Politics is rolling back into gear as Parliament heads for an intense three week sitting block. While the Prime Minister started the week in Singapore and MPs were largely out of Wellington, the heat is turning up with policy coming in thick and fast as the country heads towards November's election.
Retirement age
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is campaigning again to lift the retirement age to 67.
Speaking on Newstalk ZB on Friday, Luxon said he wanted to lift the age “as soon as we get back in a second term, but for that to happen… I need other parties to come on board."
“We actually do need to lift the retirement age from 65 to 67 - it’s unworkable, it’s unaffordable.”
Luxon said he needed Labour and NZ First to come on board, and it would be a National election policy again.
National’s first election policy, released last year, was to increase KiwiSaver contribution rates for employers and employees to a combined 12% by 2032.
Flow of fuel and food
New Zealand and Singapore have solidified their deal to ensure the flow of fuel and food continues, showing "in times of crisis, we know we can rely on each other," Luxon said on Monday.
The agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) ensures New Zealand and Singapore keep trading essential goods during crises, and when supply chains are disrupted and means no export restrictions would be put in place.
Fuel, of which NZ sources a third from Singapore refineries, is a key part of this agreement for NZ as well as pharmaceuticals and construction supplies, while food is an important part for Singapore.
Immigration
ACT is promising to create a "dedicated overstayer enforcement unit", and require employers such as Uber to verify and report work rights.
ACT also wants to put a five-year welfare stand-down for all residence class visa holders and deport resident visa holders who have been convicted of sentences over 10 years, regardless of length of stay in New Zealand.
Recycling
NZ First MP Jamie Arbuckle has put a proposal in the biscuit tin to roll out a nationwide Container Return Scheme.
People who bring back beverage containers receive a "a small refundable deposit".
In 2023, Labour binned the idea after culling or deferring certain environmental policies including a container return scheme that was supposed to be rolled out this year.
“After years of consultation, design work, and millions spent on policy development, Labour walked away from introducing the scheme. New Zealand First will finish the job," Arbuckle said.
Climate change
On Thursday, the Climate Change Commission released its 2026 National Climate Change Risk Assessment report. This looks at current and future risks the country faces, which in turn allows the Government to make decisions and take action through the national adaptation plan.
Mandy Te reported that New Zealanders are facing shifting and intensifying climate-related pressures, and as the climate continues to warm, climate hazards are expected to become more severe and widespread.
Next week - Polls, budgets and a goodbye to Judith Collins
While the political drama around the confidence vote Luxon called on himself last month has died down, a snapshot of public sentiment around party support has yet to be reported publicly.
However, next week the Taxpayers' Union - Curia Poll will be released as Parliament returns to a busy three-week sitting block, which ends on May 28 with the hotly anticipated release of the Budget.
Asked on Tuesday by Interest.co.nz if the Government had signed off the Budget yet, Luxon said: "Our Budget's working through its normal budgetary process. I'm not going to talk about it before the Budget, but clearly ... there will be some impact on inflation and growth".
"Our job is to make sure we're keeping an eye on the long term and medium term for New Zealand, and you know that'll be revealed when we reveal the budget."
Longtime National MP and the party's former leader Judith Collins is set to bid Parliament farewell on Tuesday, delivering her valedictory speech after almost a quarter century working in the Halls of Power.
3 Comments
ACT = "dedicated overstayer enforcement unit" = N.I.C.E
As the two politician parties, alternating governments nigh on 100 years, surely it is incumbent on them, out of duty to the people, to acknowledge that the present superannuation scheme is well and truly unviable for the future and do something effective about it. If they lack the persuasion, motivation or capability then appoint an independent panel with the requisite expertise to formulate a solution, agree and then proceed with it. That combined vote in parliament would be untouchable. Each party can wear the plaudits or blame equally. The smaller parties can either productively participate or go whistle. Both National and Labour should commit to this in their forthcoming manifestos.
Winnie is just seeking for olddies votes, actually smart for him but IMHO not in the best interests of NZ
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