# ACT Party policy proposals and criticisms in New Zealand

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/act-party-policy-proposals-and-criticisms-in-new-zealand
> Updated: 2026-08-16T08:55:33.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

The ACT Party has introduced various policy criticisms and reform proposals in New Zealand.

Initially, ACT Leader David Seymour criticized the previous Labour government for providing subsidies to NZ Steel, labeling the assistance as “unnecessary corporate welfare” that failed to ensure genuine emissions reductions. Seymour argued against the government attempting to “pick winners” in the economy, suggesting such interventions place an undue burden on taxpayers.

Subsequently, the party proposed reforms to the Public Service Act. These proposals include removing the requirement for chief executives to follow the “principle of being a good employer” and eliminating spiritual and cultural obligations within the public service. The ACT Party also seeks to establish a legal requirement that services be delivered based on need rather than race. The Public Service Association (PSA) has criticized these measures, arguing they would undermine worker rights and the legitimacy of a diverse public service. PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons argued that the government should act as an “exemplar employer” rather than removing requirements for fair and proper treatment.

In the education sector, ACT reported that reforms to school attendance led to 11,579 previously unenrolled students returning to school during the first half of the year. The party also noted that charter school enrolments increased by 18 per cent over a six-month period.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: ACT New Zealand proposes public service and education reforms

ACT New Zealand proposes removing ‘good employer’ requirements from the public service and reforming education, drawing criticism from the Public Service Association regarding workers' rights.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/act-new-zealand-proposes-public-service-and-education-reforms

### 2026-08-14: ACT Party proposes reforms to New Zealand public service employment rules

The Public Service Association has opposed ACT Party proposals to remove ‘good employer’ requirements and cultural obligations from New Zealand's public service.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/act-party-proposes-reforms-to-new-zealand-public-service-employment-rules

### 2026-08-09: ACT Party criticizes NZ Steel subsidies and corporate welfare

ACT Leader David Seymour criticized former Labour government subsidies for NZ Steel, arguing that such corporate welfare is unnecessary and fails to provide effective emissions reductions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/act-party-criticizes-nz-steel-subsidies-and-corporate-welfare

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Cite as: ACT Party policy proposals and criticisms in New Zealand. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/act-party-policy-proposals-and-criticisms-in-new-zealand