It is the second-to-last week before the House rises, meaning only 7 weeks remain until the 2026 General Election. Things are ramping up fast, and National is working hard to get as much legislation through as possible before then.
More competition at the checkout
This week National announced plans to pursue the structural separation of Foodstuffs, subject to an independent Commerce Commission assessment.
The aim is to create three major nationwide grocery chains: New World and Four Square together, PAK’nSAVE as the other, alongside Woolworths, giving shoppers more choice and greater competition on price, specials and range.
Importantly, some commentary around the policy is incorrect. PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square owners will not be forced to sell or rebrand their businesses. Existing owner-operators would retain ownership and continue operating under their existing brands.
Here are the main announcements from this week:
National is backing first home buyers:
A re-elected National Government will back more first home buyers by widening access to 5 per cent deposits under the Government’s First Home Loan scheme. (National PR)
International Visitor Levy reset to keep taxes low:
National will reset how the International Visitor Levy (IVL) is spent, so councils receive a direct return from the visitors they host, without introducing a bed tax. (National PR)
CRL opening puts Auckland on track for the future:
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Ministers, Councillors and iwi have officially opened Auckland’s City Rail Link, marking a turning point in the way New Zealand’s biggest city moves and grows. (Beehive PR)
More visitors set to discover regional New Zealand:
The Government is backing six initiatives to attract more international visitors into regional New Zealand and support tourism growth across the country. (Beehive PR)
Disadvantaged students drive significant closing of education equity gap:
New Zealand’s latest OECD PISA results show a significant narrowing of the socio-economic achievement gap, driven by strong gains among students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. (Beehive PR)
The National Government continues to work hard for New Zealand, and we will be finishing off the term strongly for you!
