Budget 2026 is part of our wider plan to fix the basics and build the future in a more uncertain world.

We know many New Zealanders are still under pressure and worried about affordability. We know people are frustrated about that. We also know New Zealand cannot simply borrow and spend its way out of every challenge, especially when the world is becoming more unstable. Our focus is on a long-term plan that gets New Zealand back on track, rebuilds confidence and makes the country more resilient.

National is fixing the basics and building the future by:

1. Growing the economy to create jobs and boost wages.

2. Keeping taxes low so you keep more of what you earn.

3. Cracking down on crime to make our streets safer.

4. Improving education and health so kids are taught the basics brilliantly and you get care when you need it.

Read our full plan here

We know this work takes time, but in a volatile world New Zealand needs a steady and disciplined plan, not more reckless spending, borrowing and short-term politics.

Strong economic management

Budget 2026 shows that despite the global fuel crisis New Zealand’s economy is set to grow on average 2.7 per cent a year over next four years, creating 220,000 jobs. Wages are expected to grow faster than inflation.

It shows that Government borrowing has reduced by $6 billion and that New Zealand is on track to return to surplus in 2028/29, a year earlier than previously forecast.

It also shows $50 billions of savings across three Budgets, which has been redirected into the front line services Kiwis need and into keeping taxes low.

Investing in what matters most

Budget 2026 is focused on investing in new schools, roads and hospitals; implementing the new planning system to replace the broken RMA; investing in new trade networks to ensure New Zealand’s exports continue to grow and more jobs are created at home; and putting more money back into regional New Zealand.

In Budget 2026 we are:

• Improving New Zealand’s energy security to lower your bills by supporting Genesis to accelerate renewable energy projects and improve backup generation and are helping businesses transition away from gas.
• Cracking down on crime to make our streets safer by investing in front line Police and Corrections officers, more prison capacity and new initiatives to combat drug smuggling and transnational crime.
• Investing in young Kiwis’ futures with more education funding for new maths, reading and writing resources; implementing a new national qualification to replace NCEA; doubling the number of Trades Training Academy places to help more young people access training opportunities; and providing more Youth Guarantee places to provide wrap around support for young people with no, or low, qualifications.
• Investing in frontline health services so all New Zealanders can get timely medical care, including implementing three-day post-natal stays so new mums can get the support they need; more palliative care centres for seriously ill children; more funding for medicines; and lowering the bowel screening age to 56 so more Kiwis can get screened.
• Providing timely targeted and temporary support to those who need it most during the fuel crisis with careful choices that are affordable not just today, but for future generations.

Read all Budget 2026 announcements here