ACT unveils manifesto promising $22 billion in cuts and revised migration rules
ACT released its election manifesto, pledging $22 billion in spending reductions over four years and softening its earlier plan to abolish the Permanent Resident Visa.
On the first day of voting, ACT presented a campaign manifesto that frames the party as the only one aiming to save taxpayers’ money, with a target of $22 billion in cuts over four years. The document abandons an earlier promise to scrap the Permanent Resident Visa, opting instead for a requirement that new visa holders maintain a genuine link to the country, while exempting existing visa holders. Key fiscal proposals feature a tax exemption on KiwiSaver investment earnings, the removal of the government’s KiwiSaver contribution, and a gradual increase in the pension eligibility age to 67 by 2035, with early access for physically demanding jobs.
The party also proposes electronic management of Jobseeker Support payments to restrict spending on alcohol, tobacco and gambling, and a three-year freeze on the adult minimum wage, with a reduced training wage for workers under 20. Leader David Seymour called for a repeat of the coalition government while distinguishing ACT’s fiscal stance from its partners.
Why it matters
The manifesto outlines major fiscal and migration policy shifts that could reshape New Zealand's budget and immigration system.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTBoth camps note that ACT’s manifesto promises fiscal cuts, but the centrist coverage stresses the $22 billion cut target and specific policy changes, while the right-leaning coverage highlights cost-of-living relief, debt reduction and law-and-order measures.
CENTER
Centrist coverage frames ACT as the sole party focused on saving taxpayers’ money, emphasizing the magnitude of cuts and detailed policy shifts.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames ACT’s manifesto as a plan to unlock New Zealand’s potential, stressing cost-of-living relief, job creation and debt reduction while attacking rival proposals.
The right emphasises
- cost-of-living relief and job creation
- $12.4 billion less debt by 2031
- Three Strikes law for repeat burglary
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