New Zealand: Political Developments and Data in 2024

After a change of government at the 2023 elections, 2024 saw the new three‐party coalition government of National, ACT and New Zealand First advance its policy agenda. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's government continued to unwind many of the policy reforms of the previous Labour government, while making a range of rapid policy decisions. Its economic agenda delivered tax relief to the ‘squeezed middle’ and restored tax advantages to landlords but also cut public service budgets. While this policy programme caused significant consternation, opposition parties did not manage to offer clear alternatives. The government's actions in relation to Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi provoked substantial opposition and set up regular clashes with Māori leaders, most notably with the introduction of the Treaty Principles Bill late in the year.