ACT New Zealand
A clear guide to ACT New Zealand: its history, its classical liberal and free-market ideology, where it stands on the economy and personal freedom, and its role in the coalition government.
Overview
- Country
- New Zealand
- Founded
- 1994
- Position
- Right-wing, classical liberal
- Leader
- David Seymour
- Headquarters
- Auckland
ACT New Zealand is a classical liberal and free-market party. It favours lower taxes, a much smaller government, individual freedom, and personal responsibility, combining economic liberalism with a generally liberal stance on personal choice. It is a partner in the coalition government led by the National Party, and its leader David Seymour serves as Deputy Prime Minister.
The party sits on the right of the economic spectrum while emphasising individual liberty, and it has grown significantly in recent elections.
History
ACT was founded in 1994, its name drawn from the Association of Consumers and Taxpayers. It grew out of the market reforms of the 1980s and 1990s and entered Parliament under proportional representation, championing free-market economics and lower taxes.
After a period as a very small party, ACT expanded markedly under David Seymour, becoming a significant force. Following the 2023 election it joined the National-led coalition government, with Seymour taking senior roles including, under the coalition agreement, the position of Deputy Prime Minister.
Economic Policy
ACT strongly favours free markets, lower and flatter taxes, reduced government spending, and deregulation. It supports fiscal discipline, competition, and cutting what it sees as unnecessary bureaucracy. It is generally the most consistently free-market party in Parliament.
Foreign Policy
ACT supports free trade, the traditional partnerships of New Zealand, and a foreign policy grounded in national interests and open markets. It generally favours an outward-looking, trade-focused approach.
Where They Stand
- Strongly favours free markets and lower, flatter taxes
- Wants a much smaller government and less regulation
- Emphasises individual freedom and personal responsibility
- Argues for equal citizenship over group-based rights
- Takes firm positions on law and order
- Supports free trade and open markets
Electoral Record
ACT has been in Parliament since 1996, for years as a very small party, before expanding significantly under David Seymour. It entered government as part of the National-led coalition after the 2023 election and contests the 2026 election as an established partner of the centre-right.
Position on the Political Compass
ACT New Zealand sits on the right-leaning side on economics and is more libertarian on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Roger Douglas
Founder and reformer
A former Labour finance minister behind the sweeping market reforms of the 1980s who helped found ACT to continue that free-market agenda.
David Seymour
Leader and Deputy Prime Minister
Grew ACT from a single seat into a significant party and brought it into government, taking senior roles including Deputy Prime Minister under the coalition agreement.
Sources and Further Reading
- ACT New Zealand (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websiteact.org.nz
- Sixth National Government of New Zealand (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion New Zealand political test to see how your views compare with ACT New Zealand and the other parties.
Take the New Zealand Test
Social Policy
On personal questions ACT leans liberal, emphasising individual freedom and choice. At the same time it has taken firm positions on law and order and has been prominent in debates about the role of the Treaty of Waitangi in law and policy, arguing for what it calls equal citizenship. Its overall emphasis is on individual rather than group rights.