Our Achievements
Since 2017, we’ve worked hard to tackle the long term challenges facing New Zealand and we’re proud of the progress that we’ve made on the big issues like housing, inequality and climate change.
Below you can see examples of this progress – like lifting incomes, making housing more affordable, helping more New Zealanders into work and training, reducing climate emissions, and so much more.
But there’s still more to do, and we’re committed to building on our progress.
Updated 1 September 2023.
What we've achieved:
Boosted incomes for around 1.4 million Kiwis with 1 April changes
EconomyHelping over a million New Zealanders stay warm over colder months through the Winter Energy Payment
EconomyRolling out over a million healthy, free school lunches a week
EducationMade Matariki a public holiday
MāoriScrapped the $5 prescription co-payment
Health
Increased pay for teachers by up to 36%
EducationIntroduced free and half-price public transport fares to support people with the cost of living
TransportIncreased the minimum wage to $22.70 per hour
Employment & businessBoosted Pharmac’s funding so that more Kiwis can access the medicines, treatments, and medical devices they need
HealthIntroduced the Families Package, the biggest boost in household income in a decade for thousands of families
Children & familySecured or upgraded seven free trade agreements in the past five years, unlocking new opportunities for Kiwi exporters
InternationalSecured a gold standard free trade agreement with the UK, which will increase New Zealand’s GDP by up to $1 billion per year
International
Boosted funding for more ambulances and paramedics
HealthMaking childcare cheaper with 20 hours free ECE expanded to include two-year-olds
Children & familyDelivered the largest ever Police workforce, with 1800 new officers to keep communities safer
JusticeBanned single-use plastic bags to protect our environment
EnvironmentAnnounced a removal of GST from fresh and frozen vegetables from 1 April 2024
Economy
Delivered more than 13,000 additional public homes and 4000 transitional homes, as part of our plan to deliver more than 18,000 extra places by 2024
HousingUpgraded almost every state school in the country through the School Investment Package
EducationIncreased Police operating budget by 50% after an effective freeze on funding
RegionsTaking action to ensure New Zealanders get a fair deal at the supermarket
EconomySupported people into work, with one of the lowest Māori unemployment rates on record
MāoriUpgraded roads, schools and hospitals through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme
EconomyExtended paid parental leave from 18 to 26 weeks
Children & familyDelivered historic increases in pay for nurses
HealthReduced emissions over the last three consecutive years
Climate changeRecorded the highest ever rates of labour force participation and employment
EconomyAnnounced the largest ever increase to the In-Work Tax Credit benefitting 160,000 families
Children and familiesMore than 1 million free mental health sessions have already been delivered through our new Access and Choice programme
Mental health
Invested in vital infrastructure like pipes and roads needed to jump start housing developments, to get more homes built faster
HousingPassed the landmark Zero Carbon Act, with a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050
Climate changeMade visiting the doctor cheaper or free for nearly 600,000 New Zealanders
HealthFast-tracking key development and infrastructure projects to help get New Zealand moving
EconomyDelivering big cost savings to Kiwis through affordable water reforms which will be led and delivered regionally
EnvironmentImplemented clean car policies which have seen a 70% increase in the number of EVs on our roads
Climate changeDelivered significant support for cyclone-affected businesses
Regions
Announced a huge pay boost for Kohanga Reo teachers and support staff, bringing their pay in line with their counterparts
EducationDelivered the strongest ever protections to clean up our rivers and lakes
EnvironmentIntroduced tough new measures to tackle gangs and organised crime networks
JusticeInvested in targeted mental health support for Rainbow young people
Mental healthRecorded improvements across all nine child poverty measures
Children & familyAchieved record levels of renewable energy generation and the lowest levels of coal imports since 2013
Climate changeFixing mental health infrastructure, with a plan to build new acute mental health and addiction facilities around the country
Mental health
With the primary sector, launched Fit for a Better World – a roadmap to boost export earnings by $44 billion over the next decade
RegionsMade sure New Zealand history is taught in all schools and kura
MāoriUpgraded our Working Holiday Scheme with the UK, helping to relieve skills shortages
InternationalRemoved fees from NCEA and NZ Scholarship to save families money
EducationSecured a historic free trade agreement with the EU, which will increase New Zealand’s GDP by up to $1.8 billion per year from 2035
InternationalExtended free doctors’ visits for children to include 13-year-olds
Children & familyReducing class sizes to improve children’s education
Education
Invested in public transport to fully decarbonise the public transport bus fleet by 2035
TransportDoubled minimum sick leave, bringing benefits to both businesses and employees
Employment & businessLaunched the new health system to reduce complexity and ensure better outcomes
HealthDelivered the biggest benefit boost in a generation, to help families with the cost of living
Children & familyDelivering on a promise to improve victims’ experiences in the courts and wider justice system
Justice
Announced major changes to New Zealand’s affordable water reforms, which will deliver big cost savings to whānau across the country
EconomyTook more than 60,000 newly prohibited firearms out of circulation through gun buy-backs and police seizures
JusticeDelivered significant support for cyclone-affected farmers and growers to clean up and get back on their feet
RegionsEstablished a new Māori Health Authority to improve health outcomes for Māori
MāoriDelivered an economy that’s 6% larger now than pre-COVID, following a 1-in-100 year economic shock
EconomySupported more Kiwis into their first homes by increasing income caps on First Home Grants and Loans
HousingWe’re growing skills at home, ensuring we have the workforce we need while supporting people into jobs, through initiatives like free trades training
Education
Announced greater powers for Police to seize gang assets and make sure that crime doesn’t pay
JusticePut more mental health and wellbeing support online, on the phone and through smart apps
Mental healthIncreased dental grants and expanded eligibility so more Kiwis have access to dental care
HealthEstablished Te Arawhiti, the Office for Māori Crown Relations, to help make the Crown a better Treaty partner
MāoriInvested significantly in rail, public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure
Climate changeMade record investments to rebuild our rundown hospitals and health facilities
Health
Launched the Best Start payment, supporting parents with the costs of a newborn
Children & familyIntroduced Fair Pay Agreements, to improve wages and conditions
Employment & businessDelivering better crisis services, through boosts for community crisis teams and co-response teams
Mental healthAppointed a new Grocery Commissioner, to hold the supermarkets to account
EconomyIntroduced our Healthy Homes Standards, to ensure all rentals are safe, warm and dry
HousingFixing the Resource Management Act to better protect our environment
Environment
Supported over 60,000 New Zealanders into the trades through Apprenticeship Boost
EducationRolled out the National Bowel Screening Programme to the whole country
HealthIntroduced new regulations to ensure Kiwis get a fairer deal at the petrol pump
EconomyWorking towards our goal of having one million New Zealanders speaking te reo Māori by 2040
MāoriExpanded the Flexi-wage initiative to support more people into work
Employment & businessEnabled approximately 3,5000 cataract surgeries to happen
HealthDelivered low debt through strong economic management
Economy
More than 900 additional full-time professionals are now working to support mental wellbeing in the community
Mental healthDelivered more than 110,000 insulation and heating retrofits in low-income homes through Warmer Kiwi Homes, making homes healthier and reducing power bills
HousingRolled out free period products for all student across New Zealand, with over 1 million packs now delivered
EducationUpgraded our free trade agreement with China to build on the significant benefits of the existing deal
InternationalInvested in iwi projects through the Provincial Growth Fund, to revitalise our regions
MāoriBanned harmful conversion practices to protect the rights of our Rainbow communities
Justice
Improved access to healthy, affordable homes through investing in papakāinga and housing repair programmes
MāoriStarted planting one billion trees, with more than 474 million already in the ground
Climate changeLaunched Te Aorerekura, New Zealand’s first national strategy and action plan to eliminate family violence and sexual violence
JusticeExpanded mental health support in schools across the country through the roll-out of Mana Ake
Mental healthMade it easier for Kiwis to buy their first home by stopping foreign speculators from buying houses here and driving up prices
HousingBoosted student loans and allowances by more than $100 a week
EducationInvested in new radiation machines so more people can get lifesaving cancer treatment close to home
Health
Delivered the largest ever funding boost to primary maternity services, so kids can have the best start in life
Children & familyEstablished Aotearoa ki te Ao, a programme of work designed to support Māori trade opportunities
InternationalMade it cheaper for families to switch to low emissions vehicles with the Clean Car Discount
TransportExtended the bright-line test to 10 years, to crackdown on speculators and tilt the balance towards first home buyers
HousingInvested in climate and agriculture research and science
Climate change
Indexed main benefits to average wage growth for the first time in New Zealand’s history, to give those most in need a fair go
Children & familyInvested significantly in infrastructure to secure our economic recovery
EconomyMade the biggest ever investment in family violence and sexual violence support services
JusticeStrengthened counterterrorism laws, ensuring tools are available to intervene early and prevent harm
JusticeStarted work to transform recycling and improve rubbish collection
EnvironmentPhasing out interest deductibility on residential property investments to level the playing field for first home buyers
Housing
Overhauled the Emissions Trading Scheme, to more effectively reduce climate-polluting emissions
Climate changeBanned military-style semi-automatic weapons, magazines and parts
JusticeBuilding new schools and classrooms for 100,000 students
EducationInvesting in building back better with a National Resilience Plan
InfrastructureLaunched Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People to improve outcomes for Kiwis with disabilities
HealthRamped up pest control and eradication to help make Aotearoa predator-free by 2050
Environment
Cutting costs for businesses by reducing the fees banks charge when customers pay with a credit or debit card
EconomyMaking it easier for transgender, non-binary and intersex people to change their registered sex on birth certificates
HealthEstablished Aotearoa ki te Ao, a programme of work designed to support Māori trade opportunities
InternationalReinstated the Training Incentive Allowance for higher-skill courses, supporting around 16,000 people to retrain
EducationImproved rural broadband connectivity, with more than 350 new mobile towers complete and improved access for 80,000 rural homes and businesses
RegionsDelivered low unemployment and rising wages
EconomyIncreased bus driver’s pay by an average of 58%
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Supported businesses to pilot new low emission transport technology – with more to come
TransportLaunched the Better Pathways package to drive down youth crime
JusticeLaunched and expanded Mana in Mahi, supporting employers to take on more than 5,000 apprentices
EducationAnnounced changes to child support that will put roughly $20 extra a week into the pockets of sole parents on a benefit
Children & familyLed the Christchurch Call, working internationally to eliminate extremist content online
InternationalFunded more public EV chargers around New Zealand
Transport
Created more than 10,000 environmental jobs in our regions through our Jobs for Nature programme
Employment & businessMade it easier for people to start careers in mental health and addiction, by funding extra places for registered nurses to specialise in mental health
Mental healthSupported 30,000 small businesses with digital tools and training to help them grow
EconomyBoosted funding to help Kiwi growers seize new opportunities and stay ahead of international competitors
RegionsStrengthened our health workforce by adding more doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health workers
HealthIncreased family support, meaning 346,000 families are better off each week
Children & family
Taken action to protect endangered Māui and Hector’s dolphins
EnvironmentChanged resource consent rules to cut red tape and boost housing supply
HousingIntroduced new regulations to strengthen our animal welfare system
RegionsIncreased funding for community law centres
JusticeInvested in Te Huia commuter rail service, connecting Waikato and Auckland
TransportIntroduced measures to stop predatory lending that often impact low income families
Children & family
Made changes to how councils set up local wards to ensure Māori communities have a voice at the table
MāoriMade the biggest ever investment in family violence and sexual violence support services
HealthScrapped National Standards, giving teachers more time with students
EducationInvested in regional New Zealand through our Provincial Growth Fund and Regional Strategic Partnership Fund
EconomyDeclared a climate emergency to accelerate efforts to reduce our emissions
Climate changeRestored meal and rest breaks for Kiwi workers and strengthened collective bargaining
Employment & business
Phasing out hard-to-recycle plastic items like food and drink packaging
EnvironmentFunded the removal of school donations to ease the pressure on Kiwi families
EducationExtended mental health and wellbeing tools to small businesses across New Zealand
Mental healthLifted abatement thresholds so people on a benefit who are working can keep more of what they earn
Children & familyDelivered the largest ever funding boost for disability support services
Health
Made renting fairer by reforming the Residential Tenancies Act
HousingSet measures and targets for reducing child poverty, enshrining the former into law
Children & familyLaunched the successful Opportunities Grow Here campaign to attract more people to vital food and fibre sector jobs
RegionsLaunched the Progressive Home Ownership scheme, supporting between 1,500 and 4,000 whānau to step into home ownership
HousingMade the first year of study fees-free
EducationStrengthened immigration pathways to bolster our hospitals and ensure we attract the healthcare workers we need
HealthProtected against high-cost loans that trapped families in debt
Economy
Established a $300 million venture capital fund to back Kiwi innovation
Employment & businessSupported more than 3,500 rangatahi into employment, education or training through He Poutama Rangatahi
EducationProtecting New Zealand’s beef and dairy sectors by working collaboratively to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis
RegionsQuadrupled the size of our Green Investment Fund to help accelerate the use of low-emissions technologies across the economy
Climate changeBoosted mental health support for around 300,000 university students
Mental healthMade significant business tax changes to reduce cashflow pressure
EconomyLifted abatement thresholds so people on a benefit who are working can keep more of what they earn
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Established the Climate Change Commission to provide independent advice on climate action
Climate changeStarted upgrading schools and hospitals to ensure they run on clean energy
Climate changeDelivered pay equity for teacher aides
EducationRamped up pest control programmes to protect farmers and our environment while creating jobs
RegionsWorking with farmers to deliver on a world-first agreement to measure, price and reduce agricultural emissions
Climate change
Responded to the March 15 attack with a raft of initiatives to promote inclusion and safety for all New Zealanders
JusticeStarted work to regulate the residential property management sector, to protect both renters and landlords
HousingUpgraded schools, roads and infrastructure in communities across New Zealand
RegionsExpanding the Pregnancy and Parenting Programme, so more women and whānau can access support for alcohol and drug issues
HealthTaken action to protect kauri trees from dieback disease
EnvironmentBanned unfair letting fees and no-cause tenancy terminations
Housing
Funded new kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services
Mental healthRepealing and replacing the Resource Management Act to simplify and accelerate planning processes
HousingProvided significant humanitarian, economic, military and diplomatic aid to Ukraine
InternationalStrengthened our national animal tracing system to help stamp out the spread of disease and protect our primary sector
RegionsStarted rolling out the Māori Pathways programme in our prisons, to reduce reoffending and improve outcomes for whānau
Justice
Supported ākonga by growing Māori-medium and kaupapa Māori education
MāoriFast-tracked the consenting process for the much-needed rebuild of Dunedin Hospital
HealthScrapped the sanction cutting benefit income to women who don’t declare the name of their child’s father
Children & familyImproved regional broadband connectivity, with 500 more marae connected
MāoriRestarted contributions to the Super Fund, to help keep superannuation affordable
Economy
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