ACT
ACT New Zealand
GoverningCoalition partner Founded 1993
Leader / Deputy Prime Minister
David Seymour
Classical liberal party and coalition partner in the current government
11
Seats
8.9% of 123
Overview
ACT New Zealand is a classical liberal party advocating for small government, free markets, and individual freedom. Founded in 1993, ACT entered its strongest electoral period under David Seymour's leadership and currently serves as a coalition partner alongside National and NZ First in the 54th Parliament.
History
ACT emerged from the free-market reforms of the 1984–1993 Labour government, founded by former Labour MP Roger Douglas and others who sought to continue economic liberalisation. After years at the margins of parliament, the party surged under David Seymour's leadership, winning 11 seats in 2023 — its best result in over two decades.
Founded in 1993 from the free-market reforms of the fourth Labour government
Core values
Small government and lower taxes
Individual freedom and personal responsibility
Free markets and deregulation
Education choice and school autonomy
Law and order based on clear consequences
Treaty principles — one rule of law for all New Zealanders
Where they stand
Tap an issue to read ACT’s position on it, in our words with their source. 6 of 11 topics have a recorded position.
ACT on Housing
Make it easier to build homes and fund infrastructure fairly
ACT wants to make it easier for people to build on their own land. They say councils take too long to approve new homes and struggle to pay for the roads and pipes new homes need. They want to open up the building products market, reward councils that approve more homes, and replace current planning laws with rules based on property rights. Temporary workers would also help pay for infrastructure from their first day in New Zealand.
What they say they'll do
- Helped open the building-products market (delivered in government)
- Rewarded councils that consent new homes (delivered in government)
- Advanced replacing the RMA with a property-rights-based planning system (delivered in government)
- Give innovators a clear route through outdated regulation
- Require temporary workers to contribute to infrastructure from their first day in New Zealand
Who this affects
Families renting or buying homes
ACT says delays in building approvals result in higher rents and bigger mortgages for families, and their policies aim to increase the number of homes available.
People wanting to build on their own land
ACT's position is that property owners should be free to build unless they cause material harm to others or the environment, with fewer regulatory barriers.
Temporary workers
ACT says temporary workers would be required to contribute to infrastructure costs from their first day in New Zealand.
Councils
ACT says councils currently carry the upfront cost of growth and need practical funding mechanisms, and that those who consent new homes should be rewarded.
In their own words
“ACT believes people should be free to build on their property unless they cause material harm to somebody else or the natural environment.”
“Families pay through higher rents, bigger mortgages and longer commutes.”
“people who add to the demand for infrastructure should make a fair contribution.”
Summarised neutrally from ACT’s own official policy (as at 2026-09-10) and checked by an editor. Nothing is paraphrased without the source linked. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Housing →
Legislative record this term
54th Parliament · as at 16 September 2026
29
Government bills passed into law
37
Government bills led (incl. in progress)
0
Members’ bills passed
As a governing party, ACT’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. ACT also has 6 members’ bills in the ballot.
At a glance
2 electorate 9 list
Total seats11
Electorate seats2
List seats9
Share of House8.9%
Founded1993
Latest coverage
News and video mentioning ACT, from the sources on our coverage page.
In the news
Hornets’ eradication response enters crucial phaseBeehive (Govt) · 14 SepHornets’ eradication response enters crucial phaseBeehive (Govt) · 14 SepSeymour takes the anti-Kate Sheppard line to fix ‘terrible’ pub licensingNewsroom · 13 SepPaul Henry’s place in ACT’s candidate list revealedStuff · 13 SepElection 2026: Act Party releases its list, Paul Henry rankingNZ Herald · 13 Sep
All news On video
Nicole McKee On ACT’s List & Alcohol Licensing ChangesThe Platform · 13 SepParliament LIVE! 03/09/2026ACT · 13 Sep'Act MPs 'respect hard work': Seymour on Paul Henry's list ranking |…NZ Herald — Herald NOW / Ryan Bridge · 13 SepNZ Herald Live: ACT announces 2026 party listNZ Herald — Herald NOW / Ryan Bridge · 13 Sep
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.