Cut red tape and deregulate to boost housing supply
ACT wants to make it easier and cheaper to build homes by removing rules and regulations they see as getting in the way. They have already pushed to allow more overseas building materials into New Zealand to lower construction costs. Their main goal is to replace the current resource management law with a simpler system based on property rights, so people can build more quickly without lengthy compliance processes.
What they say they'll do
- Allow thousands of overseas building products to be used in New Zealand to lower construction costs
- Repeal and replace the Resource Management Act with a property-rights-based system
- Create a rules-based framework where development can proceed quickly without lengthy compliance
- Enable private investment in major infrastructure through Public Private Partnerships
Who this affects
People wanting to build a home
A replacement for the RMA is intended to reduce the time and compliance steps required to get a build underway.
Builders and construction companies
Allowing overseas building materials into New Zealand is aimed at giving builders access to more product options at lower costs.
Home buyers
Lower construction costs from deregulation and cheaper materials are intended to flow through to the cost of new homes.
In their own words
“Opening the door to overseas building products — reforms allowing thousands of high-quality international construction materials to be used in New Zealand, bringing down costs for homes and buildings.”
“Pass a property-rights-based resource management regime to replace the RMA — a rules-based framework where development can proceed quickly provided it does not harm others' property or the environment.”
Summarised neutrally from ACT’s own official policy (as at 2026-06-23) and checked by an editor — never paraphrased without the source linked, and never an endorsement. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Housing →
Coverage at a glance
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
| Party | Economy | Housing | Health | Education | Climate | Environment | Crime & Justice | Treaty & Māori Affairs | Immigration | Foreign Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National | ||||||||||
| Labour | ||||||||||
| Green | ||||||||||
| ACT | ||||||||||
| NZ First | ||||||||||
| Te Pāti Māori | ||||||||||
| TOP |
Published position∅ No stated position (verified) Not captured yet