Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is following up on the government’s ‘First Hundred Days’ plan with a new set of ambitious reforms. The plan outlines key steps to be taken by June 30 to rebuild the economy, restore law and order, and improve public services in New Zealand. The government aims to reduce wasteful spending while investing in essential services like health, education, and police. Despite initial concerns about cuts to the Suicide Prevention Office, Health Minister Matt Doocey clarified that the office will remain open. However, there are ongoing concerns about cuts to funding in the disability sector.
Additionally, the government is directing all agencies to reduce costs by 6.5-7.5% on average and cut back on contractors and consultants. Several ministries are set to lay off staff, including the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry for Primary Industries, Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Ministry of Transport, Customs, Crown Law Office, and Ministry for Ethnic Communities. The Department of Conservation and the Department of Internal Affairs will also announce their plans for cuts in the coming weeks.
The government plans to issue a new Government Policy Statement on Health and deliver tax relief to New Zealanders, including personal income tax relief, a childcare tax credit, and a freeze on fuel tax until the end of 2026. Other commitments include restoring ‘Three Strikes’ for serious repeat offenders and establishing a Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Rehabilitation, reintegration, and safety outcomes in the corrections system are set to see improvements, with plans to extend eligibility for offence-based rehabilitation programmes to remand prisoners.
Farmers will be happy to know that the government is working on finalizing a policy to exclude agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme. Additionally, an independent review of methane science will be initiated, focusing on setting targets for consistency with no additional warming from agricultural methane emissions.
The government is also considering the return of mining activities. It has announced intentions to make decisions regarding the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration. Furthermore, a study will be conducted on New Zealand’s fuel security, with a focus on exploring the feasibility of reopening the Marsden Point Oil Refinery.
