Auckland (The NZ Today)
National says a re-elected government would move within its first 100 days on five policies aimed at making it easier for young New Zealanders to stay in the country — or return home after living overseas.
Finance and Economic Growth spokesperson Nicola Willis said the package would focus on student debt, first-home deposits, parental leave, KiwiSaver and faster visas for partners of New Zealand citizens.
National says all five commitments are funded to begin by July 1, 2027, with any legislation needed to deliver them to be passed during the government’s first 100 days.
One of the biggest changes would reduce the compulsory student loan repayment rate for New Zealand-based borrowers from 12 percent to 10 percent, increasing take-home pay for graduates. National says an early-career worker on $75,000 could keep about $1,000 more a year.
First-home buyers would also get wider access to the Government-backed 5 percent deposit scheme. National has proposed lifting the income cap to $300,000 and removing the separate cap applying to single buyers without dependants.
Paid parental leave would rise from the current 26 weeks to 30 weeks by 2029, beginning with an increase to 27 weeks in 2027 and 28 weeks the following year. Parents would also gain more flexibility to share their entitlement.
National is also promising a $1500 “Baby Boost” KiwiSaver payment for newborns from July 2027, alongside government KiwiSaver contributions for people receiving paid parental leave.
The fifth commitment would target New Zealanders returning from overseas with foreign partners. National says work and visitor visa applications for partners of New Zealand citizens would be prioritised and expedited, with the aim of reducing delays for families moving home.
Willis framed the package as part of National’s effort to make New Zealand more attractive for younger workers and families, particularly those considering whether to remain in Australia or other overseas markets.
The party has also highlighted its 2024 tax changes, saying an average household with children received an additional $78 a fortnight. Labour has challenged National’s cost-of-living record this week, releasing its own figures claiming a typical family is paying almost $6000 more annually than in 2023.
National is also arguing that New Zealand’s lack of a broad capital gains tax gives it an advantage over Australia for people considering where to build their careers and assets.
Official figures cited by RNZ showed 19,000 New Zealanders moved back from Australia in the year to December 2025, while 47,500 moved in the opposite direction.
The five-point package pulls together several policies National has already announced during the campaign, but the new commitment is to begin implementing them rapidly if it leads the next government.
Source: National Party policy announcements and RNZ.
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