Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election. Explore their policies and see how closely they align with your own views and priorities.

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Start by selecting a broad policy topic that you’re interested in exploring.

Education

The third biggest chunk of government spending, after benefits and health, goes to education. Schools and universities shape the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, and the learning and research that happens there flows far beyond each institution. But what should be taught in school curriculums, and how does the government balance supporting trades education in polytechs and academic learning in universities?

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Narrow your selection by choosing a specific area within your chosen topic. Select the policies you want to explore, pick your favourites and view your results when you’re ready.

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  • Prevent universities from allocating support of any kind based on ethnicity

  • Allow children to take any passing school bus, not just buses specifically for one school

  • Give teachers legal powers to remove disruptive students from class

  • Include te Tiriti and Aotearoa history in education

  • Forgive student loan interest for returning Kiwis

  • Create a 10-year education plan

  • Create a Māori Education Authority with responsibility for Māori education

  • Increase places for student teachers to train in schools while studying

  • Fund further enforcement and create harsher penalties for overseas-based student loan holders

  • Ban under-16 year olds from social media

  • Make it easier for people based in other countries to repay student loans

  • Introduce fees-free tertiary education, universal student allowances and paid placements

  • Make early childhood education free

  • Increase funding for people undertaking apprenticeships in the trades

  • Introduce a Maori-led job training programme and fund

  • Launch AI support for small businesses and schools

  • Make improvements at 2000-plus schools

  • Remove automatic work rights from student visas

  • Commission a full and independent review of NZ's nutritional guidelines and education

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2026 general election. Compare the parties, candidates and policies to see where you stand.

Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election

Candidates

See the electorate candidates running in your local area

Parties

Learn about each political party, its leaders and candidate list

Things to know...

Your two votes shape New Zealand’s next parliament. You need to be enrolled to vote.

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  • Enrol to vote by Sunday 25 October

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  • Voting day is Saturday 7 November

    Head to your nearest voting place on the day, or vote early from 26 October.

  • You get two votes

    One for a party (the party vote) and one for a person in your area (the electorate vote).

  • Your party vote is the most powerful

    It decides how many seats each party gets in Parliament. That’s what Policy helps you figure out.