National
New Zealand National Party
GoverningLead coalition party Founded 1936
Leader / Prime Minister
Christopher Luxon
Centre-right party leading New Zealand's current coalition government
49
Seats
39.8% of 123
Overview
The New Zealand National Party is the country's largest centre-right political party. Founded in 1936, National has governed New Zealand for most of the post-war period and currently leads the National–ACT–NZ First coalition government formed after the October 2023 election.
History
National was formed in 1936 from a merger of the Reform and United parties in response to the first Labour government. The party has dominated New Zealand centre-right politics ever since, producing prime ministers including Keith Holyoake, Robert Muldoon, Jim Bolger, Jenny Shipley, Bill English, John Key, and the current PM Christopher Luxon.
Formed in 1936 from a merger of the Reform and Liberal parties
Core values
Lower taxes and responsible government spending
Strong economic growth and a competitive business environment
Law and order — personal and community safety
Individual freedom and personal responsibility
Strong public services delivered efficiently
New Zealand's security and international relationships
Where they stand
Tap an issue to read National’s position on it, in our words with their source. 10 of 11 topics have a recorded position.
National on Economy
Rebuild economy, cut cost of living, boost retirement savings
National says it wants to rebuild the economy and help with the cost of living. One key plan is making KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 1 July 2028, so more people save for retirement. They say 99.5 per cent of people currently contributing through wages will benefit from changes to KiwiSaver.
What they say they'll do
- Make KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 1 July 2028
- Provide cost of living relief
- Rebuild the economy
Who this affects
Workers not currently in KiwiSaver
From 1 July 2028, all workers would be required to contribute to KiwiSaver under this policy, meaning automatic enrolment and contributions would apply to those not already participating.
General public / households
National says its cost of living relief measures are aimed at everyday New Zealanders facing higher prices.
In their own words
“A re-elected National Government will strengthen New Zealanders' financial security by making KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 1 July 2028”
“99.5 per cent of people contributing to KiwiSaver through their wages or salaries can look forward to greater security in retirement”
“National is fixing the basics and building the future”
Summarised neutrally from National’s own official policy (as at 2026-06-22) and checked by an editor. Nothing is paraphrased without the source linked. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Economy →
Legislative record this term
54th Parliament · as at 28 August 2026
127
Government bills passed into law
182
Government bills led (incl. in progress)
2
Members’ bills passed
As a governing party, National’s ministers lead government legislation. Government bills are the coalition’s collective programme, counted here by the party of the minister in charge rather than as one party’s alone. National also has 21 members’ bills in the ballot.
Leadership
Christopher Luxon
Leader / Prime Minister
At a glance
30 electorate 19 list
Total seats49
Electorate seats30
List seats19
Share of House39.8%
Founded1936
Latest coverage
News and video mentioning National, from the sources on our coverage page.
In the news
Christopher Luxon, Louise Upston said no benefits were cut after law change - they were wrongRNZ · 27 AugReturning to first past the post won’t give Luxon the power he wantsNewsroom · 27 AugGovernment welcomes Tourism 2050 strategyBeehive (Govt) · 27 AugElection 2026: National rules out increasing GSTNZ Herald · 27 AugNicola Willis confirms no fuel tax increase in January, Labour promises none for three yearsStuff · 27 Aug
All news On video
School Principal Lauds Erica Stanford & Teacher Training ChangesThe Platform · 27 AugLuxon vs Brown, and how the govt fell so violently out of love with …The Spinoff · 27 Aug#BHN Nicola repeats "No New Taxes" but Barbara brings it back to rea…Big Hairy Network · 27 AugNgā take o te kāwanatanga me Tama PotakaTe Karere TVNZ · 27 Aug
Sources
Seat counts from the 2023 General Election (Electoral Commission). Party background from parliament.nz and official party records. Leadership verified against the parliament.nz member roster.