Government Prioritizes Cost of Living, Economic Growth in Next Quarter

The government has largely completed its action plan for the previous quarter and is now shifting its focus to continued efforts on cost-of-living pressures in the upcoming months.
In a recent report, two key initiatives were listed as “in progress”: finalizing decisions on capital markets to ease listing barriers and boost investment, and publishing the inaugural government AI strategy to enhance productivity. The AI strategy is anticipated within weeks, with further capital market decisions expected next quarter. A notable change already implemented is making the publication of prospective financial information voluntary for firms, reducing listing costs.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that addressing cost-of-living challenges remains paramount. He highlighted government actions aimed at food, housing, banking, and energy costs to secure better deals for families. Luxon noted promising signs of economic growth, with key indicators showing improvement, but stressed the need for an economy that directly benefits citizens through increased competition and lower prices.
The upcoming quarter will see the repeal of the oil and gas exploration ban, with Luxon asserting this will “unleash the energy” needed to maintain power supply and stabilize prices. Significant improvements to the Resource Management Act (RMA) are also expected to become law, facilitating more construction in major cities to address housing costs. Additionally, the government plans to publish the first standards for using overseas building products and pass legislation to streamline land acquisition for large projects.
Regarding urban development, legislation will be introduced to bolster governance and planning for transport in Auckland.
In terms of law and order, the government will advance legislation to criminalize stalking and introduce measures to deter “anti-social road use.” Changes to the electoral system, including a ban on prisoner voting, are also on the agenda, alongside the initiation of rehabilitation and reintegration services for remand prisoners. Furthermore, Cabinet will review legislation to affirm police authority in collecting and using information in public places for lawful policing purposes.
Under the banner of better public services, the government will begin delivering additional elective procedures and seek expressions of interest for 120 nurse practitioner training slots. Funding increases for GP clinics will be implemented, and initial prototypes for expanding urgent care in rural and remote areas will be launched. Legislation stemming from the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Regulation Sector Review will be introduced, and policy decisions will be made to tighten eligibility for income support for 18/19-year-olds.