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. 6 of 11 topics have a recorded position.
National on Housing
Free up land and fund infrastructure to build more homes
National says it will make it easier to build homes and other infrastructure in New Zealand. They list this as one of their 2026 election policies. Their broader plan also includes growing the economy and keeping taxes low, which they say will help with things like mortgage repayments that rose sharply under the previous government.
What they say they'll do
- Require councils to zone enough land for 30 years of housing demand
- Reform infrastructure funding and financing to reduce the cost of new developments
- Establish a $1 billion fund rewarding councils that consent more new homes
- Enable more housing through upzoning and planning reform
Who this affects
People wanting to build or buy a home
National says it will make it easier to build homes, which it describes as part of building the future for New Zealanders.
Mortgage holders
National references skyrocketed mortgage repayments as a problem it is working to address through its broader economic plan.
Homeowners and renters with energy costs
A Home Energy Fund is listed as a 2026 policy, which may affect people's household energy bills.
In their own words
“New Zealand is desperately short of houses. We are not short of land, but a broken planning and infrastructure funding system has artificially constrained housing growth.”
“Require councils to zone enough land for 30 years of housing demand.”
“Establish a $1 billion fund to reward councils that deliver more new housing.”
Summarised neutrally from National’s own official policy (as at 2026-07-16) 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
135
Government bills passed into law
188
Government bills led (incl. in progress)
3
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
The one universal payment both Luxon and Hipkins refuse to touchStuff · 14 Sep'Pretty disgusting': Education Minister blasts teachers’ union's 'defence of mediocrity'Stuff · 14 SepAI bosses warn of an existential threat. But Luxon sees a 'huge opportunity' for NZStuff · 14 SepPrime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks after meeting with CabinetRNZ · 14 SepRecord number of Australian visitors boosts NZ tourismBeehive (Govt) · 14 Sep
All news On video
#BHN Sean Ackland: Edu Debate Wrapup | Luxon on CRL opening | Outgo…Big Hairy Network · 14 SepCan’t afford KiwiSaver right now? Labour says your boss should still…NZ Herald — Herald NOW / Ryan Bridge · 14 SepPM Christopher Luxon, Education Minister Erica Stanford speak at pos…RNZ · 14 SepNZ Herald Live: Christopher Luxon holds post-Cabinet press conferenc…NZ Herald — Herald NOW / Ryan Bridge · 14 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.