It’s been another busy week, with two announcements that will make a real difference for Kiwis getting ahead, helping more first-home buyers into their own homes and giving our tourism communities a better return from international visitors.
Backing more first-home buyers
Buying your first home can feel out of reach when saving a 20 per cent deposit is the biggest barrier.
National will extend the First Home Loan income cap to$300,000 for all buyers, helping more Kiwis purchase their first home with a 5 per cent deposit.
First-home buyers are already making up 29 per cent of all home purchases — the highest level in more than 20 years and we want to help more people get onto the property ladder.
Home ownership provides stability and greater financial security, and this is another step towards helping more Kiwis get ahead.
A better return from tourism
National will reset the International Visitor Levy so communities hosting international visitors get a direct return, without introducing a bed tax.
From 1 July 2027, $100 million a year will go towards conservation, $50 million towards tourism growth, with the remaining revenue going directly to councils based on the share of international visitor guest nights they host.
For councils, this is estimated to deliver$385 million over the first four yearsto help fund the infrastructure needed to support tourism growth.
This is particularly important for regions like the East Coast, where tourism is an important part of our local economy.
Main announcements from this week:
1. Back Pocket Boost for Graduates in New Zealand
A re-elected National Government will let Kiwis with student loans who stay in New Zealand keep more of what they earn, while toughening up on those who leave the country before paying back their loan.(National PR)
2. Government cancels fuel tax hike
The planned fuel excise increase next year has been cancelled to help with the cost of living and keep taxes lower for New Zealanders.(Beehive PR)
3. Free cervical screening for all women
Cervical screening will be free for eligible women aged 25 to 69 from 1 March 2027.(Beehive PR)
4. Increasing resilience of economy welcomed
The Reserve Bank’s assessment that New Zealand’s economic recovery is resuming and expected to broaden has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.(Beehive PR)
5. New Zealand begins Pacific leadership role
New Zealand has joined the Pacific Islands Forum Troika, taking on an expanded leadership role ahead of hosting the Forum in Auckland in 2027.(Beehive PR)
