Cut spending and foreign aid back to 2017 levels
What it actually does
ACT's fiscal plan would return non-welfare spending to 2017 levels (adjusted for inflation and growth), cut the annual operating allowance from $2.4b to $2b, reduce foreign aid to 2017 levels (excluding aid to Ukraine) and abolish 'demographic' ministries. ACT says net core Crown debt would be $12.4b lower than forecast; health, education, defence, police and children's services are exempt.
Source: NZ Herald · 2026-10
The Trump take
“They're cutting foreign aid and getting rid of ministries? That's DOGE, Kiwi-style. Elon would cry, it's so beautiful.”parody
Why it scored this way
Big government
Deep across-the-board spending cuts
+2
Loves it
Identity politics
Abolishes demographic-based ministries
+1
Likes it
Defence
Defence spending protected from cuts
+1
Likes it
On the same topics
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'One Law for All' constitutional changes and limits on tikanga in courts
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Disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority
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