Public submissions on the bill opened on 19 November, and are expected to close on 7 January 2025.{{cite news |last1=Walters |first1=Laura |title=Committee draws short straw to work on Treaty Principles Bill |url=https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/11/18/committee-draws-short-straw-to-work-on-treaty-principles-bill/ |access-date=9 December 2024 |work=Newsroom |date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118013405/https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/11/18/committee-draws-short-straw-to-work-on-treaty-principles-bill/ |archive-date=18 November 2024}}

On 4 December 2024, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins announced that the Government would end Marsden grants for humanities and social science research in order to focus on "core sciences" like physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering and biomedical sciences that would boost economic growth growth, scientific and technological development.{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Pretoria |title=Government's Marsden Fund cuts: All humanities, social sciences research funding slashed |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/535669/government-s-marsden-fund-cuts-all-humanities-social-sciences-research-funding-slashed |access-date=9 December 2024 |work=RNZ |date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204180907/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/535669/government-s-marsden-fund-cuts-all-humanities-social-sciences-research-funding-slashed |archive-date=4 December 2024}}

On 12 December 2024, the Government passed legislation introducing its pet bonds for tenants and reinstating 90-day no-cause evictions.{{cite news |title=Pet bonds, no-cause evictions legislation passes |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/12/pet-bonds-no-cause-evictions-legislation-passes/ |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=1 News |date=12 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216040739/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/12/pet-bonds-no-cause-evictions-legislation-passes/|archive-date=16 December 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Pet bonds, no-cause evictions legislation passes |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536492/pet-bonds-no-cause-evictions-legislation-passes |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=RNZ |date=12 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213024526/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536492/pet-bonds-no-cause-evictions-legislation-passes|archive-date=13 December 2024|url-status=live}} On 13 December, the Government passed legislation reinstating three-strikes laws. While the governing National, ACT and NZ First parties supported the Bill, it was opposed by the opposition Labour, Green and Māori parties.{{cite news |title=Three Strikes legislation passes final hurdle in Parliament |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/three-strikes-legislation-passes-final-hurdle-in-parliament/2EQ5LEP6L5CEFGSZVN64FVHETI/ |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=13 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216041512/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/three-strikes-legislation-passes-final-hurdle-in-parliament/2EQ5LEP6L5CEFGSZVN64FVHETI/ |archive-date=16 December 2024}} On 17 December, The Government's contentious Fast-track Approvals Bill passed into law.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Fast-track Approvals Bill passes final reading in Parliament |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/fast-track-approvals-bill-passes-final-reading-in-parliament/ROQWYD26IFA2RNGORGFLDDWFJA/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=17 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220022011/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/fast-track-approvals-bill-passes-final-reading-in-parliament/ROQWYD26IFA2RNGORGFLDDWFJA/ |archive-date=20 December 2024}}

Following the 2024 Port Vila earthquake on 17 December, the Government dispatched two aircraft carrying New Zealand Defence Force, Urban Search and Rescue and MFAT personnel, equipment and supplies to assist with post-disaster rescue and relief efforts.{{cite news |title=Vanuatu earthquake: New Zealand sends rescue teams, aid after deadly 7.3 magnitude quake |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/vanuatu-earthquake-new-zealand-sends-rescue-teams-aid-after-deadly-73-magnitude-quake/2YT4PYNRQ5HRXLZN4NMFNNQGZY/ |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=18 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218103115/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/vanuatu-earthquake-new-zealand-sends-rescue-teams-aid-after-deadly-73-magnitude-quake/2YT4PYNRQ5HRXLZN4NMFNNQGZY/ |archive-date=18 December 2024}}{{cite news |title=Vanuatu earthquake: NZ rescue crews head to quake-hit nation as search for survivors continues |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537071/vanuatu-earthquake-nz-rescue-crews-head-to-quake-hit-nation-as-search-for-survivors-continues |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=RNZ |date=18 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218152248/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537071/vanuatu-earthquake-nz-rescue-crews-head-to-quake-hit-nation-as-search-for-survivors-continues |archive-date=18 December 2024|url-status=live}} One of these aircraft, a RNZAF C-130 Hercules, was diverted to New Caledonia after an engine fire warning. Former defence minister and Labour MP Peeni Henare criticised the Government for dispatching an older Hercules aircraft rather than a newer aircraft.{{cite news |last1=Walton |first1=Felix |title=Former Defence Minister Peeni Henare calls Vanuatu flight woes 'embarrassing |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537135/former-defence-minister-peeni-henare-calls-vanuatu-flight-woes-embarrassing |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=RNZ |date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219001337/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537135/former-defence-minister-peeni-henare-calls-vanuatu-flight-woes-embarrassing |archive-date=19 December 2024}}

On 19 December, Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced that the Government planned to amend the Education and Training Act 2020 to strengthen universities' free speech obligations.{{cite web |last1=Simmonds |first1=Penny |last2=Seymour |first2=David |title=Strengthening Free Speech in Universities |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/strengthening-free-speech-universities |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=4 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226063744/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/strengthening-free-speech-universities |archive-date=26 December 2024 |date=19 December 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 13 January 2025, the New Zealand government representatives including Trade Minister McClay and Prime Minister Luxon signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates, cutting tariffs on 98.5% of New Zealand exports to the UAE.{{cite news |title=NZ-UAE trade deal to cut export tax by 98.5 percent – PM |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/538749/nz-uae-trade-deal-to-cut-export-tax-by-98-point-5-percent-pm |access-date=12 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=12 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113012938/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/538749/nz-uae-trade-deal-to-cut-export-tax-by-98-point-5-percent-pm|archive-date=13 January 2025|url-status=live}} On 17 January 2025, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced an overhaul of the Waitangi Tribunal's membership, appointing eight new members including New Zealand On Air board member Philip Crump and former Defence Minister and Mayor of Carterton Ron Mark.{{cite news |title=Minister overhauls Waitangi Tribunal membership |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/539260/minister-overhauls-waitangi-tribunal-membership |access-date=18 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118102042/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/539260/minister-overhauls-waitangi-tribunal-membership |archive-date=18 January 2025}}

On 23 January, Luxon gave his State of the Nation address and announced that the Crown Research Institutes would be merged into three new Public Research Organisations and that a fourth focusing on "advanced technology" would be established.{{cite news |last1=Argue |first1=Mary |title=Crown Research Institutes to merge into three mega science groups |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/539736/crown-research-institutes-to-merge-into-three-mega-science-groups |access-date=23 January 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=23 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123011507/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/539736/crown-research-institutes-to-merge-into-three-mega-science-groups |archive-date=23 January 2025}} In addition, Luxon also confirmed the Government would establish a new foreign investment agency called Invest New Zealand to boost productivity and innovation.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Christopher Luxon announces foreign investment agency in state of nation address |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539737/christopher-luxon-announces-foreign-investment-agency-in-state-of-nation-address |access-date=23 January 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=23 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123014932/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539737/christopher-luxon-announces-foreign-investment-agency-in-state-of-nation-address |archive-date=23 January 2025}}

On 27 January, Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis announced the launch of a new digital nomads visa that would allow non-citizens to work remotely in New Zealand for up to nine months.{{Cite news |date=28 January 2025 |title=New visa targets digital nomads with deep pockets |url=https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/01/28/new-visa-targets-digital-nomads-with-deep-pockets/ |access-date=28 January 2025 |work=Newsroom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127225823/https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/01/28/new-visa-targets-digital-nomads-with-deep-pockets/|archive-date=27 January 2025|url-status=live}} That same day, Foreign Minister Winston Peters initiated a review of New Zealand's aid programme to Kiribati after Kiribati President Taneti Maamau cancelled three pre-arranged meetings including one scheduled for mid January 2025. The Government had wanted to discuss how NZ$102 million worth of aid money allocated to Kiribati between 2021 and 2024 was being spent.{{cite news |last1=Dreaver |first1=Barbara |title=NZ's relationship with Kiribati strained — aid fund under review |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/27/nzs-relationship-with-kiribati-strained-aid-fund-under-review/ |access-date=28 January 2025 |work=1News |date=28 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128021532/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/27/nzs-relationship-with-kiribati-strained-aid-fund-under-review/ |archive-date=28 January 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Lydia |title=Kiribati pushes back over no-show at meetings |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/world/kiribati-pushes-back-over-no-show-meetings |access-date=28 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=28 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128022203/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/world/kiribati-pushes-back-over-no-show-meetings |archive-date=28 January 2025}}

On 29 January, Luxon and Transport Minister Bishop confirmed that the Government would reverse blanket speed limits on 38 sections of the New Zealand state highway network and seek public consultation on raising the speed limits for another 49 state highway sections.{{cite news |title=Speed limits start going back up, full list of roads announced |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540233/speed-limits-start-going-back-up-full-list-of-roads-announced |access-date=29 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=29 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128220110/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540233/speed-limits-start-going-back-up-full-list-of-roads-announced |archive-date=28 January 2025}} On 30 January 2025, Parliament passed the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill, which conferred legal personhood on Mount Taranaki. The Government also apologised to eight Māori iwi for confiscating Mount Taranaki and 1.2 million acres of Māori lands in the Taranaki region.{{cite news |last1=Andrews |first1=Emma |last2=Paewai |first2=Pokere |title=Taranaki Maunga becomes a legal person as treaty settlement passes into law |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540431/taranaki-maunga-becomes-a-legal-person-as-treaty-settlement-passes-into-law |access-date=30 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=30 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130210906/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540431/taranaki-maunga-becomes-a-legal-person-as-treaty-settlement-passes-into-law |archive-date=30 January 2025}}

On 7 February, Peters criticised Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown for not consulting New Zealand on a planned partnership agreement with China, describing it as a breach of the free association agreement between the two countries.{{cite news |last1=Dziedzic |first1=Stephen |last2=Evans |first2=Kyle |title=How passports and a deal with China have put New Zealand at odds with its former colony Cook Islands |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-08/cook-islands-new-zealand-relations-china-passports/104909718 |access-date=10 February 2025 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=8 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210012848/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-08/cook-islands-new-zealand-relations-china-passports/104909718|archive-date=10 February 2025|url-status=live}} In response, Brown countered that the partnership agreement did not involve security and defence matters, and defended the decision not to consult New Zealand.{{cite news |last1=Fotheringham |first1=Caleb |title=Mark Brown on China deal: 'No need for New Zealand to sit in the room with us' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541238/mark-brown-on-china-deal-no-need-for-new-zealand-to-sit-in-the-room-with-us |access-date=10 February 2025 |work=RNZ |date=7 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209092031/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541238/mark-brown-on-china-deal-no-need-for-new-zealand-to-sit-in-the-room-with-us |archive-date=9 February 2025|url-status=live}} Following the agreement's ratification in mid-February 2025, Peters confirmed the Government would be examining the agreement in light of New Zealand's interests and relationship with the Cook Islands.{{cite news |last1=Fotheringham |first1=Caleb |title=Cook Islands signs China deal at centre of diplomatic row with New Zealand |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541952/cook-islands-signs-china-deal-at-centre-of-diplomatic-row-with-new-zealand |access-date=15 February 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=15 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215043512/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541952/cook-islands-signs-china-deal-at-centre-of-diplomatic-row-with-new-zealand|archive-date=15 February 2025|url-status=live}}

On 9 February, Luxon and Willis announced that the Government would replace its Active Investor Plus visa to with two new investment visa categories in order to attract wealthy investors to New Zealand. First, the "Growth" category focuses on higher-risk investments in New Zealand and comes with a minimum deposit of NZ$5 million over a three-year period. Second, the "Balanced" category focuses on mixed and lower risk developments including property, and comes with a minimum deposit of NZ$10 over a five-year period. Other changes include broadening the scope for investments and removing the English language requirement.{{cite news |title=Government announces plan to adjust migrant investor visa settings |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/09/government-announces-plan-to-adjust-migrant-investor-visa-settings/ |access-date=11 February 2025 |work=1News |date=9 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211005228/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/09/government-announces-plan-to-adjust-migrant-investor-visa-settings/|archive-date=11 February 2025|url-status=live}} On 10 February, the Government released its first quarterly action plan for 2025 which included easing investor visa requirements, hosting an international investment summit in mid-March 2025, launching a minerals strategy, introducing roadside drug testing and rolling out phonics checks in primary schools.{{cite news |title=Govt's first quarterly action plan for 2025 includes investor summit |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/10/govts-first-quarterly-action-plan-for-2025-includes-investor-summit/ |access-date=11 February 2025 |work=1News |date=10 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210054721/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/10/govts-first-quarterly-action-plan-for-2025-includes-investor-summit/ |archive-date=10 February 2025}} On 12 February 2025, Jones announced that the Government was proposing changes to the Quota Management System including excluding ship camera footage from Official Information Act requests.{{cite news |last1=Hanly |first1=Lillian |title=Major shake-up of fishing quota system on the way |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541638/major-shake-up-of-fishing-quota-system-on-the-way |access-date=17 February 2025 |work=RNZ |date=12 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214024918/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541638/major-shake-up-of-fishing-quota-system-on-the-way |archive-date=14 February 2025}}

On 19 February, Stanford confirmed that the Government had established a NZ$2 million dual purpose fund to honour children who had died in care in unmarked graves and support community initiatives for abuse survivors as part of efforts to address its abuse in care commitments.{{cite news |title=$2 million to honour unmarked graves of state children |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542351/2-million-to-honour-unmarked-graves-of-state-children |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218232324/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542351/2-million-to-honour-unmarked-graves-of-state-children |archive-date=18 February 2025}} On 25 February, Stanford confirmed that the Government would ease residency rules to a address a national shortage of primary school teachers.{{cite news |title=Overseas primary teachers get the 'green light' with new residency rules |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/erica-stanford-immigration-minister-on-the-new-residency-rules-for-overseas-primary-school-teachers/ |access-date=26 February 2025 |work=Newstalk ZB |date=25 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226003306/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/erica-stanford-immigration-minister-on-the-new-residency-rules-for-overseas-primary-school-teachers/ |archive-date=26 February 2025}} On 26 February, Goldsmith and McKee confirmed that Government would introduce legislation expanding citizen's arrest powers to combat retail crime.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Citizen's arrest powers to be expanded amid rise in retail theft |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/citizens-arrest-powers-to-be-expanded-amid-rise-in-retail-theft/4JCTYFFMKFCX3AB2LMSW7AJTOM/ |access-date=26 February 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226230913/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/citizens-arrest-powers-to-be-expanded-amid-rise-in-retail-theft/4JCTYFFMKFCX3AB2LMSW7AJTOM/ |archive-date=26 February 2025}} That same day, Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to raise concerns about Chinese naval exercises in the Tasman Sea.{{cite news |title=Live-fire drills saga marks failure in China-NZ relationship – Peters |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/27/live-fire-drills-saga-marks-failure-in-china-nz-relationship-peters/ |access-date=26 February 2025 |work=1News |date=27 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226231805/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/27/live-fire-drills-saga-marks-failure-in-china-nz-relationship-peters/ |archive-date=26 February 2025}} On 27 February, Goldsmith confirmed that the Government would introduce legislation to extend the parliamentary term from three to four years, subject to a referendum.{{cite news |title=Four-year parliamentary term legislation to be introduced, would go to referendum |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543151/four-year-parliamentary-term-legislation-to-be-introduced-would-go-to-referendum |access-date=26 February 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=27 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302025608/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543151/four-year-parliamentary-term-legislation-to-be-introduced-would-go-to-referendum |archive-date=2 March 2025}}

On 3 March, Luxon and Health Minister Brown launched a two-year program to recruit 100 overseas-trained doctors to address a national shortage of doctors.{{cite news |title=Live updates: PM Christopher Luxon, Health Minister speak after announcing placements for overseas-trained doctors |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/christopher-luxon-simeon-brown-discuss-health-at-post-cabinet-press-conference/HR2NFW4AW5BRBM4LAPSC6POO2Q/ |access-date=4 March 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=3 March 2025 |url-access=subscription}} On 6 March, Brown confirmed the Government would lower the bowel screening eligibility age range from 60 to 58 years, using funding from a cancelled programme established by the previous Labour government to lower the eligibility age for Māori and Pasifika New Zealanders from 60 to 50.{{cite news |title=Bowel cancer free screening age lowered to 58, funding pulled from Māori programme |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543915/bowel-cancer-free-screening-age-lowered-to-58-funding-pulled-from-maori-programme |access-date=6 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=6 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306001355/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543915/bowel-cancer-free-screening-age-lowered-to-58-funding-pulled-from-maori-programme |archive-date=6 March 2025}} On 7 March, Brown announced a major overhaul of Health New Zealand including reinstating its leadership board, decentralisation and promoting private-public partnership.{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Ruth |title=Health Minister Simeon Brown announces major overhaul of health sector |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544055/health-minister-simeon-brown-announces-major-overhaul-of-health-sector |access-date=8 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307035225/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544055/health-minister-simeon-brown-announces-major-overhaul-of-health-sector |archive-date=7 March 2025}}

On 12 March, Economic Growth Minister Willis proposed scrapping 24 procurement rules for government contracts and introducing a new economic benefits test.{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Nicola |title=Nicola Willis wants to change Government procurement rules to help Kiwi companies |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/nicola-willis-wants-to-change-government-procurement-rules-to-help-kiwi-companies/MPQLUXLO3VES7LINN3XPJBFBII/ |access-date=16 March 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=12 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250311233315/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/nicola-willis-wants-to-change-government-procurement-rules-to-help-kiwi-companies/MPQLUXLO3VES7LINN3XPJBFBII/ |archive-date=11 March 2025}} On 13 March, the Government held an Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland to generate international investment in New Zealand's infrastructure.{{cite news |last1=Dexter |first1=Giles |title=What's on the table at the government's infrastructure summit |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544613/what-s-on-the-table-at-the-government-s-infrastructure-summit |access-date=16 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=13 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312162650/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544613/what-s-on-the-table-at-the-government-s-infrastructure-summit |archive-date=12 March 2025}}

Between 15 and 19 March,{{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |title=Christopher Luxon announces India trip |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544349/christopher-luxon-announces-india-trip |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=10 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320053944/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544349/christopher-luxon-announces-india-trip|archive-date=20 March 2025|url-status=live}} Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay led a trade delegation to India to affirm India–New Zealand relations. The New Zealand and Indian governments agreed to enter into free trade talks and signed a bilateral defence agreement.{{cite web |title=NZ & India launch Comprehensive FTA negotiations |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-india-launch-comprehensive-fta-negotiations |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=22 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316170304/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-india-launch-comprehensive-fta-negotiations |archive-date=16 March 2025 |date=17 March 2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Shubhajit |title=India and New Zealand sign defence cooperation pact, agree to step up maritime security after Modi meets Prime Minister Christopher Luxon |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-new-zealand-defence-pact-maritime-safety-modi-meets-pm-luxon-9890895/ |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=The Indian Express |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318033259/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-new-zealand-defence-pact-maritime-safety-modi-meets-pm-luxon-9890895/ |archive-date=18 March 2025}} On 18 March, Foreign Minister Peters met with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss various issues of concern to New Zealand–United States relations including defence, security and economic cooperation in the Pacific.{{cite news |title=Peters and Rubio hold 'substantive and productive' meeting |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/19/peters-and-rubio-hold-substantive-and-productive-meeting/ |access-date=23 March 2025 |work=1News |date=19 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320054824/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/19/peters-and-rubio-hold-substantive-and-productive-meeting/ |archive-date=20 March 2025}}{{cite web |title=Secretary Rubio's Meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Peters |url=https://www.state.gov/secretary-rubios-meeting-with-new-zealand-deputy-prime-minister-peters/ |publisher=United States Department of State |access-date=23 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322080435/https://www.state.gov/secretary-rubios-meeting-with-new-zealand-deputy-prime-minister-peters/ |archive-date=22 March 2025 |date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 3 April, Government's legislation repealing Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 passed its third reading, becoming law. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori.{{cite news |last1=Hanly |first1=Lillian |title=Bill unbinding Treaty principles, Oranga Tamariki passes final reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557101/bill-unbinding-treaty-principles-oranga-tamariki-passes-final-reading |access-date=4 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=3 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404014602/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557101/bill-unbinding-treaty-principles-oranga-tamariki-passes-final-reading |archive-date=4 April 2025}} In response to ten percent tariffs imposed by the second Trump Administration on New Zealand exports to the United States, Trade Minister Todd McClay disputed the tariff rate but confirmed that New Zealand would not impose retaliatory tariffs on US imports.{{cite news |title=Trade Minister: Tariffs not good for trade, NZ won't retaliate |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/03/trade-minister-tariffs-not-good-for-trade-nz-wont-retaliate/ |access-date=6 April 2025 |work=1News |date=3 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406210224/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/03/trade-minister-tariffs-not-good-for-trade-nz-wont-retaliate/ |archive-date=6 April 2025|url-status=live}} On 5 April, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk confirmed that the Government would amend the Building Act to deregulate the process for building "granny flats."{{cite news |title=Government to allow bigger granny flats to be built without consents |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557271/government-to-allow-bigger-granny-flats-to-be-built-without-consents |access-date=6 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=5 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406211510/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557271/government-to-allow-bigger-granny-flats-to-be-built-without-consents |archive-date=6 April 2025}}

On 7 April, Defence Minister Collins confirmed that the Government would be investing NZ$12 billion over the next four years in the NZDF to boost defence spending to over 2 percent of GDP.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=Government unveils $12 billion Defence Capability Plan |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan |access-date=8 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407083650/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan |archive-date=7 April 2025}} On 8 April 2025, Climate Change Change Minister Simon Watts confirmed that the New Zealand Government would shut down its green investment bank New Zealand Green Investment Finance, citing poor performance.{{cite news |title=Government's green investment bank to be shut down |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557556/government-s-green-investment-bank-to-be-shut-down |access-date=8 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408210316/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557556/government-s-green-investment-bank-to-be-shut-down |archive-date=8 April 2025}} On 11 April, Veterans Minister Penk confirmed that the Government would be expanding the definition of military veteran to include 100,000 former soldiers, sailors and aviators, and would also create a new national veterans day. However, the Government would not be increasing eligibility for support entitlements under the Veteran Supports' Act.{{cite news |title=New national veteran day announced, official term 'veteran' expanded |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557857/new-national-veteran-day-announced-official-term-veteran-expanded |access-date=13 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=11 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413025052/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557857/new-national-veteran-day-announced-official-term-veteran-expanded |archive-date=13 April 2025}} That same day, Foreign Minister Peters confirmed that visitors from the Pacific Islands Forum would be eligible for multiple entry visas from July 2025. In addition, the Government would trial a one-year visa programme allowing Pacific passport holders with an Australian temporary visa to visit New Zealand for up to three months.{{cite news |last1=Tinetali-Fiavaai |first1=Grace |title=Major changes to NZ visitor visas for Pacific Islanders but opposition MPs say there's more to be done |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/557921/major-changes-to-nz-visitor-visas-for-pacific-islanders-but-opposition-mps-say-there-s-more-to-be-done |access-date=13 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=11 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413030401/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/557921/major-changes-to-nz-visitor-visas-for-pacific-islanders-but-opposition-mps-say-there-s-more-to-be-done |archive-date=13 April 2025}}

On 13 April, Transport Minister Bishop confirmed that the Government was proposing to remove the requirement for a second practical driving test and to reduce the number of eyesight tests required.{{cite news |last1=Gaikwad |first1=Shilpy |title=Driver licence changes: Proposal to remove second practical driving test |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360652520/driver-licence-changes-proposal-remove-second-practical-driving-test |access-date=15 April 2025 |work=Stuff |date=13 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413203103/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360652520/driver-licence-changes-proposal-remove-second-practical-driving-test |archive-date=13 April 2025|url-status=live}} On 14 April, Tourism Minister Louise Upston confirmed that the Government would invest NZ$13.5 million in Tourism New Zealand to attract international tourism.{{cite news |title=Government invests $13.5m to 'turbocharge' tourism marketing |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558139/government-invests-13-point-5m-to-turbocharge-tourism-marketing |access-date=15 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415100118/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558139/government-invests-13-point-5m-to-turbocharge-tourism-marketing |archive-date=15 April 2025}} On 16 April, Health Minister Brown announced the Government's "Health Infrastructure Plan," which seeks to invest NZ$20 billion in upgrading the country's health infrastructure.{{cite news |title=Watch live: Minister Simeon Brown announces New Zealand's 'first-ever Health Infrastructure Plan' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-live-minister-simeon-brown-announces-new-zealands-first-ever-health-infrastructure-plan/2IDTZOI4DRHNBDGIANZDDKJFG4/ |access-date=19 April 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=16 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419032601/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-live-minister-simeon-brown-announces-new-zealands-first-ever-health-infrastructure-plan/2IDTZOI4DRHNBDGIANZDDKJFG4/ |archive-date=19 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 22 April, Luxon confirmed that New Zealand would be extending its deployment of 100 military personnel in the United Kingdom to training Ukrainian military forces until December 2026. In addition, New Zealand would continue providing intelligence, liaison and logistics support for the Ukrainian military.{{cite news |title=New Zealand extends military assistance to Ukraine |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/22/new-zealand-extends-military-assistance-to-ukraine/ |access-date=27 April 2025 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=22 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422120643/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/22/new-zealand-extends-military-assistance-to-ukraine/ |archive-date=22 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 28 April, Education Minister Stanford announced the Government would invest $53 million in covering teachers' registration and practising certificate fees as part of an effort to help the teaching sector over the next three years.{{cite news |title=Government announces $53m boost for teacher registrations, practising certificates fees |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559257/government-announces-53m-boost-for-teacher-registrations-practising-certificates-fees |access-date=28 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428065847/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559257/government-announces-53m-boost-for-teacher-registrations-practising-certificates-fees |archive-date=28 April 2025 |url-status=live}} On 29 April, Finance Minister Willis confirmed that the Government would reduce its operation allowance from NZ$2.4 billion to NZ$1.3 billion for the 2025 New Zealand budget. The budget would focus on health, education, law and order, defence, with some limited spending on critical "social investments," boosting business growth and cost of living relief.{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |title=$1b cut to operating allowance coming in Budget, Nicola Willis says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559338/1b-cut-to-operating-allowance-coming-in-budget-nicola-willis-says |access-date=29 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428204122/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559338/1b-cut-to-operating-allowance-coming-in-budget-nicola-willis-says |archive-date=28 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 30 April, Stanford and Willis confirmed that the Government would be introducing financial literacy into the primary school curriculum from 2027.{{cite news |last1=Gerritsen |first1=John |title=Year 1 school children to get a financial education from 2027; |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559517/year-1-school-children-to-get-a-financial-education-from-2027 |access-date=30 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=30 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430084426/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559517/year-1-school-children-to-get-a-financial-education-from-2027 |archive-date=30 April 2025|url-status=live}} That same day, Justice Minister Goldsmith announced that the Government would introduce legislation to reinstate a blanket ban on prisoners voting, describing it as a reversal of the previous Labour Government's "soft on crime" policy.{{cite news |title=Prisoner voting ban to be brought back – Paul Goldsmith |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559446/prisoner-voting-ban-to-be-brought-back-paul-goldsmith |access-date=30 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=30 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429233624/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559446/prisoner-voting-ban-to-be-brought-back-paul-goldsmith |archive-date=29 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 4 May, Stanford launched the Government's new "Parent Portal," an online tool designed to provide parents with information about the school curriculum.{{cite web |last1=Stanford |first1=Erica |title=Parent Portal launched to empower parents |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/parent-portal-launched-empower-parents |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=7 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250504114140/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/parent-portal-launched-empower-parents |archive-date=4 May 2025 |date=4 May 2025 |url-status=live}} That same day, Defence Minister Collins confirmed that the Government would allocate NZ$2 billion from its NZ$12 billion four-year defence budget to purchasing new maritime helicopters for the Royal New Zealand Navy.{{cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Judith |title=New helicopters a commitment to global security |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-helicopters-commitment-global-security |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=7 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250504111411/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-helicopters-commitment-global-security |archive-date=4 May 2025 |date=4 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 6 May, National MP Catherine Wedd introduced a member's bill that would force social media platforms to restrict access to users under the age of 16 years. Since National's coalition partner ACT had refused to support the bill, Luxon confirmed that National would be seeking cross-party support for the legislation.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Social media ban: Act blocks National’s bid for Govt consensus on member’s bill |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/social-media-ban-act-blocks-nationals-bid-for-govt-consensus-on-members-bill/QADXWQUT3JCHDHFPDD4WXUMBOI/ |access-date=7 May 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=6 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250507014200/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/social-media-ban-act-blocks-nationals-bid-for-govt-consensus-on-members-bill/QADXWQUT3JCHDHFPDD4WXUMBOI/ |archive-date=7 May 2025 |url-status=live}} On 7 May, Luxon and Tourism Minister Louise Upston announced the Government would end the requirement for overseas visitors to provide certified translations of supporting documents in a bid to boost tourism.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Laura |title=Trenz Rotorua 2025: Barrier removed for overseas visitors as Government targets tourism growth |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/barrier-removed-for-overseas-visitors-as-government-targets-tourism-growth/OMRRCNZWS5F7ZBWRDHEQHRFUJI/ |access-date=8 May 2025 |work=Rotorua Daily Post |publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=7 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250507025055/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/barrier-removed-for-overseas-visitors-as-government-targets-tourism-growth/OMRRCNZWS5F7ZBWRDHEQHRFUJI/ |archive-date=7 May 2025 |url-status=live}} That same day, the Government passed the Pay Equity Amendment Act 2025 under urgency, raising the threshold for making pay equity claims. As a result, 33 claims representing thousands of workers have to be dropped and refiled.{{cite news |title=Pay Equity Amendment Bill passes under urgency |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560257/pay-equity-amendment-bill-passes-under-urgency |access-date=8 May 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250508060210/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560257/pay-equity-amendment-bill-passes-under-urgency |archive-date=8 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 9 May, the Government allocated NZ$774 million from the 2025 budget towards the care system and improving redress for survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based institutions. The Government declined a Royal Commission report to establish an independent redress entity.{{cite news |last1=Paterson |first1=Te Aniwa |title=$774M for care system and improving redress for survivors of abuse |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/05/09/774m-for-care-system-and-improving-redress-for-survivors-of-abuse/ |access-date=12 May 2025 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Whakaata Māori |date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250511032341/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/05/09/774m-for-care-system-and-improving-redress-for-survivors-of-abuse/ |archive-date=11 May 2025 |url-status=live}} That same day, Māori Development Minister Potaka announced that an "independent technical advisory group" would review the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, which governs the scope of the Waitangi Tribunal. The Government had committed to reviewing the scope of the Waitangi Tribunal as part of its coalition agreements with ACT and NZ First.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Waitangi Tribunal review to kick off this year, Government confirms |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/waitangi-tribunal-review-to-kick-off-this-year-government-confirms-act-calls-it-activist/26L35ZWBDFCFPNMHQG4ONDTRMA/ |access-date=12 May 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250509050529/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/waitangi-tribunal-review-to-kick-off-this-year-government-confirms-act-calls-it-activist/26L35ZWBDFCFPNMHQG4ONDTRMA/ |archive-date=9 May 2025 |url-status=live}} On 10 May, Customs Minister Casey Costello announced that the Government would invest NZ$35 million from the 2025 budget into combating drug smuggling, improving supply chain security and expanding the New Zealand Customs Service's overseas presence.{{cite news |title=Government puts $35m towards keeping drugs out of the country |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/10/government-puts-35m-towards-keeping-drugs-out-of-the-country/ |access-date=12 May 2025 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |ref=10 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512050326/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/10/government-puts-35m-towards-keeping-drugs-out-of-the-country/ |archive-date=12 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 15 May, the Government apologised to the Māori iwi Ngāti Ranginui for land confiscations and a scorched earth campaign during the New Zealand Wars. The New Zealand Parliament passed legislation compensating the tribe NZ$38 million and designating 15 sites of historical significance to the tribe.{{cite news |last1=Paewai |first1=Pokere |title=Parliament passes Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Ranginui Claims Settlement Bill |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/561139/parliament-passes-nga-hapu-o-ngati-ranginui-claims-settlement-bill |access-date=16 May 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=15 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515081323/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/561139/parliament-passes-nga-hapu-o-ngati-ranginui-claims-settlement-bill |archive-date=15 May 2025 |url-status=live}} That same day, Willis announced that the Government would invest NZ$190 million in a social investment fund, as part of a wider NZ$275 million budgetary allocation to the Social Investment Agency.{{cite news |last1=McGregor |first1=Catherine |title=Government unveils $190m social investment fund with focus on early intervention |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/16-05-2025/government-unveils-190m-social-investment-fund-with-focus-on-early-intervention |access-date=17 May 2025 |work=The Spinoff |date=16 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250517002105/https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/16-05-2025/government-unveils-190m-social-investment-fund-with-focus-on-early-intervention|archive-date=17 May 2025|url-status=live}} On 16 May, Willis announced that the Government would allocate NZ$577 million from the 2025 budget to the New Zealand film industry.{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=Nicola Willis announces $577m boost for film |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/nicola-willis-announces-577m-film-investment-at-peter-jacksons-film-studio/JFXITC4UQRBMLJF7S5T33RGQUY/ |access-date=17 May 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=16 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250516062316/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/nicola-willis-announces-577m-film-investment-at-peter-jacksons-film-studio/JFXITC4UQRBMLJF7S5T33RGQUY/#google_vignette |archive-date=16 May 2025 |url-status=live}} On 18 May, Health Minister Brown announced that Government would allocate NZ$164 million from the 2025 budget to expanding urgent and after-hours healthcare services in Dunedin, Counties Manukau, Whangārei, Palmerston North and Tauranga over the next four years.{{cite news |last1=Littlewood |first1=Matthew |title=Service to 'strengthen urgent care' |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/service-%E2%80%98strengthen-urgent-care%E2%80%99 |access-date=19 May 2025 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=19 May 2025|url-access=subscription}}

On 22 May, Willis released the 2025 New Zealand budget.{{cite news |date=22 May 2025 |title=Budget 2025: What you need to know|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/22/budget-2025-what-you-need-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522083810/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/22/budget-2025-what-you-need-to-know/ |archive-date=22 May 2025 |access-date=23 May 2025 |work=1News}} On 31 May, David Seymour succeeded Winston Peters as deputy prime minister, under the terms of the coalition agreement in 2023.{{Cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |date=20 May 2025 |title=Deputy PM handover: Seymour vows straight talk, Peters fires up campaign |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/562595/deputy-pm-handover-seymour-vows-straight-talk-peters-fires-up-campaign |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530031631/ttps://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/562595/deputy-pm-handover-seymour-vows-straight-talk-peters-fires-up-campaign|archive-date=30 May 2025|url-status=live}} He became the first ACT deputy prime minster.

On 8 June, Immigration Minister Stanford announced the "Parent Boost" visa, which would allow the parents of migrants to live in New Zealand for between five to ten years if they met certain health, character and financial criteria.{{cite news |title=Government announces new 'Parent Boost' visa to bring families together |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/563450/government-announces-new-parent-boost-visa-to-bring-families-together |access-date=8 June 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250608105631/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/563450/government-announces-new-parent-boost-visa-to-bring-families-together |archive-date=8 June 2025 |url-status=live}} On 15 June, Stanford and Luxon announced a three-month visa waiver trial for Chinese citizens with valid Australian visitor, work, family or student visas would commence in November 2025.{{cite news |title=NZ to launch visa waiver trial for Chinese visitors from Australia |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/06/15/nz-to-launch-visa-waiver-trial-for-chinese-visitors-from-australia/ |access-date=15 June 2025 |work=1News |date=15 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615225742/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/06/15/nz-to-launch-visa-waiver-trial-for-chinese-visitors-from-australia/ |archive-date=15 June 2025 |url-status=live}} On 18 June, Stanford followed up with an announcement that Chinese nationals would no longer need to apply for transit visas from November 2025.{{cite news |title=Chinese travellers get easier transit through NZ with visa change |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/06/18/chinese-travellers-get-easier-transit-through-nz-with-visa-change/ |access-date=19 June 2025 |work=1News |date=18 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250619023343/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/06/18/chinese-travellers-get-easier-transit-through-nz-with-visa-change/ |archive-date=19 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 11 June, Peters announced that New Zealand would join the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada and Australia imposing travel bans on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for allegedly inciting "extremist violence" against Palestinians in the West Bank.{{cite news |title=Two 'extremist' Israeli politicians banned from travelling to NZ |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/06/11/two-extremist-israeli-politicians-banned-from-travelling-to-nz/ |access-date=11 June 2025 |work=1News |agency=Associated Press |date=11 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610221427/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/06/11/two-extremist-israeli-politicians-banned-from-travelling-to-nz/ |archive-date=10 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 15 June, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka announced that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development would be collaborating with the Rotorua Lakes Council and community housing providers to build 189 homes (150 social homes and 39 affordable rentals) in Rotorua by mid-2027. He also confirmed that the Government planned to close down all remaining emergency housing motels in Rotorua by late 2025.{{cite news |title=Nearly 200 new homes for Rotorua in affordable housing push |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/06/15/nearly-200-new-homes-for-rotorua-in-affordable-housing-push/ |access-date=16 June 2025 |work=1News |date=15 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615235325/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/06/15/nearly-200-new-homes-for-rotorua-in-affordable-housing-push/ |archive-date=15 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 18 June, Statistics Minister Shane Reti announced that the Government would be scrapping the five-year census in favour of administrative data and annual randomised surveys.{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nz-census-scrapped-as-govt-moves-to-monthly-inflation-figures/IXXBJY6LDVEWPIXAGDMP2Z5R2I/ |title=NZ census scrapped as govt moves to monthly inflation figures |first=Chris |last=Knox |date=18 June 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=18 June 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250617224140/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nz-census-scrapped-as-govt-moves-to-monthly-inflation-figures/IXXBJY6LDVEWPIXAGDMP2Z5R2I/|archive-date=17 June 2025|url-status=live}} On 19 June, the Government confirmed it had suspended NZ$20 million of core sector support funding to the Cook Islands in early June 2025 in retaliation for the Cook Islands government signing a partnership agreement with China in February 2025 without consulting New Zealand, per the requirements of their free association relationship.{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |last2=Dexter |first2=Giles |title=New Zealand halts Cook Islands funding in stoush over China |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/564578/new-zealand-halts-cook-islands-funding-in-stoush-over-china |access-date=19 June 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250619025829/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/564578/new-zealand-halts-cook-islands-funding-in-stoush-over-china |archive-date=19 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 22 June, Collins and Peters announced that the Government would send a C-130J Super Hercules into the Middle East to evacuate New Zealanders in Iran and Israel. Peters confirmed there were about 80 New Zealanders registered in Iran and 101 in Israel.{{cite news |last1=Dexter |first1=Giles |title=Defence Force to send plane to assist New Zealanders in stranded Iran and Israel |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/564830/defence-force-to-send-plane-to-assist-new-zealanders-in-stranded-iran-and-israel |access-date=22 June 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=22 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622092923/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/564830/defence-force-to-send-plane-to-assist-new-zealanders-in-stranded-iran-and-israel |archive-date=22 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

The following table shows the total party votes and seats in Parliament won by National, plus any parties in coalition with the National-led government.

• Easing restrictions on gas and methane emissions from pastoral farming.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Reverse the ban on live animal exports.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Introduce legislation easing restrictions on genetic engineering.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Reforming the membership, mandate and function of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Halting the review of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Incentivising emissions reduction mitigations such as low methane genetics and animal feed.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Encouraging government agencies to use woolen fibres at government buildings.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Introduce legislation on a referendum to extend the parliamentary term to four years.{{cite news |title=National on promise to introduce legislation on extending parliamentary term to four years: 'It will save money' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503268/national-on-promise-to-introduce-legislation-on-extending-parliamentary-term-to-four-years-it-will-save-money |access-date=18 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=26 November 2023 |language=en-nz}} {{efn|pending implementation}}

• Shifting the "Fees Free Scheme" from the first year to final year of tertiary study. (comes into effect Jan 1 2025){{efn|pending implementation}}
• Eliminating all references to gender, sexuality and "relationship-based education guidelines" in educational curriculums.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Requiring schools to institute one hour of reading, writing, and mathematics each day.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Reintroducing charter schools and allowing state schools to convert to charter schools.{{efn|implemented in 25 September 2024,{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=Charter schools revived as bill passes third reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528977/charter-schools-revived-as-bill-passes-final-reading |access-date=25 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=25 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925031951/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528977/charter-schools-revived-as-bill-passes-final-reading |archive-date=25 September 2024|url-status=live}}}}
• Restore balance to the school history curriculum.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Combating truancy through enforcement action, data collection, and publishing school attendance data.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Improve the cost-effectiveness of school lunch programmes.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Narrow the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's mandate to managing price stability and inflation.{{efn|implemented in 13 December 2023,{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=New Government passes its first bill, reverting Reserve Bank to single mandate |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/new-government-passes-its-first-bill-reverting-reserve-bank-to-single-mandate/PUIWN7KPURB75PXELR4DTBHQIU/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=13 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213163451/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/new-government-passes-its-first-bill-reverting-reserve-bank-to-single-mandate/PUIWN7KPURB75PXELR4DTBHQIU/ |archive-date=13 December 2023}}}}
• Expanding the Inland Revenue Department's tax audit capacity.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Increase spending on wealth creation and infrastructure development.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Reducing Core Crown expenditure as a proportion of the overall economy.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Tax cuts will be funded by the reprioritisation of government expenditure and revenue gathering rather than a tax on foreign housing buyers.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Strengthening the powers of the Grocery Commissioner and promoting competition in the supermarket sector.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Prioritising fair trade agreements with export markets including India.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Repeal the Clean Car Discount.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Repeal the Fair Pay Agreements regime by Christmas 2023.{{efn|implemented in 14 December 2023,{{cite news |title=Parliament repeals Fair Pay Agreements |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504707/parliament-repeals-fair-pay-agreements |access-date=14 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214095111/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504707/parliament-repeals-fair-pay-agreements |archive-date=14 December 2023|url-status=live}}}}
• Expand 90-day trials to include all businesses. {{efn|implemented in 21 December 2023,{{cite news |title=Government passes legislation to fully reinstate 90-day trials |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/505252/government-passes-legislation-to-fully-reinstate-90-day-trials |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221013911/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/505252/government-passes-legislation-to-fully-reinstate-90-day-trials |archive-date=21 December 2023|url-status=live}}}}
• Commit to moderate increases in the minimum wage each year. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Implementing sanctions against beneficiaries who can work but refuse to find work including electronic money management.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Strengthening obligations on Jobseeker beneficiaries to find work including sanctions. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Restricting the number of doctors who can issue medical certificates for health and disability limits.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Rewriting the Arms Act 1983. (unfinished){{efn|pending implementation}}
• Transferring the firearms regulator to a different agency.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Reviewing the national Firearms Registry.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Ensure a "National Interest Test" is undertaken before New Zealand accepts any agreements from the UN and WHO that limit national decision-making and reconfirm that New Zealand's domestic law holds primacy over any international agreements, and by 1 December 2023 reserve against proposed amendments to WHO health regulations.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Recognising Israel's right to self-defence in the Gaza war.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Condemning Hamas for initiating the Gaza war and rejecting Hamas' role in any future governance of the Gaza Strip.{{cite press release |title=Joint statement – Prime Ministers of New Zealand, Australia and Canada |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-prime-ministers-new-zealand-australia-and-canada |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219024801/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-prime-ministers-new-zealand-australia-and-canada |archive-date=19 December 2023 |date=13 December 2023 |url-status=live}}{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Designating the whole of Hamas as a terrorist entity, after its military was described this way in 2010.{{cite web |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-designates-entirety-hamas-terrorist-entity |title=NZ designates entirety of Hamas as terrorist entity |date=29 February 2024 |website=Beehive.govt.nz|publisher=New Zealand Government|access-date=29 February 2024}}{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Designating both Hezbollah and the Houthis as terrorist entities.{{cite news |title=Government designates Hezbollah as terrorist entity |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/534333/government-designates-hezbollah-as-terrorist-entity |access-date=21 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=20 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121023755/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/534333/government-designates-hezbollah-as-terrorist-entity |archive-date=21 November 2024}}
• Introducing new legislation to criminalise covert and other subversive foreign interference activities.{{cite news |last1=Pennington |first1=Phil |title=Bill to stop foreign interference 'undermining core New Zealand interests' introduced to Parliament |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/533983/bill-to-stop-foreign-interference-undermining-core-new-zealand-interests-introduced-to-parliament |access-date=16 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=16 November 2024}}

• Disestablish the Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority).{{efn|implemented in 28 February 2024,{{cite news |last1=Harawira |first1=Tumamao |title=Parliament passes bill to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/02/28/parliament-passes-bill-to-disestablish-te-aka-whai-ora/ |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Whakaata Māori |date=28 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303101758/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/02/28/parliament-passes-bill-to-disestablish-te-aka-whai-ora/|archive-date=3 March 2024|url-status=live}}}}
• Repeal the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022.{{efn|implemented in 28 February 2024,{{cite news |title=Smokefree generation law scrapped by coalition government |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/510439/smokefree-generation-law-scrapped-by-coalition-government |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 February 2024 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229155751/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/510439/smokefree-generation-law-scrapped-by-coalition-government |url-status=live }}}}
• Repeal the Therapeutic Products Act 2023.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Review the University of Auckland's Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme and University of Otago equivalent.{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Ella |title=Health Minister Shane Reti responsible for review of 'affirmative action' scheme he graduated from in 1980s |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504971/health-minister-shane-reti-responsible-for-review-of-affirmative-action-scheme-he-graduated-from-in-1980s |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218194926/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504971/health-minister-shane-reti-responsible-for-review-of-affirmative-action-scheme-he-graduated-from-in-1980s |archive-date=18 December 2023}}{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Allowing the sale of cold medication containing pseudoephedrine.{{cite news |last1=Franks |first1=Raphael |title=Pseudoephedrine back on shelves: Seymour's new Govt win |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/pseudoephedrine-back-on-shelves-act-leader-david-seymours-win-in-new-coalition-government/MRYO2Z56BNDQROYI5DQOL33VQI/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 November 2023 |language=en-NZ |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124045025/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/pseudoephedrine-back-on-shelves-act-leader-david-seymours-win-in-new-coalition-government/MRYO2Z56BNDQROYI5DQOL33VQI/ |url-status=live }}
• End all remaining COVID-19 vaccine mandates.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Establish an independent public inquiry into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Restoring interest deductibility for rental properties in various stages between 2023 and 2026 .{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Allowing local governments to opt out of the previous government's medium density residential standards.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Restoring no-cause evictions with a 90-day notice.{{efn|implemented in 12 December 2024,}}
• Returning tenant's notice period to move back to 21 days.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Returning landlord's notice period to sell property back to 42 days.{{efn|implemented on 12 December 2024,}}
• Introduce pet bonds for tenants.{{efn|implemented on 12 December 2024,}}

• Raise the cap on the number of workers allowed under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Introduce a five-year, renewable parental category visa, conditional on covering health costs.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Remove median wage requirements from Skilled Migrant Category visas.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Make it easier for the family members of visa holders to immigrate to New Zealand.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Improve the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme to ensure that NZ is attracting migrants and skills needed.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Toughening Immigration New Zealand's risk management and verification process.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Establishing a National Infrastructure Agency to coordinate government funding and private investment to boost infrastructural development. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Establishing a NZ$1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Ensure that climate change policies do not affect energy security.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Amending the Resource Management Act 1991 to boost farming, housing, and other economic activities.
• Prioritise infrastructure needed to support New Zealand's heavy industry. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Introducing new resource management legislation to emphasise property rights.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Repealing the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and Spatial Planning Act 2023 by Christmas 2023.{{efn|implemented in 23 December 2023}}
• Repealing the previous Government's ban on offshore gas and oil exploration.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Replacing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Scrap the Kāinga Ora "Sustaining Tenancies Framework" and taking action against state housing tenants engaging in "anti-social behaviour."{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Reverse speed limit reductions where it is safe to do so.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Progressing a business case to establish a dry dock at Marsden Point.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Abolishing concurrent sentencing when an offence is committed on parole, on bail or while in custody.{{Cite news |title=The Post |url= https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/350118190/national-nz-first-coalition-agreement-full |access-date=2023-11-27 |archive-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231125190755/https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/350118190/national-nz-first-coalition-agreement-full |url-status=live }}{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Requiring prisoners to work.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Equipping Corrections officers with body cameras.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Introducing legislation dealing with "coward punching".{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Reintroducing three strikes.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Election 2023 coalition agreement live updates: Christopher Luxon, David Seymour, Winston Peters reveal Government policy, ministers |url= https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/election-2023-coalition-agreement-live-updates-christopher-luxon-david-seymour-winston-peters-reveal-government-policy-ministers.html |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=Newshub |date=24 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231124005331/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/election-2023-coalition-agreement-live-updates-christopher-luxon-david-seymour-winston-peters-reveal-government-policy-ministers.html |url-status=dead }}{{efn|implemented on 13 December 2024,}}
• Removing prisoner reduction targets.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Training 500 new police officers within two years.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Increase the number of Youth Aid officers. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Boosting funding for community policing including Māori and Pasifika Wardens, Community Patrol New Zealand, and Neighbourhood Watch. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Protect freedom of speech by ruling out the introduction of hate speech legislation and stop the Law Commission's work on hate speech legislation.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Boosting funding to the Department of Correction to raise staffing levels.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Amending the Sentencing Act 2002 and other legislation to ensure tougher consequences for criminals and to emphasise victims' rights.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Introducing legislation to make it a specific offence to assault Police and other first responders. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Boosting rehabilitation programmes for prisoners including driving licenses. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Combating youth crime including consideration of a Youth Justice Demerit Point system. {{efn|pending implementation}}
• Toughen legislation against fleeing drivers.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Introducing anti-stalking legislation with new restraining and harmful digital communications orders, and prison terms.{{cite news |title=Stalking legislation to bring in restraining orders: Justice Minister reveals new details |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/533378/stalking-legislation-to-bring-in-restraining-orders-justice-minister-reveals-new-details |access-date=11 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111010558/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/533378/stalking-legislation-to-bring-in-restraining-orders-justice-minister-reveals-new-details |archive-date=11 November 2024|url-status=live}}
• Introducing legislation giving sexual abuse victims the power to decide whether convicted offenders should receive name suppression.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=Government proposes law change on name suppression for sex offenders |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/534392/government-proposes-law-change-on-name-suppression-for-sex-offenders |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=21 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122102607/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/534392/government-proposes-law-change-on-name-suppression-for-sex-offenders |archive-date=22 November 2024}}

• Introducing the Treaty Principles Bill and support it to a Select Committee as soon as practicable.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Enshrining Treaty Principles legislation into law.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Amending Treaty of Waitangi legislation to "refocus the scope, purpose, and nature of its inquiries back to the original intent of that legislation."{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Removing all mentions of Treaty principles with "specific words relating to the relevance and application of the Treaty, or repealing the references."{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Halting all work related to the He Puapua report.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Confirming that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has no binding legal effect on New Zealand law.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Restore the right to local referendum on the establishment or ongoing use of Māori wards.{{efn|implemented in 30 July 2024,{{cite news |title=Māori wards bill passes third reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/523622/maori-wards-bill-passes-third-reading |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730095311/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/523622/maori-wards-bill-passes-third-reading |archive-date=30 July 2024|url-status=live}}}}
• Remove Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.{{efn|implemented in 3 April 2025{{cite news |last1=Hanly |first1=Lillian |title=Bill unbinding Treaty principles, Oranga Tamariki passes final reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557101/bill-unbinding-treaty-principles-oranga-tamariki-passes-final-reading |access-date=4 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=3 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404014602/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557101/bill-unbinding-treaty-principles-oranga-tamariki-passes-final-reading |archive-date=4 April 2025}}}}
• Repeal the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Act 2022.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Public sector organisations will be given "expenditure reduction targets" including reducing "non-essential" back office functions.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Assessing government expenditure against the criteria of public goods, social insurance, regulating market failure and policy choice.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Removing co-governance from the delivery of public services.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Legislating the English language as an official language.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Requiring all government departments to have their primary name in English and to communicate in English "except for those specifically related to Māori."{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Ensuring that government contracts are awarded based on value rather than race.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• De-establishing the Water Services Reform Programme and returning assets to local councils.{{efn|implemented in 14 February 2024,{{cite news |title=Parliament repeals Three Waters programme under urgency |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/509144/parliament-repeals-three-waters-programme-under-urgency |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216020717/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/509144/parliament-repeals-three-waters-programme-under-urgency |archive-date=16 February 2024}} }}
• Creating a new independent monitoring agency for Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry for Children).{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Halting several workstreams including Auckland light rail, Let's Get Wellington Moving, and the Lake Onslow pumped hydro programme.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Creating a new regulatory agency (the Ministry for Regulation) to assess the quality of all new and existing legislation.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Amend the Overseas Investment Act 2005 to limit ministerial decision making to national security concerns.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Reducing regulatory barriers to promote competition.{{efn|pending implementation}}

• Retaining the superannuation age at 65 years.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Upgrade Super Gold Card and Veterans cards.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Boost funding for dementia patients.{{efn|pending implementation}}
• Amending legislation and the resource consent process to make it easier to build "grannie flats."{{efn|pending implementation}}

The Cabinet was announced on 24 November 2023 and consists of 20 members, 14 from the National Party, 3 from ACT and 3 from New Zealand First. Notable for being the first ever New Zealand government to have three parties in cabinet. A further five National MPs would sit outside of Cabinet, along with two ACT MPs and one NZ First MP.{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Nicholas |title=Who are the new Cabinet ministers? Full list revealed in National-Act-NZ First Government |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/who-are-the-new-cabinet-ministers-full-line-up-revealed-in-national-act-nz-first-government/B6XJTNCRFFFVNCY6SFZ7FHAKAI/ |access-date=23 November 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231123231053/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/who-are-the-new-cabinet-ministers-full-line-up-revealed-in-national-act-nz-first-government/B6XJTNCRFFFVNCY6SFZ7FHAKAI/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Who gets what? List of New Zealand's new ministers |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/who-gets-what-list-of-new-zealands-new-ministers/ |access-date=23 November 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231123234038/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/who-gets-what-list-of-new-zealands-new-ministers/ |url-status=live }}

In a first for New Zealand, the Deputy Prime Minister role will be split for the term, with Winston Peters holding the office until 31 May 2025. David Seymour will then take on the office until the conclusion of the term.{{cite news |last1=Desmarais |first1=Felix |title=Coalition deal: Peters to be deputy prime minister first, followed by Seymour |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/coalition-deal-peters-to-be-deputy-prime-minister-first-followed-by-seymour/ |access-date=23 November 2023 |work=1News |date=24 November 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231123232752/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/coalition-deal-peters-to-be-deputy-prime-minister-first-followed-by-seymour/ }}

A cabinet reshuffle occurred on 24 April 2024. Luxon stripped Melissa Lee of her Media and Communications ministerial portfolio and Penny Simmonds of her Disability Issues portfolio. Lee had faced criticism for her response to Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand's closure of Newshub while Simmonds had faced criticism over her handling of changes to disability funding and services. Lee was also relieved of her Cabinet position. Paul Goldsmith assumed Lee's Media and Communications portfolio while Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts assumed her place in Luxon's cabinet. Social Development Minister Louise Upston assumed Simmonds' Disability Issues portfolio.{{cite news |title=Media Minister Melissa Lee demoted from Cabinet, Penny Simmonds stripped of portfolio |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515100/media-minister-melissa-lee-demoted-from-cabinet-penny-simmonds-stripped-of-portfolio |access-date=24 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424032409/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515100/media-minister-melissa-lee-demoted-from-cabinet-penny-simmonds-stripped-of-portfolio |archive-date=24 April 2024|url-status=live}}

A second cabinet reshuffle occurred on 19 January 2025. Simeon Brown gained the health portfolio from Shane Reti and also became Minister for State Owned Enterprises. Reti became Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology and also gained the new Universities portfolio. Chris Bishop gained the transportation portfolio while Simon Watts gained the energy and local government portfolios. Melissa Lee lost her economic growth and ethnic communities ministerial portfolios to Nicola Willis and Mark Mitchell respectively. James Meager gained the hunting and fishing, youth, and the new South Island portfolios. Matt Doocey lost his ACC, tourism and youth portfolios to Andrew Bayly, Louise Upston and Meager respectively. Chris Penk assumed the small business and manufacturing portfolio. No changes were made to ACT and New Zealand First ministerial portfolios.{{cite news |title=As it happened: Luxon announces Cabinet reshuffle, Shane Reti loses health portfolio to Simeon Brown |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539370/as-it-happened-luxon-announces-cabinet-reshuffle-shane-reti-loses-health-portfolio-to-simeon-brown |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=19 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119031900/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539370/as-it-happened-luxon-announces-cabinet-reshuffle-shane-reti-loses-health-portfolio-to-simeon-brown |archive-date=19 January 2025}}

On 21 February 2025, Bayly resigned from his Commerce and Consumer Affairs and ACC portfolios following a complaint from a staff member about "overbearing" behaviour. His ministerial portfolios were assumed by National's Senior Whip Scott Simpson.{{cite news |last1=Ewe |first1=Koh |last2=Armstrong |first2=Kathryn |title=NZ minister resigns after he 'placed hand' on staff's arm |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce30l5497x2o |access-date=24 February 2025 |work=BBC News |date=24 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302030202/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce30l5497x2o|archive-date=2 March 2025|url-status=live}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

| Incumbent

|-

| rowspan="2" scope="row"| Minister of Statistics

| {{sortname|Andrew|Bayly}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

|-

| {{sortname|Shane|Reti}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row"| Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

| {{sortname|Paul|Goldsmith|Paul Goldsmith (politician)}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row"| Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills

| {{sortname|Penny|Simmonds}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

|-

| rowspan="2" scope="row"| Minister of Tourism and Hospitality

| {{sortname|Matt|Doocey}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

|-

| {{sortname|Louise|Upston}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row"| Minister of Trade

| {{sortname|Todd|McClay}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| Incumbent

|-

| rowspan="2" scope="row"| Minister of Transport

| {{sortname|Simeon|Brown}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

|-

| {{sortname|Chris|Bishop}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row"| Minister for Universities

| {{sortname|Shane|Reti}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row"| Minister for Veterans

| {{sortname|Chris|Penk}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row"| Minister for Vocational Education

| {{sortname|Penny|Simmonds}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row"| Minister for Whānau Ora

| {{sortname|Tama|Potaka}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row"| Minister for Women

| {{sortname|Nicola|Grigg}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| Incumbent

|-

| scope="row" | Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

| {{sortname|Brooke|van Velden}}

| style="background:{{party color|ACT New Zealand}}" |

| ACT

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| Incumbent

|-

| rowspan="2" scope="row" | Minister for Youth

| {{sortname|Matt|Doocey}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|27 November 2023}}

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

|-

| {{sortname|James|Meager}}

| style="background:{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}" |

| National

| {{dts|24 January 2025}}

| Incumbent

|-

|}

In 2024, Reuters reported that the National-led coalition government had reversed several environmental policies including lifting a ban on gas and oil exploration, delaying agricultural emission pricing by five years and encouraging mining in a bid to boost New Zealand's flailing economy and fulfill election promises. As part of its economic policies, the Government has also sought to boost mining and agricultural exports. In addition, national carrier Air New Zealand has dropped its 2030 emissions target due to delays in obtaining new aircraft and the high cost of environmentally-friendly fuel. The Climate Change Commission and the University of Otago Climate Change Research Network co-director Sara Walton have expressed concerns that the Government's reversal of environmental policies would undermine New Zealand's goals of reaching its 2030 and 2035 carbon emissions targets. Cindy Baxter, chair of environmental group Kiwis against Seabed Mining, has also expressed concerns about the resumption of seabed mining on the West Coast Region of the South Island.{{cite news |last1=Craymer |first1=Lucy |title=New Zealand scraps clean, green policies to boost economy |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-scraps-clean-green-policies-boost-economy-2024-08-04/ |access-date=11 August 2024 |work=Reuters |date=6 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807150644/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-scraps-clean-green-policies-boost-economy-2024-08-04/ |archive-date=7 August 2024|url-status=live}}

In November 2024, New Zealand's ranking on the 20th Climate Change Performance Index dropped by seven places to 41. The report's authors wrote that New Zealand had "taken significant backwards steps in climate policy" due to the Government scrapping policies boosting public transportation and delaying pricing greenhouse emissions from farming. The report was produced by three climate non-governmental organisations Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and CAN International with the help of local climate groups WWF New Zealand, Lawyers for Climate Action New Zealand and Oil Change International.{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Eloise |title=New Zealand drops seven places, to 41st, in global climate change league table |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534411/new-zealand-drops-seven-places-to-41st-in-global-climate-change-league-table |access-date=21 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=21 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120232005/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534411/new-zealand-drops-seven-places-to-41st-in-global-climate-change-league-table |archive-date=20 November 2024}}

On 3 June 2025, 26 climate scientists including University of Oxford Professor Paul Behrens and Duke University professor Drew Schindel circulated a letter to Prime Minister Luxon objecting to the Government's plans to lower its methane target by between 24 and 47 percent by 2050. The agricultural lobby groups Federated Farmers and Beef + Lamb New Zealand had lobbied for the New Zealand Government to reduce its methane target. In response, Luxon rejected the letter and defended the government's climate mitigation policies. The Green Party accused the Government of joining the "climate denial bandwagon."{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Eloise |title=Climate change scientists accuse government of 'ignoring scientific evidence' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562938/climate-change-scientists-accuse-government-of-ignoring-scientific-evidence |access-date=4 June 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=3 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250603071923/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562938/climate-change-scientists-accuse-government-of-ignoring-scientific-evidence |archive-date=3 June 2025 |url-status=live}} On 10 June, two groups, Lawyers for Climate Action NZ and the Environmental Law Initiative, filed a judicial review against the Government at the Wellington High Court over what they regarded as its "dangerously inadequate" plan to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.{{cite news |last1=Cornett |first1=Eva |title=New Zealand government sued over ‘dangerously inadequate' emissions reduction plan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/10/new-zealand-government-sued-over-dangerously-inadequate-emissions-reduction-plan-ntwnfb |access-date=12 June 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=10 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610233836/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/10/new-zealand-government-sued-over-dangerously-inadequate-emissions-reduction-plan-ntwnfb |archive-date=10 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

Several of the National-led coalition government's policies including a proposal to discontinue financial incentives for public servants to learn the Māori language, instructions for government departments to prioritise their English language names over their Māori names, a proposed Treaty Principles Bill, and the proposed dissolution of Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority) and the proposed repeal of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022 were controversial among the Māori community, who perceived them as hostile and harmful towards Māori language, culture, and well-being.{{cite news |title=Iwi files for urgent tribunal hearing on government's te reo Māori, Treaty of Waitangi policies |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504489/iwi-files-for-urgent-tribunal-hearing-on-government-s-te-reo-maori-treaty-of-waitangi-policies |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=12 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231212231050/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504489/iwi-files-for-urgent-tribunal-hearing-on-government-s-te-reo-maori-treaty-of-waitangi-policies |archive-date=12 December 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Pennington |first1=Phil |title=Te reo Māori: Govt seeks to halt extra pay for public servants fluent in the language |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504003/te-reo-maori-govt-seeks-to-halt-extra-pay-for-public-servants-fluent-in-the-language |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=12 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231218000800/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504003/te-reo-maori-govt-seeks-to-halt-extra-pay-for-public-servants-fluent-in-the-language |archive-date=18 December 2023}}{{cite news |title=Legal action over plans to scrap Māori Health Authority |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/14/legal-action-over-govt-plans-to-scrap-maori-health-authority/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=14 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231214095030/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/14/legal-action-over-govt-plans-to-scrap-maori-health-authority/ |archive-date=14 December 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Mao |first1=Frances |title=New Zealand smoking ban: Health experts criticise new government's shock reversal |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67540190 |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=BBC News |date=27 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231213194715/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67540190 |archive-date=13 December 2023}}

On 6 December 2023, the Public Service Association, the New Zealand Educational Institute and the Māori Language Commission voiced opposition to the Government's plans to review financial incentives for civil servants to learn Māori; a programme which dated back to the 1980s. The Government plan gained support from the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.{{cite news |title=Public Service Te Reo Bonuses Should Be Resigned To The Scrap Heap {{!}} Scoop News |url= https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2312/S00049/public-service-te-reo-bonuses-should-be-resigned-to-the-scrap-heap.htm?from-mobile=bottom-link-01 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=New Zealand Taxpayers' Union |agency=Scoop |date=6 December 2023}} That same day, Māori King Tūheitia Paki issued a royal proclamation to hold a national hui (meeting) to promote Māori unity in January 2024. The hui was in response to the Kīngitanga movement's concerns that the Government's policies towards the Treaty of Waitangi could reverse "decades of hard fought justice."{{cite news |title=Kīngi Tūheitia issues call for national hui for unity |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/504018/kingi-tuheitia-issues-call-for-national-hui-for-unity |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=6 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240114172505/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/504018/kingi-tuheitia-issues-call-for-national-hui-for-unity |archive-date=14 January 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Kīngitanga issues 'royal proclamation' for Māori to assemble in face of new Govt policies |url= https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/12/k-ngitanga-issues-royal-proclamation-for-m-ori-to-assemble-in-face-of-new-govt-policy.html |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=Newshub |date=6 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231205182705/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/12/k-ngitanga-issues-royal-proclamation-for-m-ori-to-assemble-in-face-of-new-govt-policy.html |archive-date=5 December 2023}}

On 12 December, a Tauranga-based iwi (tribe) Ngai Te Rangi Settlement Trust filed an urgent claim with the Waitangi Tribunal, claiming that the Government was breaching Article Two of the Treaty of Waitangi by plans to discontinue financial incentives for public servants to learn Māori and instructing government departments to give primacy to their English names. The plaintiffs also claimed that Government directives for Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) and Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) to use their English names breached Article One of the Bill of Rights by suspending the operation of the Treaty.

On 14 December, Lady Tureiti Moxon and Janice Kuka filed a claim at the Waitangi Tribunal against the Government's plans to dissolve the Māori Health Authority, claiming that it breached the Treaty of Waitangi. On 18 December, the Government filed a memorandum of counsel opposing Moxon and Kuka's claim. The Government also admitted that it had no alternative plan to address poor Māori health outcomes and that it had not consulted Māori according to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Government also conceded its policy to dissolve Te Aka Whai Ora had been motivated by political expediency during the 2023 election campaign.{{cite news |title=Crown opposes urgent Waitangi Tribunal claim to halt disestablishment of Maori Health Authority |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/crown-opposes-urgent-waitangi-tribunal-claim-to-halt-disestablishment-of-maori-health-authority/TRTJOKVJPBAFBFGTFYKH2COSX4/ |access-date=25 December 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231224055027/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/crown-opposes-urgent-waitangi-tribunal-claim-to-halt-disestablishment-of-maori-health-authority/TRTJOKVJPBAFBFGTFYKH2COSX4/ |archive-date=24 December 2023|url-status=live}}

The Māori health organisation Hāpai Te Hauora and Health Coalition Aotearoa's co-chairwoman Professor Lisa Te Morenga also expressed concern that the proposed repeal of Smokefree legislation would have adverse health effects on New Zealanders including Māori.{{cite news |last1=Howie |first1=Cherie |title=Politics: Planned coalition changes to smoking, vaping laws under fire |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics-changes-to-smoking-vaping-laws-planned-under-coalition-government/7RQTSDKY3VFJDKEA47ZEQ54RQU/ |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231205033710/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics-changes-to-smoking-vaping-laws-planned-under-coalition-government/7RQTSDKY3VFJDKEA47ZEQ54RQU/ |archive-date=5 December 2023|url-status=live}}

On 23 December, Te Tāwharau o Ngāti Pūkenga, the post settlement body for the Ngāti Pūkenga iwi (tribe) filed an urgent claim at the Waitangi Tribunal challenging the Government's plans to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. Section 7AA required Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry for Children) to prioritise a Māori child's ancestry or whakapapa (genealogy) when making uplifting decisions. Minister for Children Karen Chhour had lobbied for the repeal of Section 7AA, arguing that the policy placed the Treaty of Waitangi and cultural needs over the well-being of at-risk Māori children.{{cite news |last1=Hurihangangui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=Third urgent claim in less than a month made to Waitangi Tribunal |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/23/third-urgent-claim-in-less-than-a-month-made-to-waitangi-tribunal/ |access-date=26 December 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=23 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231223171706/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/23/third-urgent-claim-in-less-than-a-month-made-to-waitangi-tribunal/ |archive-date=23 December 2023}}

On 10 January 2024, the Waikato-Tainui iwi filed a legal challenge at the Wellington High Court against the Government's plans to roll back the use of the Māori language in the public sector, claiming that it breached the Crown's 1995 Raupata treaty settlement. The iwi also plans to file a separate legal challenge against the Government's changes to the Resource Management Act 1991. In response to Waikato-Tainui's legal challenges, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Paul Goldsmith reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.{{cite news |last1=Hurihanganui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=Iwi files legal action against Govt over public sector te reo plans |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/10/iwi-files-legal-action-against-govt-over-public-sector-te-reo-plans/ |access-date=12 January 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=10 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240110092749/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/10/iwi-files-legal-action-against-govt-over-public-sector-te-reo-plans/ |archive-date=10 January 2024|url-status=live}}

On 19 January, a leaked paper from the Ministry of Justice described the Government's proposed legislation to define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi as "highly contentious." The proposed Treaty Principles bill had three principles: that the New Zealand Government has the right to govern all New Zealanders; the New Zealand Government will honour all New Zealanders in the chieftainship of their land and all their property; and that all New Zealanders are equal under the law with the same rights and duties. The Ministry's paper expressed concerns that the proposed law would conflict with the rights and interests of Māori under the Treaty, that the Crown was trying to define Treaty principles without consulting with Māori, that the Bill breached international agreements such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and that it infringed on the Māori right to self determination.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Leaked ministry advice suggests proposed Treaty Principles Bill 'highly contentious' |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/leaked-ministry-advice-suggests-proposed-treaty-principles-bill-highly-contentious/QIBNNLDMVZBK3HWNMJIGDJIZ6M/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=19 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240120225346/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/leaked-ministry-advice-suggests-proposed-treaty-principles-bill-highly-contentious/QIBNNLDMVZBK3HWNMJIGDJIZ6M/ |archive-date=20 January 2024}}

The leak came on the eve of a national hui (meeting) organised by Māori King Tūheitia on 20 January to unify Māori and discuss the potential impact of the Government's Treaty policies. In response, Goldsmith confirmed that the Justice ministry would investigate the leak and described the document as a draft that had not yet been considered by Cabinet. In addition, ACT party leader David Seymour, who had promoted the legislation, accused the Ministry of being part of a bureaucracy that was "resistant to change." Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi used the leak to rally opposition against the Government's proposed constitutional changes while co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer accused Seymour of seeking to undermine Māori rights enshrined in the Treaty.

Prior to King Tūheitia's national hui, he met with Prime Minister Luxon and Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka on 15 January to discuss several of the Government's policies including the proposed Treaty Principles legislation and plans to roll back the use of Māori language in the public service. Tūheitia affirmed his commitment to speak Māori regardless of Government policy and direction.{{cite news |last1=Hurihanganui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=More details emerge from Luxon's meeting with Māori King |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/16/more-details-emerge-from-luxons-meeting-with-maori-king/ |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=16 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240116111918/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/16/more-details-emerge-from-luxons-meeting-with-maori-king/ |archive-date=16 January 2024}} The national hui was held at Tūrangawaewae Marae on 20 January and attended by 10,000 people. National MPs Potaka and Dan Bidois represented the government there.{{cite news |title=Thousands attend national hui at Tuurangawaewae Marae |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/20/thousands-descend-on-tuurangawaewae-marae-for-national-hui/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=1News |date=20 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240120225712/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/20/thousands-descend-on-tuurangawaewae-marae-for-national-hui/ |archive-date=20 January 2024|url-status=live}} Potaka defended the Government, disputing allegations that its policies were motivated by White supremacy.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Hui's white supremacy claims against government 'premature', says National minister Tama Potaka |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/nationals-tama-potaka-speaks-to-national-hui-at-ngaruawahia/RB5ZYOP4OZGDXKVDABLUMAR7MA/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240121234314/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/nationals-tama-potaka-speaks-to-national-hui-at-ngaruawahia/RB5ZYOP4OZGDXKVDABLUMAR7MA/ |archive-date=21 January 2024}}

Following a long-standing tradition in New Zealand politics, several members of the National and New Zealand First parties including Luxon, Potaka, Winston Peters, Shane Jones, Casey Costello and Jenny Marcroft attended the special annual hui (meeting) at the Rātana Church's pā (village) near Whanganui. Breaking with tradition, the ACT party chose not to send a representative. Since the 1930s, the Rātana Church has maintained an alliance with the Labour Party, with the Te Tai Tonga seat being held by several Rātana candidates including Eruera Tirikatene, Adrian Rurawhe, and Soraya Peke-Mason.{{cite news |last1=de Silva |first1=Tommy |title=This week's hui at Rātana pā explained |url= https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/23-01-2024/this-weeks-hui-at-ratana-pa-explained |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The Spinoff |date=23 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240124050327/https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/23-01-2024/this-weeks-hui-at-ratana-pa-explained |archive-date=24 January 2024|url-status=live}} Kīngitanga and Waikato-Tainui representative Rāhui Papa warned the Government that Māori would "not sit idly" if the Government meddled with the Treaty of Waitangi and affirmed the primacy of the Māori language version of the document. Luxon affirmed the Government's commitment to honouring the Treaty and said that National would only support ACT's Treaty Principles Bill to select committee level; which was questioned by Rātana representative Kamaka Manuel. Peters criticised the track record of the previous Labour Government towards Māori while Jones expressed support for reviewing the powers of the Waitangi Tribunal. Luxon, Peters and Jones' speech were booed by members of the audience.{{cite news |title=Rātana: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon warned over te Tiriti o Waitangi |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507456/ratana-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-warned-over-te-tiriti-o-waitangi |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=24 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240124090301/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507456/ratana-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-warned-over-te-tiriti-o-waitangi |archive-date=24 January 2024}}{{cite news |last1=O'Brien |first1=Tova |title='Three-headed taniwha', government the enemy of Māori – Rātana criticism should give PM pause |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350157533/three-headed-taniwha-government-enemy-maori-ratana-criticism-should-give-pm |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=Stuff |date=25 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240126032806/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350157533/three-headed-taniwha-government-enemy-maori-ratana-criticism-should-give-pm |archive-date=26 January 2024}} Greens co-leader Marama Davidson criticised ACT leader David Seymour's decision not to attended the Rātana gathering as a "dishonour" to the Māori world. Seymour defended his decision not to attend, citing their past decision not to invite him and described Rātana festivities as a religious event.

In early February 2024, Beverly Te Huia and the smokefree coalition Te Rōpū Tupeka Kore filed separate Waitangi Tribunal claims opposing the Government's proposed repeal of Smokefree legislation.{{cite news |title=Govt faces another Waitangi Tribunal claim over smokefree legislation |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/03/govt-faces-another-waitangi-tribunal-claim-over-smokefree-legislation/ |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=3 February 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240205115323/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/03/govt-faces-another-waitangi-tribunal-claim-over-smokefree-legislation/|archive-date=5 February 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Waitangi Tribunal claim lodged over government's smokefree policies |url= https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/02/01/waitangi-tribunal-claim-lodged-over-governments-smokefree-policies/ |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Māori Television |date=2 February 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240205115625/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/02/01/waitangi-tribunal-claim-lodged-over-governments-smokefree-policies/|archive-date=5 February 2024|url-status=live}} In response to the legal challenges, NZ First MP and cabinet minister Shane Jones reiterated his threat to review the Waitangi Tribunal's scope and claimed that voters had supported a reset.{{cite news |last1=Lynch |first1=Jenna |title=New Zealand First promises to review Waitangi Tribunal and push for a reset |url= https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/02/new-zealand-first-promises-to-review-waitangi-tribunal-and-push-for-a-reset.html |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=Newshub |date=4 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240204095858/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/02/new-zealand-first-promises-to-review-waitangi-tribunal-and-push-for-a-reset.html |archive-date=4 February 2024|url-status=dead}}

In early February, a delegation of government MPs led by Luxon, Peters and Seymour visited the Treaty House in Waitangi as part of the annual Waitangi Day gathering; a long-standing tradition for New Zealand's political leadership. Government figures faced a hostile reception from many of the attendees, with Peters and Seymours' speeches being booed and heckled.{{cite news |title=Waitangi Day 2024: All the speeches and action from the Treaty Grounds on 5 February |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/508391/waitangi-day-2024-all-the-speeches-and-action-from-the-treaty-grounds-on-5-february |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=5 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240205174501/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/508391/waitangi-day-2024-all-the-speeches-and-action-from-the-treaty-grounds-on-5-february |archive-date=5 February 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Emily |title=Māori protesters march to Waitangi for historic protest as simmering tensions boil over |url= https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-06/maori-protesters-nz-clash-with-nz-prime-minister-waitangi-day/103421202 |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=ABC News |date=6 February 2024}} On Waitangi Day (6 February), thousands including Māori activists Hone Harawira and Annette Sykes gathered outside Treaty House to protest against the Government's Māori language policies and proposed Treaty Principles legislation.{{cite news |last1=Paewai |first1=Pokere |title=Waitangi 2024: Thousands stand in unity to challenge government on Treaty principles |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/508462/waitangi-2024-thousands-stand-in-unity-to-challenge-government-on-treaty-principles |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=6 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240206155728/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/508462/waitangi-2024-thousands-stand-in-unity-to-challenge-government-on-treaty-principles |archive-date=6 February 2024}} In response to criticism, NZ First Minister Jones rejected allegations that the Government's Treaty Principles legislation was degrading tino rangatiratanga (self determination). Seymour claimed that the Government believed in tino rangatiratanga, citing its plans to devolve decision-making power from the central government to Māori. Luxon also acknowledged that past governments had not upheld the promises of the Treaty but stated that "no other country has attempted to right its wrongs."{{cite news |title=Waitangi Day 2024: Government denies it's 'delegitimising' Māori, blames previous government |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/508457/waitangi-day-2024-government-denies-it-s-delegitimising-maori-blames-previous-government |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=5 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240206155728/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/508457/waitangi-day-2024-government-denies-it-s-delegitimising-maori-blames-previous-government |archive-date=6 February 2024|url-status=live}}

On 17 March Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters made remarks comparing co-governance to Nazi Germany's race-based theories. He said "Some people's DNA made them, sadly, according to these people and condoned by their cultural fellow travelers, their DNA made them somehow better than others. I've seen that sort of philosophy before. I saw it in Nazi Germany. We all did. We've seen it elsewhere around the world in the horrors of history." During the speech, Peters spoke about removing gender and sexuality lessons from the school curriculum, and making English an official language of New Zealand.{{Cite news|date=2024-03-17 |title=Winston Peters delivers State of the Nation speech |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/511947/winston-peters-delivers-state-of-the-nation-speech |access-date=2024-03-19 |work=Radio New Zealand|language=en-nz}}{{Cite news|title=Winston Peters compares co-governance with ‘Nazi Germany’ |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350215364/winston-peters-returns-campaign-rhetoric-deputy-pm |access-date=2024-03-19 }} Peters' remarks likening co-governance to Nazism and the Holocaust were criticised by the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand's spokesperson Ben Kepes, who described them as offensive to Holocaust victims and survivors. Labour leader Chris Hipkins accused Peters of "using racism and anti-media rhetoric to divide the country."{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=NZ First leader Winston Peters compares co-governance to Nazi Germany, says promised tax cuts 'not impossible' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-live-nz-first-leader-winston-peters-to-give-state-of-the-nation-address/BPCKTCK2MBAWRD5CHADECZDG4Y/ |access-date=19 March 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317201533/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-live-nz-first-leader-winston-peters-to-give-state-of-the-nation-address/BPCKTCK2MBAWRD5CHADECZDG4Y/ |archive-date=17 March 2024}} On 18 March, in an interview with Radio New Zealand, Peters doubled down on his comparison of co-governance with Nazi Germany's race-based theories.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-18 |title=Winston Peters 'not going back' on co-governance Nazi reference |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/511997/winston-peters-not-going-back-on-co-governance-nazi-reference |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} On 19 March, Peters refused to back down despite Prime Minister Luxon telling Peters his comments were unhelpful and reinforced the importance of politicians refraining from using divisive language.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-19 |title=Peters doubles down on 'Nazi Germany' comments, promises more today |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/peters-doubles-down-%E2%80%98nazi-germany%E2%80%99-comments-promises-more-today |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Otago Daily Times |language=en}} On 20 March, Peters claims Luxon's understanding of the situation was "misinformed" by the media. Peters told TVNZ Breakfast show "[Luxon] said to me, 'I was told this, this, and this,' and I said to him, 'By who? Did you hear my speech?' No. And then I realised, like most New Zealanders, all the way at the top, he's been misinformed by you media people, who think that your shill leftie biased message is going to triumph."{{Cite web |title=In fiery interview Winston Peters says Luxon 'misinformed' by media |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/20/in-fiery-interview-winston-peters-says-luxon-misinformed-by-media/ |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=1News |language=en}}

On 4 April 2024, the National Iwi Chairs Forum withdrew from the working group for the Ministry of Justice's National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR) due to their disagreement with the Government's plan to reduce the focus on colonial racism against Māori. Justice Minister Goldsmith defended the decision, saying that he had directed NAPAR to focus on racism against all groups. Acting Race Relations Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Dr Karanina Sumeo expressed concern at Goldsmith's plan to reduce references to Māori experiences of racism, saying that "racism in Aotearoa has deep historical economic, cultural, social, political and spiritual roots, enabled by individuals and within institutions. The ongoing harms to and losses for Māori must therefore be addressed in NAPAR if we truly want to eliminate racism."{{cite news |last1=Perese |first1=Daniel |title=Iwi Chairs Forum walks out of national anti-racism project after coalition waters it down |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/04/04/national-iwi-chairs-forum-walks-out-of-national-anti-racism-project-after-coalition-waters-it-down/ |access-date=10 April 2024 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Whakaata Māori |date=4 April 2024}}

In mid-April 2024, the Waitangi Tribunal summoned Minister for Children Karen Chhour to attend an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The Tribunal wanted the Minister to provide figures on the number of caregivers who had expressed concern about the impact of Section 7AA and examples of children being placed into unsafe conditions as a result of Section 7AA. On 17 April, Crown lawyers filed judicial proceedings in the High Court seeking to block the Tribunal's summons. ACT leader David Seymour criticised the Waitangi Tribunal's summons, saying that "they're buying a fight with someone with much greater mana."{{cite news |title=Crown lawyers attempt to block Waitangi Tribunal summons to Minister for Children |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514638/crown-lawyers-attempt-to-block-waitangi-tribunal-summons-to-minister-for-children |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419040722/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/514638/crown-lawyers-attempt-to-block-waitangi-tribunal-summons-to-minister-for-children |archive-date=19 April 2024}} On 18 April, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones said: "The Waitangi Tribunal has no business running its operation like some sort of star chamber delivering peremptory summons for ministers to rock up and be either cross-examined or grilled in some type of wannabe, star chamber, American, Pulp Fiction gig." The Māori Law Society wrote a critical letter to Prime Minister Luxon and Attorney-General Judith Collins, saying that Jones' comments had the effect of undermining both the tribunal and its processes regarding a current case. They asked the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Office to investigate whether there had been a breach of the Cabinet manual, called on the Attorney-General to uphold the integrity of the judicial branch, and sought a meeting with Luxon and Collins to discuss the matter.{{cite news |title=Māori lawyers call Shane Jones' Waitangi Tribunal comments 'inappropriate' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514619/maori-lawyers-call-shane-jones-waitangi-tribunal-comments-inappropriate |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419080552/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514619/maori-lawyers-call-shane-jones-waitangi-tribunal-comments-inappropriate |archive-date=19 April 2024}} Seymour also issued a press statement accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of "racial fanaticism" and defending Chhour's efforts to repeal Section 7AA. In response to media coverage, Luxon described Jones and Seymour's remarks as "ill-considered," adding "we expect all ministers to exercise good judgment on matters like this."{{cite news |title=Luxon: Jones, Seymour's Waitangi Tribunal comments ill-considered |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/19/luxon-jones-seymours-waitangi-tribunal-comments-ill-considered/ |access-date=24 April 2024 |work=1News |date=19 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420012814/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/19/luxon-jones-seymours-waitangi-tribunal-comments-ill-considered/ |archive-date=20 April 2024|url-status=live}} On evening of 24 April, the High Court overturned the Waitangi Tribunal's subpoena to Chhour. Annette Sykes, a high profile Treaty rights activist and lawyer, has confirmed that she will be appealing the High Court's ruling. Crown Law has indicated Chhour plans to introduce her bill to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act in mid-May. Once Parliament has the bill, the Tribunal must cease its investigation into the issue.{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title=Legal fight to summons children's minister will continue, with appeal lodged |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350257434/legal-fight-summons-childrens-minister-will-continue-appeal-lodged |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=Stuff |date=25 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425111853/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350257434/legal-fight-summons-childrens-minister-will-continue-appeal-lodged |archive-date=25 April 2024|url-status=live}} On 29 April, the Tribunal released an interim report on the Government's proposal to scrap Section 7AA, saying that "the arbitrary and sudden nature of the repeal could pose a risk of harm to vulnerable children." The Tribunal is expected to release its report by 12 May 2024.{{cite news |last1=Hurihanganui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=Waitangi Tribunal releases scathing interim report on Govt proposal |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/29/waitangi-tribunal-releases-scathing-interim-report-on-govt-proposal/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=25 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429110327/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/29/waitangi-tribunal-releases-scathing-interim-report-on-govt-proposal/|archive-date=29 April 2024|url-status=live}}

On 8 May 2024 Pita Tipene, the chairperson for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine, challenged the Government's decision to reinstate referenda on Māori wards and constituencies in local government bodies as an attack on their efforts to uphold their Treaty of Waitangi obligations. The Tribunal will hold an urgent inquiry prior to the scheduled introduction of the Government's Māori wards referenda legislation on 20 May.{{cite news |last1=Ruru |first1=Karanama |title=Planned Māori wards reversal to go to Waitangi Tribunal |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350271514/planned-maori-wards-reversal-go-waitangi-tribunal |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=Stuff |date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511122120/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350271514/planned-maori-wards-reversal-go-waitangi-tribunal |archive-date=11 May 2024|url-status=live}} On 9 May, the Waitangi Tribunal heard a sixth claim filed by several individuals including Ngāpuhi Kaumātua (tribal elder) Hone Sadler who argued that ACT's Treaty Principle Bill's interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi was "inaccurate and misleading," and that Māori never ceded sovereignty to the New Zealand Crown.{{cite news |title=ACT's interpretation of Treaty of Waitangi inaccurate and misleading – claimants |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/516399/act-s-interpretation-of-treaty-of-waitangi-inaccurate-and-misleading-claimants |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=9 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510181920/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/516399/act-s-interpretation-of-treaty-of-waitangi-inaccurate-and-misleading-claimants |archive-date=10 May 2024|url-status=live}} On 11 May, the Waitangi Tribunal ruled that the Government's proposed repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act breached the Treaty's guarantee of Māori self-determination and the Treaty principles of partnership and active protection. They urged the Government to stop work on repealing the legislation. Chhour responded to the Tribunal, saying "section 7AA was a measure introduced to address Treaty obligations. My concern is that it has taken the focus away from the best interests of the child."{{cite news |title=Repealing Oranga Tamariki Act section 7AA breaches Treaty of Waitangi – Tribunal |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/repealing-oranga-tamariki-act-section-7aa-breaches-treaty-of-waitangi-tribunal/N44TEVL7WZFAZIJC3WIMX4JZ44/ |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=11 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511063403/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/repealing-oranga-tamariki-act-section-7aa-breaches-treaty-of-waitangi-tribunal/N44TEVL7WZFAZIJC3WIMX4JZ44/ |archive-date=11 May 2024|url-status=live}}

On 13 May, the New Zealand Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the Waitangi Tribunal, overturning the High Court ruling. That same day, the Government's Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill was introduced into Parliament.{{cite news |last1=Hurihanganui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=Court of Appeal rules in favour of Waitangi Tribunal summons |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/13/court-of-appeal-rules-in-favour-of-waitangi-tribunal-summons/ |access-date=13 May 2024 |work=1News |date=13 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513065712/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/13/court-of-appeal-rules-in-favour-of-waitangi-tribunal-summons/ |archive-date=13 May 2024|url-status=live}} On 15 May, the Waitangi Tribunal heard testimony from University of Auckland Māori Studies Professor Margaret Mutu, who argued that ACT's Co-Government Policy Paper misinterpreted the Treaty of Waitangi. In addition, Northland iwi Ngāti Kahu submitted a letter to King Charles III, calling on him to stop what they called a "violent attack" on the Treaty.{{cite news |last1=mcCaull |first1=Ashleigh |title=Ngāti Kahu pen letter to King Charles over Te Tiriti O Waitangi |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/ngati-kahu-pen-letter-to-king-charles-over-te-tiriti-o-waitangi/U73UBAK2ZBB4DIVMX7PVVJNSLM/ |access-date=16 May 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515120233/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/ngati-kahu-pen-letter-to-king-charles-over-te-tiriti-o-waitangi/U73UBAK2ZBB4DIVMX7PVVJNSLM/ |archive-date=15 May 2024|url-status=live}} That same day, several Māori health providers including Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, the Ngāti Hine Health Trust, Te Kohao Health and Papakura Marae challenged the Government's decision to abolish the Māori Health Authority in the High Court, alleging breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.{{cite news |last1=Hurihanganui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=Challenge mounted to Govt's moves on Māori health agency |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/15/challenge-mounted-to-govts-moves-on-maori-health-agency/?s=03 |access-date=19 May 2024 |work=1News |date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515082936/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/15/challenge-mounted-to-govts-moves-on-maori-health-agency/ |archive-date=15 May 2024}} On 17 May, the Tribunal ruled that the Government's plans to reinstate referenda requirements for Māori wards violated the Treaty.{{cite news |title=Government plans for Māori wards breach The Treaty of Waitangi -Tribunal |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/517109/government-plans-for-maori-wards-breach-the-treaty-of-waitangi-tribunal |access-date=18 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517095150/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/517109/government-plans-for-maori-wards-breach-the-treaty-of-waitangi-tribunal |archive-date=17 May 2024|url-status=live}}

In late May 2024, Te Pāti Māori and the Toitu Te Tiriti movement called for a nationwide day of protest known as "Toitū Te Tiriti National Day of Action" timed to coincide with the release of the 2024 New Zealand budget on 30 May. The protest was in opposition to the Government's perceived assault on Tangata whenua (indigenous status of Māori) and the Treaty of Waitangi. The party urged all Māori to strike and attend hīkoi (protests) and "car-koi" activation rallies near their location.{{cite news |last1=Ruru |first1=Karanama |title=Māori, allies encouraged to go on strike as part of second 'nationwide activation' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350291630/maori-allies-encouraged-go-strike-part-second-nationwide-activation |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=Stuff |date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527083228/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350291630/maori-allies-encouraged-go-strike-part-second-nationwide-activation |archive-date=27 May 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Maher |first1=Rachel |title=Te Pāti Māori protest plans to cause major disruptions on Thursday |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-pati-maori-protest-plans-to-cause-major-traffic-disruptions-on-thursday/6MCP5V726FGCNFLB53I6PMQBR4/ |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527234836/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-pati-maori-protest-plans-to-cause-major-traffic-disruptions-on-thursday/6MCP5V726FGCNFLB53I6PMQBR4/ |archive-date=27 May 2024|url-status=live}} Te Pāti Māori claimed that 100,000 people attended their protest events and advocated the establishment of a Māori parliament.{{cite news |last1=Paterson |first1=Te Aniwaniwa |title=Te Pāti Māori issues declaration to set up a Māori parliament |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/05/30/te-pati-maori-issues-declaration-to-set-up-a-maori-parliament/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Whakaata Māori |date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530220121/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/05/30/te-pati-maori-issues-declaration-to-set-up-a-maori-parliament/ |archive-date=30 May 2024}}

In late May 2024, the Hawke's Bay iwi (tribe) Ngāti Kahungunu organised a second national hui of unity at Omāhu Marae near Hastings.{{cite news |last1=Rolleston |first1=Te Aorewa |title=Explained: What to expect at the second national hui for unity |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350293620/explained-what-expect-second-national-hui-unity |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=Stuff |date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530011144/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350293620/explained-what-expect-second-national-hui-unity |archive-date=30 May 2024}} Kotahitanga (unity or solidarity) was the main theme of the second hui, which was attended by hundreds of people. Notable participants included Māori King Tūheitia Paki, Rātana Church tumuaki (leader) Manuao Te Kohamutunga Tamou, Māori Battalion veteran Sir Robert 'Bom' Gillies, Ngāti Kahungunu chairperson Bayden Barber,Ngāti Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik, lawyer Annette Sykes, Member for Ikaroa-Rawhiti Cushla Tangaere-Manuel and Green MP Huhana Lyndon. Barber outlined plans for a Māori parliament while Modlik released his plan for a Federation of Māori Tribes.{{cite news |last1=Natanahira |first1=Tuwhenuaroa |title=Māori parliament workings discussed at Hui Ā Motu second phase |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/518351/maori-parliament-workings-discussed-at-hui-a-motu-second-phase |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531102832/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/518351/maori-parliament-workings-discussed-at-hui-a-motu-second-phase |archive-date=31 May 2024|url-status=live}}

On 6 June, 1News reported that Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell had sought cabinet approval to scrap several Treaty of Waitangi provisions from the proposed Corrections Amendment Bill, which would have compelled the Department of Corrections to improve Māori outcomes in the prison system. Key provisions included equitable rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes for Māori, giving Māori prisoners access to cultural activities and consulting with whānau (family), hapū (sub-groups) and iwi on decisions made about prisoners. This legislation had been introduced by the previous Labour Government, with Māori and iwi experts being involved in the development of the provisions. Green Party justice spokesperson Tamatha Paul defended the provisions and criticised the high Māori incarceration rate as an abuse of the Treaty. In response, Mitchell defended the Corrections Department's engagement with Māori families and hapū.{{cite news |last1=Hurihanganui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=Treaty provisions set to be scrapped from Corrections Amendment Bill |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/06/treaty-provisions-set-to-be-scrapped-from-corrections-amendment-bill/ |access-date=9 June 2024 |work=1News |date=6 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609220338/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/06/treaty-provisions-set-to-be-scrapped-from-corrections-amendment-bill/ |archive-date=9 June 2024 |url-status=bot: unknown }}

On 25 July, Justice Minister Goldsmith confirmed that the Government would amend section 58 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 to require those seeking Customary Marine Title to prove they had continual exclusive use and ownership of the area since 1840. This law change disregarded a 2023 Court of Appeal ruling which lowered the threshold for proving customary marine title claims. This proposed amendment was also part of National's coalition agreement with NZ First.{{cite news |title=Customary Marine Title: Government to overturn Court of Appeal precedent |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/523143/customary-marine-title-government-to-overturn-court-of-appeal-precedent |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727075032/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/523143/customary-marine-title-government-to-overturn-court-of-appeal-precedent |archive-date=27 July 2024}} In response, Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris accused the Government of taking away Māori rights and warned that the Government should expect protests.{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title='Fireworks ahead': Te Pāti Māori expect pusback over seabed and foreshore change |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350355794/fireworks-ahead-te-pati-maori-expect-pusback-over-seabed-and-foreshore-change |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=Stuff |date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725154014/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350355794/fireworks-ahead-te-pati-maori-expect-pusback-over-seabed-and-foreshore-change |archive-date=25 July 2024|url-status=live}} The Government's legislation reinstating referenda for Māori wards and constituencies in local councils drew criticism from opposition parties including Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, who described it as an attempt to silence Māori and an "assault" on the Treaty of Waitangi.{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=Legislation requiring local councils to hold polls on Māori wards passes in Parliament |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/legislation-requiring-local-councils-to-hold-polls-on-maori-wards-passes-in-parliament/AWUG6M36OBECNGE5PSMUEOVMOU/ |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730104903/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/legislation-requiring-local-councils-to-hold-polls-on-maori-wards-passes-in-parliament/AWUG6M36OBECNGE5PSMUEOVMOU/ |archive-date=30 July 2024|url-status=live}}

On 2 August, leaders of the Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manuhiri and Te Roroa tribes walked out of an Iwi Chairs Forum meeting with several government ministers including Luxon to protest several perceived anti-Māori government policies including the rollback of the Māori Health Authority and Māori wards and constituencies, plans to overturn a 2023 Court of Appeal judgement which lowered the threshold for marine title claims, the proposed removal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and the forthcoming Treaty Principles Bill.{{cite news |last1=Gunson |first1=Isaac |last2=Harawira |first2=Tumamao |title=Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manuhiri walk out of Iwi Chairs Forum hui with ministers |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/08/02/ngapuhi-ngati-manuhiri-walk-out-of-iwi-chairs-forum-hui-with-ministers/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Whakaata Māori |date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803031551/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/08/02/ngapuhi-ngati-manuhiri-walk-out-of-iwi-chairs-forum-hui-with-ministers/ |archive-date=3 August 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Hurihanganui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=Ngāpuhi leaders walk out of iwi chairs session with Govt |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/08/02/ngapuhi-leaders-walk-out-of-iwi-chairs-session-with-govt/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=2 August 2024}}

On 20 August, a 1News-Verian poll found that 46% of voters believed that racial tensions in New Zealand had worsened as a result of the Coalition government's policies. By contrast, 37% said there had been no difference, 10% said that tensions had reduced, and 7% said that they did not know. The poll surveyed 1,001 voters between 10 and 14 August 2024. It was released on the same day that Prime Minister Luxon and other senior ministers attended Māori King Tūheitia Paki's coronation anniversary celebrations. In response to the survey, Luxon said that the 2024 survey's results were little different from a similar 2023 survey which found that 43% of respondents thought racial tensions in New Zealand had worsened. Luxon reiterated that his Government was interested in improving outcomes for both Māori and non-Māori children.{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title=Nearly half of New Zealanders say government policies increasing racial tensions, poll finds |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/20/new-zealand-1news-verian-poll-racial-tension |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821020613/https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/20/new-zealand-1news-verian-poll-racial-tension |archive-date=21 August 2024|url-status=live}}

In late September 2024, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced that the Government would divert NZ$30 million from the Te Ahu o te Reo Māori teacher training programme to revamp the mathematics curriculum. Flat Bush Primary principal Banapa Avatea and Post Primary Teachers' Association president Chris Abercrombie described the Government's decision as "disappointing and short-sighted" and undermining efforts to improve Māori language and cultural competence among teachers. Te Pāti Māori condemned the decision, saying that the Government would risk "the wrath of a million Mori."{{cite news |last1=Maher |first1=Rachel |title=Te Pāti Māori warns Govt of 'million Māori' wrath over $30m cut to Te Ahu o te reo Māori programme |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/education/south-auckland-principal-unions-slam-30m-cut-to-te-ahu-o-te-reo-maori-programme/WXODXFTPCRHOHJLU6GBVAZAMGM/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926153728/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/education/south-auckland-principal-unions-slam-30m-cut-to-te-ahu-o-te-reo-maori-programme/WXODXFTPCRHOHJLU6GBVAZAMGM/ |archive-date=26 September 2024|url-status=live}} Stanford stated "an evaluation of the programme found no evidence it directly impacted progress and achievement for students", along with prime minister Luxon calling it a "crisis" and a "total system failure".{{cite news |title=$30m cut from te reo Māori programme to boost maths curriculum |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/education/education-minister-erica-stanford-reveals-30m-cut-to-te-reo-maori-funding-to-boost-maths-curriculum/65A27XEF6BBPXDS3GQR7HVKNWI/ |access-date=28 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=27 September 2024 |language=en-NZ}}

In mid-November 2024, the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti protests occurred in response to the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill.{{cite news |title=How the world reacted to Hīkoi mō te Tiriti at Parliament |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/11/19/how-the-world-reacted-to-hikoi-mo-te-tiriti-at-parliament/ |access-date=20 November 2024 |work=1News |date=19 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119091421/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/11/19/how-the-world-reacted-to-hikoi-mo-te-tiriti-at-parliament/ |archive-date=19 November 2024}} In late November, the Waitangi Tribunal found that the Crown had breached the Treaty of Waitangi by diestablishing Te Aka Whai Ora. It urged the Government to reconsider re-establishing a stand-alone Māori health authority and consult with Māori.{{cite news |last1=Los'e |first1=Joseph |title=Waitangi Tribunal: Crown breached Te Tiriti o Waitangi in scrapping Te Aka Whai Ora – the Māori Health Authority |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/waitangi-tribunal-crown-breached-te-tiriti-o-waitangi-in-scrapping-of-te-aka-whai-ora-the-maori-health-authority/Z2NV7CPPPJHP3NC4L232YHOQXY/ |access-date=2 December 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129040315/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/waitangi-tribunal-crown-breached-te-tiriti-o-waitangi-in-scrapping-of-te-aka-whai-ora-the-maori-health-authority/Z2NV7CPPPJHP3NC4L232YHOQXY/ |archive-date=29 November 2024}} On 11 December the National Iwi Chairs Forum, a collective body representing over 80 tribal leaders, issued an open letter to King Charles III requesting that he intervene to address the New Zealand Crown's alleged breaches of promises made to Māori under the Treaty.{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title=Māori tribes make rare plea to King Charles for intervention in New Zealand politics |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/11/new-zealand-maori-tribes-letter-king-charles-treaty-of-waitangi |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=11 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216025000/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/11/new-zealand-maori-tribes-letter-king-charles-treaty-of-waitangi |archive-date=16 December 2024}}

On 5 December 2024, the Government ended a pilot programme that would lower the bowel screening eligibility age for Māori and Pasifika individuals from 60 to 50 years. This decision was described as "devastating" to Māori health outcomes by the Māori Cancer Leadership Network, Waikato District Māori ward councillor Tilly Turner and Māori cancer health advocacy organisation "Hei Āhuru Mōwai" Gary Thompson.{{cite news |last1=Afemata |first1=Mary |title=Govt ends pilot programme for Māori and Pacific, sparking outrage |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/537272/govt-ends-pilot-programme-for-maori-and-pacific-sparking-outrage |access-date=6 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231231328/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/537272/govt-ends-pilot-programme-for-maori-and-pacific-sparking-outrage |archive-date=31 December 2024|url-status=live}} On 6 March, the Government reallocated funding from the cancelled program to lowering the bowel screening age for all New Zealanders from 60 to 58 years.

During the lead-up to the 2025 Waitangi Day, several Māori leaders and a group of Ngāpuhi women turned their backs on government ministers speaking at Waitangi. David Seymour had his microphone taken from him twice by Ngāti Wai leader Aperahama Edwards, who said that Seymour had been told not to speak at Waitangi and expressed opposition to his Treaty Principles Bill. In response, National Party minister Paul Goldsmith expressed disappointment while NZ First minister Shane Jones threatened to withdraw funding from the Waitangi National Trust.{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title=Māori protesters turn their backs on government ministers at Waitangi Day event |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/05/maori-protesters-turn-backs-waitangi-day-event-act-party-david-seymour-ntwnfb |access-date=8 February 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=5 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208120438/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/05/maori-protesters-turn-backs-waitangi-day-event-act-party-david-seymour-ntwnfb |archive-date=8 February 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |last2=Gabel |first2=Julia |last3=Fisher |first3=David |title=Minister Shane Jones threatens to stop funding for Waitangi National Trust after pōwhiri 'circus' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/minister-shane-jones-threatens-to-stop-funding-for-waitangi-national-trust-after-powhiri-circus/YHVPCSX63ZC6BAPSLPNEMKI4F4/ |access-date=8 February 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=5 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208120902/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/minister-shane-jones-threatens-to-stop-funding-for-waitangi-national-trust-after-powhiri-circus/YHVPCSX63ZC6BAPSLPNEMKI4F4/ |archive-date=8 February 2025}}

Following pressure by the ACT party, ACC Minister Scott Simpson instructed the Accident Compensation Corporation on 8 May 2025 to scrap Māori and Pasifika health targets in its new workplace injury proposal. Simpson had previously supported the tender, citing the high level of workplace injuries among these ethnic groups. ACT MP Laura McClure had objected to the ethnic health targets on the grounds they contradicted a government directive that public health services should be based on need rather than race.{{cite news |last1=Hanly |first1=Lilian |title=ACC backs down over Māori, Pasifika injury targets after ACT pressure |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560339/acc-backs-down-over-maori-pasifika-injury-targets-after-act-pressure |access-date=9 May 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250508005758/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560339/acc-backs-down-over-maori-pasifika-injury-targets-after-act-pressure |archive-date=8 May 2025 |url-status=live}} That same day, Regulation Minister David Seymour confirmed that the Government would pass legislation removing a legal requirement for early childhood centres to promote children's culture including recognising Māori as tangata whenua ("people of the land)" and teaching about the Treaty of Waitangi. Seymour said that the changes were meant to "streamline" operational requirements and reduce the regulatory burden on kindergartens. In response several Māori educators including Penina Ria and Zane McCarthy said the Government's changes would reverse hard-fought gains made by Māori and amounted to colonisation. Similar, Green MP and early childhood education spokesperson Benjamin Doyle said the policy shift "prioritised corporate greed and profit over public good and well-being."{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Ella |title=The small regulatory shift that could have big impacts on mokopuna Māori |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/560288/the-small-regulatory-shift-that-could-have-big-impacts-on-mokopuna-maori |access-date=9 May 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250509001523/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/560288/the-small-regulatory-shift-that-could-have-big-impacts-on-mokopuna-maori|archive-date=9 May 2025|url-status=live}}

On 7 June 2025, the Tertiary Education Commission confirmed it would remove extra funding for Māori and Pasifika enrolments in vocational courses and reduce funding for workplace training. The Government will continue funding for disabled students and those with low prior educational achievement.{{cite news |last1=Gerritsen |first1=John |title=Māori, Pacific removed from extra education funding priorities |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/563402/maori-pacific-removed-from-extra-education-funding-priorities |access-date=8 June 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607173332/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/563402/maori-pacific-removed-from-extra-education-funding-priorities |archive-date=7 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

As part of budgetary cutting measures, the Government had asked the public service in 2024 to find savings of NZ$1.5 billion through job cuts. Affected departments and agencies have included the Department of Conservation, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and Crown Law Office.{{cite news |title=DOC proposes cutting 130 roles to meet Govt demand for savings |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/10/doc-proposes-cutting-130-roles-to-meet-govt-demand-for-savings/ |access-date=12 April 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410224843/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/10/doc-proposes-cutting-130-roles-to-meet-govt-demand-for-savings/ |archive-date=10 April 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Ruth |title=Cuts at MBIE double in size to 286 roles, Culture and Heritage announces jobs to go |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/513977/cuts-at-mbie-double-in-size-to-286-roles-culture-and-heritage-announces-jobs-to-go |access-date=12 April 2024 |work=RNZ |date=11 April 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Howell |first1=Azaria |title=Public sector cuts: Ministry for Culture and Heritage confirms job cutting proposal |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/public-sector-cuts-ministry-for-culture-and-heritage-proposing-to-cut-18-per-cent-of-staff/XID52KRNMBD5XLQVYTLHTBZ4OM/ |access-date=12 April 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412133739/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/public-sector-cuts-ministry-for-culture-and-heritage-proposing-to-cut-18-per-cent-of-staff/XID52KRNMBD5XLQVYTLHTBZ4OM/ |archive-date=12 April 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Howell |first1=Azaria |title=Public sector job cuts: 28 Tertiary Education Commission redundancies mostly women; Crown law to slash roles|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/public-sector-job-cuts-28-redundancies-at-tertiary-education-commission-mostly-women-crown-law-details-revealed/LJUZC5TZ7BD5RNOYTBKHO3QNJE/ |access-date=12 April 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411042314/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/public-sector-job-cuts-28-redundancies-at-tertiary-education-commission-mostly-women-crown-law-details-revealed/LJUZC5TZ7BD5RNOYTBKHO3QNJE/ |archive-date=11 April 2024}} By 10 April 1News reported that 1,275 public sector jobs had been lost, including 366 actual redundancies and 909 proposed redundancies. RNZ reported 1,959 redundancies and vacancies, citing ministerial and Public Service Association (PSA) statements. On 11 April the PSA national secretary Kerry Davies expressed concern that women were disproportionately represented in the 28 redundancies at the TEC. By 19 April public sector job cuts had reached 3,042.{{Cite news |date=19 April 2024 |title=How many public sector roles are going, and from where? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513456/how-many-public-sector-roles-are-going-and-from-where |access-date=2024-04-19 |work=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523100926/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513456/how-many-public-sector-roles-are-going-and-from-where|archive-date=23 May 2024|url-status=live}} Minister for Regulation David Seymour previously indicated the number of layoffs could eventually hit 7,500.{{Cite web |date=28 November 2023 |title=Cuts loom large as Christopher Luxon government targets the economy |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503398/cuts-loom-large-as-christopher-luxon-government-targets-the-economy |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=RNZ |language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518072010/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503398/cuts-loom-large-as-christopher-luxon-government-targets-the-economy|archive-date=18 May 2024|url-status=live}}

By 2 May the total number of public sector job cuts had reached 3,745, and all Stats NZ staff had been offered voluntary redundancy, according to the Public Service Association.{{Cite news |date=2 May 2024 |title=Public sector job cuts: All Stats NZ staff offered voluntary redundancies |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/515756/public-sector-job-cuts-all-stats-nz-staff-offered-voluntary-redundancies |access-date=2 May 2024 |work=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509010013/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/515756/public-sector-job-cuts-all-stats-nz-staff-offered-voluntary-redundancies|archive-date=9 May 2024|url-status=live}} By 23 May, the total number of public sector job cuts had reached 4,975.{{cite news |title=Ministry of Social Development job losses top 700 after more cuts announced |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/517627/ministry-of-social-development-job-losses-top-700-after-more-cuts-announced |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=RNZ |date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523064440/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/517627/ministry-of-social-development-job-losses-top-700-after-more-cuts-announced |archive-date=23 May 2024|url-status=live}}

On 18 July the Employment Relations Authority ruled in favour of the Public Service Association's challenge against the Ministry of Education for cutting nearly 600 jobs. The Authority ruled that the Ministry should have consulted the union over the job cuts.{{cite news |last1=Gerritsen |first1=John |title=PSA claims win over Ministry of Education job layoffs |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/07/18/psa-claims-win-over-ministry-of-education-job-layoffs/ |access-date=21 July 2024 |work=1News |date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718101927/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/07/18/psa-claims-win-over-ministry-of-education-job-layoffs/ |archive-date=18 July 2024}}

By 3 December there had been 9,250 job cuts across the public sector in line with the Government's directive for government departments and agencies to find cost savings of either 6.5% or 7.5%. The top ten affected departments and agencies were Health New Zealand (2,042), Ministry of Social Development (941), Ministry of Education (755), Department of Internal Affairs (672), Kāinga Ora (540), Oranga Tamariki (419), Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (402), Ministry for Primary Industries (391), New Zealand Police (373 non-police officers) and the Accident Compensation Corporation (300).{{cite news |title=How many public sector roles are going, and from where? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524904/how-many-public-sector-roles-are-going-and-from-where |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=RNZ |date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211163004/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524904/how-many-public-sector-roles-are-going-and-from-where |archive-date=11 December 2024|url-status=live}} By 28 May 2025, this figure has risen to 9,520 due to job layoffs at smaller agencies such as AgResearch, GNS Science and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).{{cite news |title=How many public sector roles are going, and from where? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524904/how-many-public-sector-roles-are-going-and-from-where |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527191614/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524904/how-many-public-sector-roles-are-going-and-from-where |archive-date=27 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

In early December 2024, the New Zealand Defence Force confirmed that it was planning to cut NZ$50 million from its wage bill and to layoff staff due to rising costs, restructuring and the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui.{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title=Defence planning cuts as minister warns of 'not happy times' in the Pacific |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360508343/defence-planning-cuts-minister-warns-not-happy-times-pacific |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=Stuff |date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205122059/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360508343/defence-planning-cuts-minister-warns-not-happy-times-pacific |archive-date=5 December 2024|url-status=live}}

As part of National's coalition agreement with New Zealand First, the Government has committed to removing gender, sexuality and relationship-based guidelines from the education curriculum with a stated goal of refocusing the education curriculum on "academic achievement" rather than "ideology". These guidelines had been developed by a team led by University of Auckland education professor Katie Fitzpatrick and introduced in 2020 by then NZ First MP and Associate Education Minister Tracey Martin. These guidelines consisted of two documents for primary and secondary pupils, and focused on teaching young people how to handle social media, pornography and sexual content online.{{cite news |last1=Huston |first1=Jemina |title=Axing sexuality, relationship education guidelines would be 'huge mistake' warns co-writer |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503418/axing-sexuality-relationship-education-guidelines-would-be-huge-mistake-warns-co-writer |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240110083559/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503418/axing-sexuality-relationship-education-guidelines-would-be-huge-mistake-warns-co-writer |archive-date=10 January 2024}}{{cite news |title=Govt's plan to axe sex, gender guidelines in schools 'concerning' |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/28/govts-plan-to-axe-sex-gender-guidelines-in-schools-concerning/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=1News |date=28 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231231230824/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/28/govts-plan-to-axe-sex-gender-guidelines-in-schools-concerning/ |archive-date=31 December 2023}} Education Minister Erica Stanford stated that the Government was committed to rewriting sex education-related guidelines due to concerns from parents regarding their "age-appropriateness" as part of the National-NZ First coalition agreement.{{cite news |last1=Tyson |first1=Jessica |title=Removing and replacing relationship education a step backwards in ending sexual violence, say experts |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/removing-and-replacing-relationship-education-a-step-backward-in-ending-sexual-violence-experts/3ZHBWQZC2FGJRKEH4IE2C5XOLA/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=1 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231225010451/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/removing-and-replacing-relationship-education-a-step-backward-in-ending-sexual-violence-experts/3ZHBWQZC2FGJRKEH4IE2C5XOLA/ |archive-date=25 December 2023}}

Several educators including Fitzpatrick, sexual harm prevention expert and Ngā Kaitiaki Mauri Taumata TOAH-NNEST representative Russell Smith, and Post Primary Teachers' Association acting president Chris Abercrombie expressed concerns about the implications of the Government's plans to remove sex education-related guidelines for young people. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson accused the Government of appealing to what she described as "a small very conservative section of the community who are up in arms about this being taught in schools." Cambridge Middle School Principal Daryl Gibbs stated there were some "grey areas" in the relationships and sexuality education guidelines that needed clarification but expressed concerns that eliminating them would alienate or isolate some sectors of the community.

By contrast, Emeritus Professor Sue Middleton supported replacing the guidelines since she disagreed with their definition that gender could be understood as "a continuum of masculinities and femininities" and that a person's gender is "not fixed or immutable." Middleton has argued that gender is not a matter of identity but rather biological sex. Deputy Prime Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters defended plans to revise the guidelines, stating that parents had a "right to know what their child is being taught before, not after, the event and the replacement of current guidelines is about transparency."

On 10 December 2024, Education Minister Erica Stanford confirmed that the Government would revise the sex education curriculum after a critical Education Review Office report identified inconsistensies in schools' sex education teaching. The Government had last revised the sex education curriculum 20 years ago.{{cite news |title=Sex education curriculum to be reviewed after critical report |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536204/sex-education-curriculum-to-be-reviewed-after-critical-report |access-date=12 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=10 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225041814/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536204/sex-education-curriculum-to-be-reviewed-after-critical-report |archive-date=25 December 2024|url-status=live}}

In mid-March 2025, The Spinoff and 1News reported that Ministry of Education removed the relationship and sex education guidelines from its website in mid-February in line with the approach endorsed by Cabinet.{{cite news |last1=Casey |first1=Alex |title=Schools 'in limbo' after removal of relationship and sexuality guidelines |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-03-2025/schools-in-limbo-after-removal-of-relationship-and-sexuality-guidelines |access-date=16 April 2025 |work=The Spinoff |date=14 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402223706/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-03-2025/schools-in-limbo-after-removal-of-relationship-and-sexuality-guidelines |archive-date=2 April 2025}}{{cite news |title=Relationship and sex ed guidelines removed by Education Ministry |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/13/relationship-and-sex-ed-guidelines-removed-from-education-ministry-website/ |access-date=16 April 2025 |work=1News |date=13 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313002833/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/13/relationship-and-sex-ed-guidelines-removed-from-education-ministry-website/ |archive-date=13 March 2025}} The removal of these guidelines was criticised by Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa director health promotion Fiona McNamara, Haeata Community Campus health teacher Carolyn Leeson and the New Zealand Education Institute for causing confusion to the sex education curriculum. On 15 April 2025, the Government began consulting on a new draft curriculum for relationships and sexuality education in schools.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Consultation starts on new draft sexuality education framework |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558126/consultation-starts-on-new-draft-sexuality-education-framework |access-date=16 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=15 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414093300/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558126/consultation-starts-on-new-draft-sexuality-education-framework |archive-date=14 April 2025}}

During the 2023 New Zealand general election, the National Party campaigned on reversing the previous Sixth Labour Government's "blanket" speed limit reductions.{{cite news |last1=Moayyed |first1=Mava |title='Risky, expensive and confusing' – councils challenge government's proposed speed limit changes |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/07/risky-expensive-and-confusing-councils-challenge-governments-proposed-speed-limit-changes/ |access-date=17 September 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914151601/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/07/risky-expensive-and-confusing-councils-challenge-governments-proposed-speed-limit-changes/ |archive-date=14 September 2024}} In July 2019, the Labour-led coalition government had released its "Road to Zero" 2020–2030 road safety strategy, which was modelled after the global Vision Zero movement. The Road to Zero strategy aimed to reduce road deaths by 40% by 2030 through reducing speed limits and installing more road safety features such as roundabouts and median barriers.{{cite news |last1=Sharpe |first1=Marty |title=New strategy aims to reduce number of road deaths by 40 per cent |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/114269306/new-strategy-aims-to-reduce-number-of-road-deaths-by-40-per-cent |access-date=17 September 2024 |work=Stuff |date=17 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513173829/https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/114269306/new-strategy-aims-to-reduce-number-of-road-deaths-by-40-per-cent |archive-date=13 May 2022|url-status=live}} This policy was adopted in 2020. By February 2022, Waka Kotahi had announced a review of speed limits and imposed stricter speed limit rules would be implemented around schools.{{cite news |last1=Strang |first1=Ben |title=Speed limit review planned as Waka Kotahi and police launch Road to Zero safety campaign |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/127862114/speed-limit-review-planned-as-waka-kotahi-and-police-launch-road-to-zero-safety-campaign |access-date=17 September 2024 |work=Stuff |date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915021732/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/127862114/speed-limit-review-planned-as-waka-kotahi-and-police-launch-road-to-zero-safety-campaign |archive-date=15 September 2024}}

In March 2024, the National Government confirmed that it would be fulfilling its pre-election promise of reversing speed limit reductions. Its proposed new rules include raising 30 km/h limits back to 50 km/h, 80 km/h limits back 100 km/h and allowing maximum speed limits of 120 km/h on some roads. All school zones would have a variable speed limit of 30 km/h during drop-off and pick up times instead of a constant 30 km/h limit. Speed limit changes would require a cost benefit analysis that considers both safety and "economic impacts." Transport Minister Simeon Brown said that the public was dissatisfied with the previous Labour Government's speed limits reductions and that the National Government would adopt a more balanced approach. In response, several local councils, academics, health professionals and safety experts including the Horowhenua District Council, Timaru District Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, Global Road Safety Partnership CEO David Cliff and University of Canterbury Professor Simon Kingham expressed concern that reversing speed limit reductions would lead to increased road fatalities, safety risks and pollution.{{cite news |title=Experts oppose speed limits increase |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528126/experts-oppose-speed-limits-increase |access-date=17 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916135408/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528126/experts-oppose-speed-limits-increase |archive-date=16 September 2024|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Transgender people in sports}}

On 21 December 2023, The New Zealand Herald reported that the Government was threatening to withhold public funding from sporting bodies if they did not comply with a policy to "ensure publicly funded sporting bodies support fair competition that is not compromised by rules relating to gender." This policy was promoted by New Zealand First, whose sports and recreation spokesperson Andy Foster said would promote fairness and safety for female athletes. Transgender athlete and national champion mountain biker Kate Weatherly claimed that the Government's new policy would force transgender women to compete in men's competitions or be sidelined completely.{{cite news |last1=Napier |first1=Liam |title=Transgender athletes could be banned from publicly funded women's sport under new Government policy |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/governments-tough-stance-on-transgender-sports-sparks-controversy/SUOGZO7QZBEJJDD267U4K7DXVA/ |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=21 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231221145923/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/governments-tough-stance-on-transgender-sports-sparks-controversy/SUOGZO7QZBEJJDD267U4K7DXVA/ |archive-date=21 December 2023}}

During the 2023 election, NZ First had campaigned about transgender people in bathrooms and sports; which included introducing legislation requiring public bodies to have "clearly demarcated" unisex and single-sex toilets, restricting toilet access to individuals from the opposite sex, and requiring sporting bodies to have an "exclusive biological female category."{{cite news|last=Desmarais |first=Felix|url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/08/17/luxon-says-nz-first-transgender-bathrooms-policy-on-another-planet/|title=Luxon says NZ First transgender bathrooms policy 'on another planet'|date=17 August 2023|accessdate=22 December 2023|work=1News|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230819071257/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/08/17/luxon-says-nz-first-transgender-bathrooms-policy-on-another-planet/|archive-date=19 August 2023|url-status=live}}

On 9 October 2024, Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop directed national sporting body Sport New Zealand to review and update its 2022 Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport. He said that the Guiding Principles were supposed to be voluntary rather than mandatory in accordance with the National-NZ First coalition agreement which "committed the Government to ensure that publicly funded sporting bodies support fair competition that is not compromised by rules relating to gender."{{cite web |last1=Bishop |first1=Chris |title=Sport NZ asked to update Transgender Inclusion Guiding Principles |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sport-nz-asked-update-transgender-inclusion-guiding-principles |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=22 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009152657/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sport-nz-asked-update-transgender-inclusion-guiding-principles |archive-date=9 October 2024 |date=9 October 2024 |url-status=live}}

As part of National's coalition agreement with ACT, the Government restored "no-cause" evictions, reducing the notice period that tenants and landlords have to give for moving or selling property, gradually reintroducing mortgage interest deductibility on rental properties and establishing pet bonds for renters. While Renters' United criticised the Government for favouring landlords over tenants, the Property Investors Federation welcomed the new policies for alleviating the pressure on landlords, and stopping "tenants' tax".{{cite news |last1=Blackwell |first1=Finn |title=New proposed tenancy policies put renters against landlords |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503261/new-proposed-tenancy-policies-put-renters-against-landlords |access-date=30 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=26 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231128180836/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503261/new-proposed-tenancy-policies-put-renters-against-landlords |archive-date=28 November 2023|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, Greyhound as Pets (GAP) NZ spokesperson Daniel Bohan welcomed the introduction of a pet bond, saying that it would make it easier for tenants to own pets.{{cite news |last1=Dunn |first1=Jordan |title='Tenants who have pets often stay' – greyhound rehomers |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/505922/tenants-who-have-pets-often-stay-greyhound-rehomers |access-date=3 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=2 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240102032437/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/505922/tenants-who-have-pets-often-stay-greyhound-rehomers |archive-date=2 January 2024|url-status=live}}

On 15 March 2024, the New Zealand Free Speech Union (FSU) criticised the Government's repeated use of "urgency" in passing legislation during its first 100 days in power. The Government had passed 14 laws under urgency over a period of 17 weeks compared with average of 10 across a whole term. The FSU advised that bills passed under urgency get less scrutiny from MPs and the public, and can become law without going through the full Select Committee process. They also wrote that the Government was not mandated explicitly to pass legislation which was not included in the policy manifestos of any of the three governing parties. In response, Leader of the House Chris Bishop criticised the FSU's assertion that the frequent use of parliamentary urgency amounted to a free speech issue and cancelled his Free Speech Union membership.{{Cite news |last1=Doyle|first1=Trent |title=National's Chris Bishop blasts letter from Free Speech Union, asks to 'cancel my membership' |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/03/national-s-chris-bishop-blasts-letter-from-free-speech-union-asks-to-cancel-my-membership.html |access-date=2024-03-15 |work=Newshub |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315002635/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/03/national-s-chris-bishop-blasts-letter-from-free-speech-union-asks-to-cancel-my-membership.html|archive-date=15 March 2024|url-status=dead}}

In May 2025, the Coalition government passed the Pay Equity Amendment Act 2025 under urgency. The Act raises the threshold for making pay equity claims, which critics say will make it significantly harder for women in female-dominated industries to bring forward and succeed in such claims. It extinguishes 33 active pay equity claims disregarding extensive work already invested by advocates, experts, and affected workers, particularly in sectors like health, education, and social services.{{cite web |last1=McGregor |first1=Catherine |title=‘Dark day for NZ women’ as pay equity regime gutted under urgency |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/07-05-2025/dark-day-for-nz-women-as-pay-equity-regime-gutted-under-urgency |publisher=The Spinoff |access-date=8 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522122829/https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/07-05-2025/dark-day-for-nz-women-as-pay-equity-regime-gutted-under-urgency |archive-date=22 May 2025 |date=7 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

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Category:2023 establishments in New Zealand

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National 6

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