Christchurch, Novel Zealand – Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour used a “State of the Nation” address on Sunday to outline a vision sharply distinct from his coalition partners, criticizing bureaucratic government spending and advocating for significant structural changes to New Zealand’s political landscape.
Speaking to approximately 200 supporters in Christchurch, Seymour delivered a blunt assessment of the challenges facing the country, particularly for young people, and signaled a willingness to pursue policies that could prove divisive. The speech was met by a small protest of around 30 people raising concerns about pay equity, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the situation in Palestine, with some demonstrators chanting inside the venue during the introduction by ACT Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden.
Seymour framed the emigration of New Zealanders as a critical warning sign, stating it was a “flashing light on the dashboard of New Zealand.” He identified five key areas of concern, beginning with what he termed a “productivity slump” rather than a cost-of-living crisis, arguing that wages have failed to keep pace with inflation. He further asserted that the government’s current fiscal trajectory points towards a return to deficit spending after a projected small surplus in 2030, citing an aging population as a key factor.
The ACT leader also expressed concern about declining faith in democratic institutions, stating that frustrations with government bureaucracy and perceived unresponsiveness could erode public trust. He argued that New Zealand lacks a “positive, inclusive sense of who we are,” and directly criticized the Treaty of Waitangi partnership framework, calling it a “disaster.”
Seymour highlighted the economic anxieties of younger generations, pointing to student loan debt, stagnant wages, high taxes, and the unaffordability of housing as factors contributing to a sense of disillusionment. He contrasted the current situation with the experiences of previous generations, asserting that hard work is no longer consistently rewarded.
In a direct challenge to potential opposition parties, Seymour distinguished ACT from Labour, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori. He characterized Labour leader Chris Hipkins as offering “Jacinda Ardern ‘lite’” – promising much but lacking concrete plans for implementation. He was particularly critical of the Greens, accusing them of channeling anxieties into “disgusting and unforgivable anti-semitism,” and labeled Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick a “drag down merchant.” He expressed bewilderment and concern regarding the policies of Te Pāti Māori, particularly their vision for a society structured around Māori identity.
Seymour reiterated ACT’s commitment to keeping these parties out of power, claiming that numerous individuals have expressed a willingness to depart New Zealand should they return to government. He used this as an opportunity to solicit donations for the party.
The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized ACT’s role within the current coalition government, claiming the party has already demonstrated its ability to deliver savings, citing examples such as changes to the school lunch scheme, pay equity adjustments, and a reduction in the cost of the Waikato Medical School. He highlighted the work of ACT ministers, including Brooke van Velden’s efforts to reform employment laws and health and safety regulations.
Looking ahead, Seymour outlined ACT’s proposed solutions, centered on the principles of equal rights for all citizens, a focus on positive-sum outcomes rather than scapegoating, and a smaller, more efficient government. He proposed a cabinet limited to 20 ministers, a reduction in the number of government departments to 30, and a restructuring to ensure that no department answers to more than one minister and no minister holds a portfolio without direct departmental oversight. He described this as an idea “whose time has come” and pledged to campaign vigorously for its implementation.
