New Zealand political parties outline science policies ahead of 2026 election

As New Zealand approaches the 2026 General Election, political parties are beginning to outline their stances on key policy areas, though significant gaps remain in media and science platforms.

Regarding science and technology, the Labour Party has pledged to prioritize public investment in research and innovation, citing recent cuts to organizations such as Callaghan Innovation and GNS Science. The Green Party has proposed a long-term funding strategy to treat research and technology as essential public infrastructure, aiming to raise New Zealand’s investment levels above the OECD average.

In contrast, there is a notable lack of detailed policy regarding the media sector. While the Green Party has a media policy available, critics note it lacks functional detail. Observers suggest the absence of practical initiatives from the seven main parties regarding the precarious state of journalism and the influence of foreign digital players may indicate a lack of planned intervention in the media market.