Our Policies

Labour's 2026 General Election policies for New Zealand will make healthcare more affordable, cut the cost of getting around, grow the economy and deliver real action on the cost of living.

Every policy below is fully costed and funded. Click any policy to read the detail, including who is eligible, when it starts, and how it is paid for.

$20 Fare Cap

$20 a week is the most you'll pay to get around by bus or train under Labour. In place by 1 July 2027.

Capital Gains Tax

A simple, targeted 28% tax on profit from selling investment property after 1 July 2027. Nine in 10 New Zealanders won't pay it.

Apprenticeship Boost

Labour will support more tradies with extended employer payments, a $1,000 toolbox grant, and five new trades covered. From 1 July 2027.

SolarSaver

Labour's SolarSaver is a fully-funded program to help homeowners, renters and communities get solar without the upfront cost.

Frequently asked questions about Labour's 2026 policies

What are Labour's policies for the 2026 New Zealand general election?

Labour's 2026 election policies include:

  • a $20 weekly public transport fare cap
  • three free doctor's visits each year for every New Zealander
  • free prescriptions from July 2027
  • free maternity scans from July 2028
  • free cervical screening for ages 25-69 from 1 October 2027
  • the Family Doctor Loan Scheme to create 4.5 million new GP visits
  • the New Zealand Future Fund to invest in Kiwi businesses
  • expanding the Apprenticeship Boost to support more tradies and young people
  • solar without the upfront cost for homeowners, renters and communities
  • a simple targeted capital gains tax on investment property profits to fund health
How are Labour's health policies funded?

Labour's healthcare policies will be funded by a simple targeted 28% capital gains tax on profit from selling commercial or residential investment property, excluding the family home, farms, KiwiSaver, shares, businesses and inheritances.

Every dollar raised is ring-fenced for health. Nine out of 10 New Zealanders will not pay the tax.

What is Labour's Medicard?

The Medicard is a new card and app that every New Zealander will receive, giving them access to three free GP visits a year at their enrolled practice, free cervical screening (ages 25-69), and free maternity scans.

Entitlements are loaded automatically. It integrates with My Health Account and the National Health Index (NHI).

When will Labour's policies start?
  • 1 July 2027: $20 fare cap; free prescriptions; Family Doctor Loan Scheme; Apprenticeship Boost expansion (new trades, toolbox grant, mentoring)
  • 1 October 2027: Free cervical screening (ages 25-69)
  • 1 July 2028: Two-year employer payments under Apprenticeship Boost; free maternity scans; Independent Pricing Authority for GP funding
  • SolarSaver: EECA support, subsidies, and loan schemes up and running within 12 months of taking office
  • Capital gains tax: Applies only to profits made after 1 July 2027, and only when the property is sold
Who will benefit from Labour's policies?
  • The transport fare cap benefits anyone who uses public buses, trains or some ferries in New Zealand.
  • The Medicard and its associated free visits, prescriptions, maternity scans and cervical screening benefit every New Zealander entitled to public healthcare.
  • The Family Doctor Loan Scheme benefits communities with limited GP access.
  • The Future Fund aims to benefit Kiwi workers and businesses.
  • Apprenticeship Boost benefits employers taking on apprentices and the apprentices themselves, particularly in the trades and skilled sectors.
  • SolarSaver will benefit homeowners, renters and people without panels on their roof (in neighbourhoods with a community battery).
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