View source for First term of the Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand

{{Short description|Term from 2017 to 2020}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=March 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
[[File:New-govt-2017.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|NZ First, Labour and Green ministers with the Governor-General, October 2017]]
The '''first term''' of the [[Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand]] lasted between 2017 and 2020. It was formed on 19 October 2017 following coalition agreements between the [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]], [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green]] and [[New Zealand First]] parties.<ref name="Newshub NZ First">{{cite news |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/full-video-nz-first-leader-winston-peters-announces-next-government.html |title=Full video: NZ First leader Winston Peters announces next Government |author=Chapman, Grant |date=19 October 2017 |work=[[Newshub]] |access-date=19 October 2017 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019164112/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/full-video-nz-first-leader-winston-peters-announces-next-government.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Newshub Greens">{{cite news |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/an-historic-moment-for-the-green-party-james-shaw.html |title=An 'historic moment' for the Green Party – James Shaw |author=Hurley, Emma |date=19 October 2017 |work=[[Newshub]] |access-date=19 October 2017 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019163305/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/an-historic-moment-for-the-green-party-james-shaw.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Three years later, Labour won a [[landslide victory]] in the [[2020 New Zealand general election|2020 general election]] and was returned for a second term.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last1=Roy|first1=Eleanor Ainge|last2=Graham-McLay|first2=Charlotte|date=2020-10-17|title=Jacinda Ardern to govern New Zealand for second term after historic victory|language=en-GB|work=[[The Observer]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/17/jacinda-arderns-labour-party-set-for-victory-in-new-zealand-election|access-date=2020-10-17|issn=0029-7712|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018030004/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/17/jacinda-arderns-labour-party-set-for-victory-in-new-zealand-election|archive-date=18 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Formation==
The general election on 23 September 2017 saw the [[New Zealand First]] party hold the balance of power between [[New Zealand National Party|National]] and the centre-left bloc of [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]] and the [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green Party]]. Following several weeks of negotiations with both National and Labour, New Zealand First announced on 19 October 2017 it would seek to form a minority coalition government with Labour. [[Confidence-and-supply]] support from the Greens, negotiated separately with Labour, enables the Government to have a majority in the House of Representatives.<ref name="Newshub NZ First" /><ref name="Newshub Greens" />
During the coalition-forming negotiations, Labour agreed to drop its proposed water tax on farmers as part of its agreement with New Zealand First.<ref>{{cite news|title=Labour's proposed water tax on farmers to be scrapped|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11935003|access-date=4 November 2017|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=20 October 2017|archive-date=4 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104000341/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11935003|url-status=live}}</ref> In return, NZ First agreed to drop their demand for referendums on [[Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act 2007|overturning New Zealand's anti-smacking ban]] and abolishing the [[Māori electorates]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cheng|first1=Derek|title=Anti-smacking referendum dropped during coalition negotiations|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11938679|access-date=1 November 2017|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=30 October 2017|archive-date=2 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102094346/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11938679|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Guy|first1=Alice|title=Local kaumatua not surprised Maori seats will be retained|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503437&objectid=11935171|access-date=4 November 2017|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=21 October 2017|archive-date=3 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103132112/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503437&objectid=11935171|url-status=live}}</ref> The Greens consented to a confidence and supply agreement with Labour and New Zealand First in return for several concessions, including: a [[New Zealand cannabis referendum|referendum on legalising cannabis]], treating alcohol and drugs as a health issue, net zero emissions by 2050 and requiring a climate impact assessment analysis for all legislation<ref>{{cite news|last1=Collins|first1=Benedict|title=Cannabis referendum part of Greens' deal|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/342008/cannabis-referendum-part-of-greens-deal|access-date=7 November 2017|publisher=Radio New Zealand|date=20 October 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112959/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/342008/cannabis-referendum-part-of-greens-deal|url-status=live}}</ref>
==2017==
In November 2017, Prime Minister [[Jacinda Ardern]] and Trade and Export Growth Minister [[David Parker (New Zealand politician)|David Parker]] announced that their government would continue participating in the [[Trans-Pacific Partnership]] negotiations despite opposition from the Green Party.<ref>{{cite news|title=TPP deal revived once more, 20 provisions suspended|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/343584/tpp-deal-revived-once-more-20-provisions-suspended|access-date=8 March 2018|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]]|date=12 Nov 2017|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403010633/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/343584/tpp-deal-revived-once-more-20-provisions-suspended|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, Ardern offered to resettle 150 of the asylum seekers from the former [[Manus Regional Processing Centre]] in New Zealand, but was rebuffed by the [[Turnbull Government]] in Australia.<ref>{{cite news|title=PM Malcolm Turnbull rejects NZ offer to resettle Manus refugees despite 'humanitarian crisis'|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/pm-malcolm-turnbull-rejects-nz-offer-to-resettle-manus-refugees/9121424|access-date=8 March 2018|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=6 November 2018|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405012703/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/pm-malcolm-turnbull-rejects-nz-offer-to-resettle-manus-refugees/9121424|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 November, Ardern reaffirmed the Government's commitment to re-enter [[Pike River Mine]] with the goal of completing mine recovery by March 2019.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Walters|first1=Laura|title=Pike River mine recovery should be completed by March, 2019 - PM|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/99037871/risk-could-scupper-reentering-pike-river-mine|access-date=8 March 2018|agency=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=20 November 2017|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308110412/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/99037871/risk-could-scupper-reentering-pike-river-mine|url-status=live}}</ref> Minister for Pike River Re-Entry [[Andrew Little (New Zealand politician)|Andrew Little]] also announced the creation of the [[Pike River Recovery Agency]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pike River Mine Factsheet|url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2017-11/Pike%20River%20Mine%20Factsheet%20201117%20.pdf|publisher=[[Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment]]|access-date=22 November 2017|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127210148/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2017-11/Pike%20River%20Mine%20Factsheet%20201117%20.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 12 December, [[Minister of Education (New Zealand)|Education Minister]] [[Chris Hipkins]] announced that the Government would be ending National Standards in schools. This decision was welcomed by the teachers' and principals' unions but opposed by the opposition [[New Zealand National Party|National]] and [[ACT Party|ACT]] parties.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moir|first1=Jo|title=National Standards have officially ended in primary schools across the country|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/99774465/National-Standards-have-officially-ended-in-primary-schools-across-the-country|access-date=8 March 2018|agency=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=12 December 2017|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308110422/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/99774465/National-Standards-have-officially-ended-in-primary-schools-across-the-country|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 December, [[Minister of Finance (New Zealand)|Finance Minister]] [[Grant Robertson]] released the 2017 mini-budget, with key 100-day plan policies such as the NZ$5.5 billion Families package being funded by cancelling the previous National Government's NZ$8 billion tax cuts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dann |first1=Corin |title=Labour delivers on election promises in mini-budget and keeps books in the black, although there is limited wriggle room |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2017/12/14/labour-delivers-on-election-promises-in-mini-budget-and-keeps-books-in-the-black-although-there-is-limited-wriggle-room/ |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=[[1News]] |date=14 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527110656/https://www.1news.co.nz/2017/12/14/labour-delivers-on-election-promises-in-mini-budget-and-keeps-books-in-the-black-although-there-is-limited-wriggle-room/|archive-date=27 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 December, the Government established a [[Tax Working Group]] consisting of several academics, businesspeople, and senior civil servants under the leadership of former Finance Minister [[Michael Cullen (politician)|Michael Cullen]] with the goal of reforming the taxation system and alleviating the country's housing crisis.<ref name="Scoop 22 Dec 2017">{{cite news|title=Tax Working Group members announced|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1712/S00236/tax-working-group-members-announced.htm|access-date=22 December 2017|agency=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]]|publisher=[[New Zealand Government]]|date=20 December 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222044800/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1712/S00236/tax-working-group-members-announced.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 December, Prime Minister Ardern and [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (New Zealand)|Foreign Minister]] [[Winston Peters]] opposed US President [[Donald Trump]]'s move to recognise [[Jerusalem]] as the capital of [[Israel]] at the [[United Nations General Assembly]] and reiterated New Zealand's support for the [[Two State Solution]].<ref>{{cite news|title=NZ votes against US over declaring Jerusalem as capital of Israel|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11964452|access-date=8 March 2018|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=22 December 2018|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308103443/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11964452|url-status=live}}</ref>
==2018==
On 19 January 2018, Ardern revealed that she was expecting her first child in June, and that Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters would serve as Acting Prime Minister while she took maternity leave for a period of six weeks.<ref>{{cite news|title=NZ Prime Minister Jacinda announces she's pregnant|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/100713394/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-announces-shes-pregnant|access-date=8 March 2018|agency=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=19 January 2018|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308110421/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/100713394/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-announces-shes-pregnant|url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-February 2018, the Government introduced legislation to stop the creation of new [[Charter schools in New Zealand|charter school]]s but to allow the 11 existing schools to continue operating while they negotiated options with the [[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]; with Ardern suggesting that the existing schools could convert to "special character" schools.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Trevett|first1=Claire|title=PM says compromise will help charter schools to convert rather than close|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11992994|access-date=8 March 2018|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=12 February 2018|archive-date=7 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307171905/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11992994|url-status=live}}</ref> In early-March 2018, during a state visit to [[Samoa]], Ardern stated that New Zealand would be seeking to shift away from a 'donor, recipient relationship' with [[Pacific Islands]] nations in favour of forming partnerships with these states and introduced a NZ$10 million aid package to Samoa with NZ$3 million going to disaster relief following [[Cyclone Gita]] and the rest being allocated to social developmental and education projects.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Heron|first1=Mei|title=PM's Pacific tour begins 'Pacific reset'|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/351722/pm-s-pacific-tour-begins-pacific-reset|access-date=8 March 2018|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]]|date=5 March 2018|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308103459/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/351722/pm-s-pacific-tour-begins-pacific-reset|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 8 March 2018, Trade Minister Parker stated the government's intention of ratifying the [[Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership]], an amended version of the TPP, in Chile.<ref>{{cite news|title=NZ to sign CPTPP today|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/03/nz-to-sign-cptpp-today-in-chile.html|access-date=8 March 2018|publisher=[[Newshub]]|date=8 March 2018|archive-date=7 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307211806/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/03/nz-to-sign-cptpp-today-in-chile.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 3 April 2018, Ardern and Transport Minister [[Phil Twyford]] introduced the Government's ten-year draft land transport plan which included a proposed 9-12% a litre fuel tax hike, a proposed 20% fuel tax hike in Auckland, boosting public transport funding by 46%, cutting state highway funding by 11%, and allocating $4 billion over the next ten years to establish rapid transit including [[light rail]] with an initial focus on Auckland.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Trevett|first1=Claire|title=Jacinda Ardern sets out Government's transport plan, including nationwide fuel tax|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12025268|access-date=4 April 2018|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=3 April 2018|archive-date=3 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403175831/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12025268|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 April 2018, [[Attorney General (New Zealand)|Attorney General]] [[David Parker (New Zealand politician)|David Parker]] announced a government inquiry into allegations that the [[New Zealand Special Air Service]] had committed war crimes against Afghan civilians during [[Operation Burnham]] while stationed in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Government to hold inquiry on Operation Burnham after allegations in book Hit & Run|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-hold-inquiry-operation-burnham-after-allegations-in-book-hit-run|access-date=11 April 2018|publisher=[[1News]]|date=11 April 2018|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306040506/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-hold-inquiry-operation-burnham-after-allegations-in-book-hit-run|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 12 April, the government banned future [[offshore oil and gas exploration in New Zealand]]. In addition, Energy Minister [[Megan Woods]] clarified that the thirty existing exploration permits would still continue and be unaffected by the ban. New Zealand has 27 oil fields with most being located in the [[Taranaki Basin]]. The ban on future oil and gas exploration was part of a coalition agreement between the Labour and Green parties. The decision was welcomed by Greens Co-Leader [[James Shaw (New Zealand politician)|James Shaw]], [[Greenpeace Aotearoa New Zealand|Greenpeace]] and [[Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand|Forest & Bird]] but was criticised by the [[Mayor of New Plymouth]] [[Neil Holdom]], and the opposition National and ACT parties.<ref name="NZH Exploration 11 April 2018">{{cite news|last1=Young|first1=Audrey|title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern bans new offshore oil and gas exploration in New Zealand|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12030723|access-date=11 April 2018|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=11 April 2018|archive-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411185727/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12030723|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="RNZ exploration 11 April 2018">{{cite news|title=Oil, gas exploration move a 'kick in the guts' for Taranaki - mayor|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/354816/oil-gas-exploration-move-a-kick-in-the-guts-for-taranaki-mayor|access-date=11 April 2018|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]]|date=11 April 2018|archive-date=12 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112092840/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/354816/oil-gas-exploration-move-a-kick-in-the-guts-for-taranaki-mayor|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 19 April, Little entered the Pike River Mine portal with two Pike Family representatives to demonstrate that a safe re-entry was possible. He reiterated the Government's promise to re-enter the drift in order to recover evidence and the remains of the deceased miners.<ref>{{cite web|title=Andrew Little enters Pike River portal|url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/andrew-little-enters-pike-river-portal|publisher=[[New Zealand Government]]|access-date=7 May 2018|archive-date=7 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507222119/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/andrew-little-enters-pike-river-portal|url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 May, Ardern and [[Minister of Housing and Urban Development|Housing Minister]] [[Phil Twyford]] stated that the Government would be investing NZ$100 million into combating homelessness. This initiative included investing NZ$37 million into building 1,500 shorter term-homes and NZ$63 million into the Housing First programme; which involves finding permanent homes for vulnerable families and treating addiction and mental health issues.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cooke|first1=Henry|title=Government announces $100m plan to fight homelessness|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/103619757/government-announces-100m-plan-to-fight-homelessness|access-date=5 May 2018|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=4 May 2018|archive-date=6 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506034958/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/103619757/government-announces-100m-plan-to-fight-homelessness|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 May, [[Minister of Finance (New Zealand)|Finance Minister]] [[Grant Robertson]] released the [[2018 New Zealand budget]], allocating NZ$2.8 billion in operational funding and NZ$3.8 billion in capital funding to the 2018 New Zealand Budget.<ref>{{cite news |title=Budget 2018's greatest hits: Everything you need to know |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12053495 |access-date=4 June 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=17 May 2018 |archive-date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530030041/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12053495 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 11 June, the Labour-led coalition government had abandoned efforts to repeal the [[Sentencing and Parole Reform Act 2010]] (the so-called [[three-strikes law]]) due to internal opposition from NZ First.<ref>{{cite news |title=NZ First forces Labour to ditch three strikes law repeal |url=http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/nz-first-not-supporting-three-strikes-law-changes-yet/ |access-date=22 June 2018 |publisher=[[Newstalk ZB]] |date=11 June 2018 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622083901/http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/nz-first-not-supporting-three-strikes-law-changes-yet/ |url-status=live }}</ref>> Ardern temporarily relinquished her duties to [[Winston Peters]], following the birth of her child, for a period of six weeks. Peters became [[Acting (law)|Acting]] Prime Minister on 20 June 2018, when Ardern went into labour. Her six-week maternity leave concluded on 2 August 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Jane |title=Winston Peters is in charge: His duties explained |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/360079/winston-peters-is-in-charge-his-duties-explained |access-date=21 June 2018 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=21 June 2018 |language=en-nz |archive-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621043126/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/360079/winston-peters-is-in-charge-his-duties-explained |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 1 July 2018, the government announced that it would be implementing its Families Package, which had been signed into law on 15 December 2017.<ref name="Families Package RNZ">{{cite news |last1=Dreaver |first1=Charlie |title=Govt's families package takes effect: 'Step in the right direction' |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/360801/govt-s-families-package-takes-effect-step-in-the-right-direction |access-date=3 July 2018 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=1 July 2018 |archive-date=3 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703053531/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/360801/govt-s-families-package-takes-effect-step-in-the-right-direction |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Families package passes in Parliament under urgency |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/346318/families-package-passes-in-parliament-under-urgency |access-date=3 July 2018 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=15 December 2017 |archive-date=2 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702230511/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/346318/families-package-passes-in-parliament-under-urgency |url-status=live }}</ref> The Families Package would increase paid parental leave from 22 weeks to 26 weeks from July 2020; introduce a Winter Energy Payment for beneficiaries and pensioners; paying $60-a-week to low and middle-income families with babies and toddlers; reinstating the Independent Earner Tax Credit; and increasing benefit allowances for orphans, unsupported children, and foster carers.<ref name="Families Package RNZ" /> The Families Package was criticised by the opposition National finance spokesperson [[Amy Adams (politician)|Amy Adams]] for increasing taxation. In response, Finance Minister [[Grant Robertson]] countered that the Government was investing in low and middle-income New Zealanders rather than the "top 10% of earners". Meanwhile, Child Poverty Action Group Susan St John said that "the changes were long overdue but did not go far enough".<ref name="Families Package RNZ" /><ref>{{cite news |title='Poor' spending choices in Govt's families package - National |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/06/poor-spending-choices-in-govt-s-families-package-national.html |access-date=3 July 2018 |publisher=[[Newshub]] |date=1 July 2018 |archive-date=3 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703133429/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/06/poor-spending-choices-in-govt-s-families-package-national.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 14 August, the Government passed the [[Overseas Investment Amendment Act 2018]] which bans the sale of existing homes to non-residents as a means of easing the housing shortage in New Zealand. Australians and Singaporean nationals were made exempt from this ban due to free trade rules. The Bill was supported by Labour and its coalition partners New Zealand First and the Greens but was opposed by the opposition National and ACT parties. It passed its third reading on 14 August by 63 votes to 57 votes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Jessica |title=Labour's bill to curb foreigners buying New Zealand homes becomes law |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/106297829/labours-bill-to-curb-foreigners-buying-new-zealand-houses-becomes-law |access-date=16 August 2018 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=15 August 2018 |archive-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816021206/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/106297829/labours-bill-to-curb-foreigners-buying-new-zealand-houses-becomes-law |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 30 August 2018, Civil Defence Minister [[Kris Faafoi]] announced that the Government was investing into supporting "rapid response teams" in emergencies following a critical Ministerial Technical Advisory Group's (TAG) review of the Government's unsatisfactory responses to the [[2016 Kaikōura earthquake]] and the [[2017 Port Hills fires]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Jessica |title=Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi announces $5.2 million for rapid response teams for disasters |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/106685957/civil-defence-minister-kris-faafoi-announces-52-million-for-rapid-response-teams-for-disasters |access-date=30 August 2018 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=30 August 2018 |archive-date=30 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830025606/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/106685957/civil-defence-minister-kris-faafoi-announces-52-million-for-rapid-response-teams-for-disasters |url-status=live }}</ref>
By September 2018, all twelve existing charter schools had been successfully converted into state integrated and special character schools.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bracewell-Worrall |first1=Anna |title=All NZ charter schools now approved to become state integrated |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/all-nz-charter-schools-now-approved-to-become-state-integrated.html |access-date=20 March 2019 |publisher=[[Newshub]] |date=17 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207143557/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/all-nz-charter-schools-now-approved-to-become-state-integrated.html |archive-date=7 December 2018}}</ref> In early October 2018, the Government established a new government department called the [[Ministry of Housing and Urban Development]] to manage housing and urban development issues.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walls |first1=Jason |title=Twyford today launched the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, but what is it? |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12135053 |access-date=1 February 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=1 October 2018 |archive-date=31 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131164336/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12135053 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In late November 2018, Ardern and [[Minister of Health (New Zealand)|Health Minister]] [[David Clark (New Zealand politician)|David Clark]] announced that the Government would reduce the costs of visits to the [[general practitioner]] as part of their Budget 2018. These policies include extending free doctors' visits to resident children under the age of thirteen and lowering Community Service Card holders' fees by $20-$30 per visit.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paranihi |first1=Regan |title=Govt to slash GP fees |url=https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/politics/govt-slash-gp-fees |access-date=24 January 2019 |publisher=Māori Television |date=30 November 2018 |archive-date=24 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124105027/https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/politics/govt-slash-gp-fees |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 11 December 2018, the Government passed a [[Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Act|law]], amending the [[Misuse of Drugs Act 1975]] to allow terminally ill patients to use marijuana for palliative care. The new law was supported by all coalition parties but was opposed by the opposition National Party, which argued that it would legalise recreational cannabis consumption.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bennett |first1=Lucy |title=Medicinal cannabis bill passes third reading |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12175064 |access-date=28 December 2018 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=11 December 2018 |archive-date=24 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224074528/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12175064 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 December, the Government announced that it would be holding a [[2020 New Zealand cannabis referendum|binding referendum]] on legalising the personal use of cannabis during the [[2020 New Zealand general election|2020 general election]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Cannabis referendum will be held at 2020 election, Government confirms |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/109434013/cannabis-referendum-will-be-held-at-2020-election-government-confirms |access-date=28 December 2018 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=11 December 2018 |archive-date=28 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228174911/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/109434013/cannabis-referendum-will-be-held-at-2020-election-government-confirms |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 19 December, the Government announced that it would be voting in favour of the UN's [[Global Compact for Migration]]. Foreign Minister Peters justified the decision on the grounds the Compact was not legally binding and would not hinder New Zealand from setting its own migration policies. The Government's decision was criticised by the opposition National Party, which claimed it would violate New Zealand's sovereignty.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=NZ to vote in favour of UN Migration Compact |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12179506 |access-date=7 January 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=19 December 2018 |archive-date=7 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107181050/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12179506 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==2019==
In mid-January 2019, [[Minister of Housing and Urban Development]] [[Phil Twyford]] admitted that the government would be unable to meet its target of building 1,000 [[KiwiBuild]] homes by 1 July, with only 33 homes being built as of 23 January. The minister estimated that the government would be able to build only 300 houses by the 1 July deadline.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Phil Twyford says only 300 KiwiBuild homes are due to be finished by July |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/110113848/phil-twyford-says-only-300-kiwibuild-homes-are-due-to-be-finished-by-july |access-date=24 January 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=23 January 2019 |archive-date=24 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124014611/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/110113848/phil-twyford-says-only-300-kiwibuild-homes-are-due-to-be-finished-by-july |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 3 February 2019, Ardern and Regional Economic Development Minister [[Shane Jones]] announced that the government had allocated NZ$100 million from its Provincial Growth Fund to supporting Māori economic development by providing access capital. It also allocated another NZ$27 million to improving transportation and the horticulture sector around [[Kaipara District]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walls |first1=Jason |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces $100m funding package for Māori development and infrastructure |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12200399 |access-date=5 February 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=3 February 2019 |archive-date=5 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205075038/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12200399 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In mid-February, Education Minister Chris Hipkins proposed merging the country's sixteen [[Institute of technology#New Zealand|polytechnic]]s into a "[[Te Pūkenga|NZ Institute of Skills and Technology]]" in response to deficits and a slump in domestic enrolments. This proposed NZ Institute would also take over the enrolment and management of apprentices and industry trainees from the country's eleven industry training organisations. In addition, the government will create a new vocational funding system. The [[Tertiary Education Union]], Employers and Manufacturers Union, and the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce have expressed tentative support for the government's proposals. However, the opposition National Party's Education spokesperson [[Shane Reti]] criticised the proposed merger, claiming that it would entail the centralisation of decision-marking in the vocational education sector.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Simon |title=Polytechnic mega-merger will take over apprentices and industry trainees |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12203337 |access-date=15 February 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=13 February 2019 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215161440/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12203337 |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to the [[Christchurch mosque shootings]] on 15 March 2019, Hipkins extended the polytechnic submission timeframe to 5 April 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=Education Minister Chris Hipkins extends polytechnic submission timeframe |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/111430734/education-minister-chris-hipkins-extends-polytechnic-sumbission-timeframe |access-date=21 March 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=20 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321031702/https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/111430734/education-minister-chris-hipkins-extends-polytechnic-sumbission-timeframe |archive-date=21 March 2019}}</ref>
On 5 March 2019, the New Zealand Parliament unanimously passed the Crimes Amendment Bill, which overturned a law banning [[Blasphemy law in New Zealand|"blasphemous libel"]] in New Zealand. The amendment received support from both government and opposition parties as well as the [[Ministry of Justice (New Zealand)|Ministry of Justice]], the [[Human Rights Commission (New Zealand)|Human Rights Commission]], and the [[New Zealand Council of Civil Liberties]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title='Archaic' blasphemous libel law repealed in Parliament |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/03/archaic-blasphemous-libel-law-repealed-in-parliament.html |access-date=15 March 2019 |publisher=[[Newshub]] |date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306040652/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/03/archaic-blasphemous-libel-law-repealed-in-parliament.html |archive-date=6 March 2019}}</ref> The bill received the royal assent on 11 March 2019 and came into force the following day.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Little |first1=Andrew |title=Blasphemous libel law repealed |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/blasphemous-libel-law-repealed |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315003634/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/blasphemous-libel-law-repealed|archive-date=15 March 2019}}</ref>
Following the [[Christchurch mosque shootings]] on 15 March 2019, Ardern announced that the government would be reforming [[Gun laws in New Zealand|New Zealand's gun laws]], including a proposed ban on [[semi-automatic firearm]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hemi |first1=Tema |title=PM Jacinda Ardern announces reforms on NZ gun laws |url=https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/pm-jacinda-ardern-announces-reforms-on-nz-gun-laws |access-date=20 March 2019 |publisher=[[Māori Television]] |date=18 March 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321013539/https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/pm-jacinda-ardern-announces-reforms-on-nz-gun-laws |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 21 March 2019, Ardern announced that the government would ban all semi-automatic firearms and would introduce a buy-back scheme for prohibited firearms.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will ban all military-style semi-automatic weapons and all assault rifles |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/385268/pm-jacinda-ardern-says-new-zealand-will-ban-all-military-style-semi-automatic-weapons-and-all-assault-rifles |access-date=21 March 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321032601/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/385268/pm-jacinda-ardern-says-new-zealand-will-ban-all-military-style-semi-automatic-weapons-and-all-assault-rifles |archive-date=21 March 2019}}</ref>
On 10 April, the government's [[Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019]] passed its third reading, banning semi-automatic firearms, magazines, and parts. The Arms Amendment Act 2019 was supported by all parties except the opposition [[ACT New Zealand|ACT Party]]'s sole MP [[David Seymour (New Zealand politician)|David Seymour]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Firearms Amendment Bill passes final reading in Parliament |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/386778/firearms-amendment-bill-passes-final-reading-in-parliament |access-date=10 April 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=10 April 2019 |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410104001/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/386778/firearms-amendment-bill-passes-final-reading-in-parliament |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the government announced an amnesty and buy-back scheme for prohibited firearms and components.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Devlin |first1=Collette |title=Gun buyback framework established as first step towards determining compensation |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/111931901/gun-buyback-framework-established-as-first-step-towards-determining-compensation |access-date=10 April 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=10 April 2019 |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410103958/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/111931901/gun-buyback-framework-established-as-first-step-towards-determining-compensation |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 17 April, Ardern announced that it would not be introducing a [[Capital gains tax#New Zealand|capital gains tax]], citing disagreements among coalition parties over implementing such a tax. The Prime Minister pledged that under her leadership capital gains tax would not be introduced in the future.<ref>{{cite news |title='No mandate' for capital gains tax - PM |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/387253/no-mandate-for-capital-gains-tax-pm |access-date=17 April 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=17 April 2019 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417033337/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/387253/no-mandate-for-capital-gains-tax-pm |url-status=live }}</ref> Finance Minister Robertson said that the Government would still explore options for targeting land speculation, land banking, and vacant land.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=Government rules out capital gains tax |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/04/government-rules-out-capital-gains-tax.html |access-date=17 April 2019 |publisher=[[Newshub]] |date=17 April 2019 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417034051/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/04/government-rules-out-capital-gains-tax.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 2 May 2019, Education Minister Hipkins announced that the Government would be investing NZ$95 million to train 2,400 new teacher trainees through increased scholarships and placements, new employment-based teacher education programmes, and iwi-based scholarships over the next four years to address the teaching shortage. [[Post Primary Teachers' Association]] President Jack Boyle responded that the Government's measures were insufficient to deal with the teachers shortage, which he attributed to insufficient salaries, high workloads, and a high attrition rate among new teaching graduates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kirk |first1=Stacey |last2=Cooke |first2=Henry |title=Budget 2019: Government pours $95 million over four years into teaching resources |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/112397252/budget-2019-government-hopes-to-pour-95-million-over-four-years-into-teaching-resources |access-date=3 May 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503105052/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/112397252/budget-2019-government-hopes-to-pour-95-million-over-four-years-into-teaching-resources |url-status=live }}</ref> National Party Education spokesperson [[Nikki Kaye]] claimed that the Government's spending would not address the teaching shortage while ACT MP [[David Seymour (New Zealand politician)|David Seymour]] opined that the money would be better spent on increasing teaching salaries.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=$95 million in Budget package for thousands of new teachers |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12227095 |access-date=3 May 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503034407/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12227095 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 8 May 2019, the Government introduced the [[Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill]] to Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/landmark-climate-change-bill-goes-parliament |date= 8 May 2019 |access-date= 20 May 2019 |title= Landmark climate change bill goes to Parliament |author= Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern |publisher= New Zealand Government |archive-date= 31 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191031032422/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/landmark-climate-change-bill-goes-parliament |url-status= live }}</ref> The Government's Zero Carbon Bill passed its first reading on 22 May 2019. The opposition National Party supported the bill despite its concerns about the bill's methane targets.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=National supports climate change bill through first reading |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/112890233/national-supports-climate-change-bill-through-first-reading |access-date=22 May 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=21 May 2019 |archive-date=21 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521045131/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/112890233/national-supports-climate-change-bill-through-first-reading |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 21 May 2019, mine re-entry efforts into the [[Pike River Mine]] began.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carroll |first1=Joanne |title=Pike River re-entry finally a reality after eight-year battle |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/112896213/pike-river-reentry-finally-a-reality-after-eightyear-battle#comments |access-date=22 May 2019 |work=[[The Press]] |publisher=[[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] |date=22 May 2019 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709222450/https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/112896213/pike-river-reentry-finally-a-reality-after-eightyear-battle#comments |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 30 May 2019, the Government released the [[2019 New Zealand budget]] (Wellbeing Budget). Key provisions included creating a new frontline mental health service, investing $40 million in suicide prevention services, stationing nurses at secondary schools, building 1,044 new homes, investing $320 million into specialist services to address family and sexual violence, investing $200 million into apprenticeships and vocational training programs, investing $1 billion into [[KiwiRail]], and investing $1.7 billion and $1.2 billion into repairing hospitals and schools respectively.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Budget NZ 2019: Wellbeing Budget by the numbers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/budget/113125642/budget-nz-2019-wellbeing-budget-by-the-numbers |access-date=1 June 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=30 May 2019 |archive-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531163017/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/budget/113125642/budget-nz-2019-wellbeing-budget-by-the-numbers |url-status=live }}</ref> The release of the Wellbeing Budget was complicated by the accidental publication two days earlier of high-level documents on a test website that was not supposed to be publicly available. Opposition Leader Bridges also criticised the Government's handling of the data leak and called for the resignations of Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Treasury Secretary Gabriel Makhlouf.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leahy |first1=Ben |title=Budget leak: Simon Bridges wants heads to roll over Treasury hack 'lies' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12235615 |access-date=1 June 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=30 May 2019 |archive-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531214555/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12235615 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 10 June 2019, Ardern, Foreign Minister Peters, and Defence Minister Ron Mark announced that the New Zealand Government would be withdrawing New Zealand military forces from [[Iraq]] in June 2020.  The [[New Zealand Defence Force]] had dispatched a non-combat Building Partner Capacity (BPC) training mission to help Australian forces train [[Iraqi Security Forces]] at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq in support of the US-led coalition efforts to combat [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] forces in [[Iraq]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ardern |first1=Jacinda |last2=Peters |first2=Winston |last3=Mark |first3=Ron |title=New Zealand to withdraw from Iraq in June 2020 |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1906/S00075/new-zealand-to-withdraw-from-iraq-in-june-2020.htm |access-date=12 June 2019 |agency=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]] |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=11 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611212705/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1906/S00075/new-zealand-to-withdraw-from-iraq-in-june-2020.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The number of NZ military personnel would be reduced from 95 to 75 by July 2019, and 45 from January 2020.<ref name="National wary">{{cite news |title=National wary but supportive of NZ troops withdrawal from Iraq |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699018/national-wary-but-supportive-of-nz-troops-withdrawal-from-iraq |access-date=12 June 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=11 June 2019 |archive-date=11 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611145334/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699018/national-wary-but-supportive-of-nz-troops-withdrawal-from-iraq |url-status=live }}</ref> However, NZDF personnel would remain in [[Afghanistan]] for at least another 18 months. Ardern also announced that the number of NZDF personnel in Afghanistan would be reduced from 13 to 11 by March 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=NZ troops coming home from Iraq, staying in Afghanistan for at least another 18 months |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/113365868/nz-troops-coming-home-from-iraq |access-date=12 June 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=10 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610170621/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/113365868/nz-troops-coming-home-from-iraq |url-status=live }}</ref> While National has cautiously supported the Government's policy, the party's defence spokesperson [[Mark Mitchell (New Zealand politician)|Mark Mitchell]] has voiced concerns that the Iraqi withdrawal was too soon.<ref name="National wary" />
On 11 June 2019, Defence Minister Mark released the Government's $20 billion Defence Capability Plan 2019, which will cover the NZ Defence Force's budget for the next eleven years. Key items include investing NZ$3.5 billion for new and replacement naval vessels and maritime helicopters, NZ$2.5 billion worth of upgrades for the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]], bolstering [[New Zealand Army]] troop numbers from 4,700 to 6,000 by 2035, and launching satellite-based surveillance systems. National's defence spokesperson Mitchell has supported the Government's Defence Capability Plan but disagreed with the Government's decision to bypass the tender process for new [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]] aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walls |first1=Jason |title=The Defence Force $20b spending plan includes a commitment to 'space-based activities' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12239146 |access-date=12 June 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=11 June 2019 |archive-date=12 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612011303/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12239146 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 20 June, Finance Minister Robertson and Police Minister Nash launched the Government's six-month firearms buy-back amnesty, which would run until 20 December. The Government allocated NZ$200 million to the firearms buy-back scheme. Licensed firearms owners will be eligible for the scheme. There are four collection options for the government's buy-back scheme: large-scale events at centralised community locations; handing over items at approved gun dealers; bulk pick-ups by Police; and at Police stations.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roberston |first1=Grant |last2=Nash |first2=Stuart |title=Firearms buy-back scheme strikes fair balance |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/firearms-buy-back-scheme-strikes-fair-balance |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |access-date=8 July 2019 |date=20 June 2019 |archive-date=8 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708231652/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/firearms-buy-back-scheme-strikes-fair-balance |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 26 June 2019, the primary teachers' union, the [[New Zealand Educational Institute]], voted to accept the Government's NZ$1.5 billion collective agreement. This collective agreement contains a new, unified pay scale that will restore parity across the state schooling sector. Key provisions include raising all teachers' base salaries by 18.5% by July 2021 and making Q3+, Q4, and Q5 teachers eligible for a new top salary of NZ$90,000. While primary teachers voted to accept the Government's offer, primary principals have rejected the offer, demanding better pay and working conditions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Katarina |last2=Iles |first2=Julie |title=Primary teachers say yes, principals say no to latest collective agreement offers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113762569/primary-teachers-principals-vote-on-governments-collective-agreement-offer-to-be-announced |access-date=26 June 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626012304/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113762569/primary-teachers-principals-vote-on-governments-collective-agreement-offer-to-be-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 June 2019, the secondary teachers' union, the [[Post Primary Teachers' Association]], voted by a majority of 65% to accept the Government's pay offer, which included a lump sum of NZ$1,500 and a 3% pay rise in July and over the next three years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Secondary school teachers union accepts the Government's latest pay offer |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/06/secondary-school-teachers-union-accepts-the-government-s-latest-pay-offer.html |access-date=7 July 2019 |publisher=[[Newshub]] |date=28 June 2019 |archive-date=7 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707100300/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/06/secondary-school-teachers-union-accepts-the-government-s-latest-pay-offer.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 27 June 2019, Ardern announced a [[cabinet reshuffle]]. She split the housing portfolio into three positions; appointing [[Megan Woods]] as Minister of Housing, [[Kris Faafoi]] as Associate Minister of Housing, and [[Phil Twyford]] as Minister of Urban Development. In addition, [[Grant Robertson]] was appointed as Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission; [[Jenny Salesa]] as [[Minister of Customs (New Zealand)|Minister of Customs]]; and [[Peeni Henare]] became [[Minister of Civil Defence (New Zealand)|Minister of Civil Defence]]. In addition, several Labour Members of Parliament were appointed to various parliamentary positions including assistant speaker, senior government whip, and parliamentary private secretaries.<ref name="Newshub 27 Jun 2019">{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=Jacinda Ardern's Cabinet reshuffle: Phil Twyford's Housing portfolio split into three |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/06/jacinda-ardern-s-cabinet-reshuffle-twyford-s-housing-portfolio-split-into-three.html |access-date=1 July 2019 |publisher=[[Newshub]] |date=27 June 2019 |archive-date=29 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629073652/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/06/jacinda-ardern-s-cabinet-reshuffle-twyford-s-housing-portfolio-split-into-three.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 17 July, the Government released its plan on integrating [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drone]]s into the country's transportation system, entitled ''Taking Flight: an aviation system for the automated age''. Transportation Minister Phil Twyford said that drones "could deliver economic benefits by doing tasks that are time intensive, expensive, and risky – such as monitoring crops, inspecting power lines and helping with emergency operations". As of 2019, there are 77,000 drones in New Zealand with many being used in the forestry, agriculture, and conservation sectors.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Twyford |first1=Phil |title=Drones will help economy take off |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1907/S00134/drones-will-help-economy-take-off.htm |access-date=17 July 2019 |agency=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]] |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |date=17 June 2019 |archive-date=17 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717002305/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1907/S00134/drones-will-help-economy-take-off.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 22 July, Ardern announced a second series of gun reforms which including creating a national firearms register, tighter restrictions on who can obtain a firearms licence, and a ban on overseas visitors buying guns in New Zealand but still allowing them to bring personal firearms into the country. Police Minister [[Stuart Nash]] announced that the Government would be drafting a new bill the following month to codify these proposed reforms into law.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |title=Firearms register among second raft of gun law reforms announced by PM |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/114411129/firearms-register-among-second-raft-of-gun-law-reforms-announced-by-pm |access-date=22 July 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=22 July 2019 |archive-date=22 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722052031/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/114411129/firearms-register-among-second-raft-of-gun-law-reforms-announced-by-pm |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[New Zealand Police]]'s union, the Police Association, has advocated the establishment of a national gun register and welcomed the government's proposed raft of gun reforms.<ref>{{cite news |title=NZ Police Association supports next phase of gun law reform |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1907/S00241/nz-police-association-supports-next-phase-of-gun-law-reform.htm |access-date=22 July 2019 |agency=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]] |publisher=NZ Police Association |date=22 July 2019 |archive-date=22 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722052032/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1907/S00241/nz-police-association-supports-next-phase-of-gun-law-reform.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 26 July, the New Zealand Educational Institute's kindergarten teacher members voted to accept a pay parity agreement with the [[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]. Early childhood education teachers will receive a pay rise of at least 18.5% by July 2020, NZEI members will receive a lump sum of NZ$1,500, and there will be an increase in the head and senior teachers' allowances.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Franks |first1=Josephine |title=Kindergarten teachers vote to accept collective agreement, giving them pay parity |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/114504515/kindergarten-teachers-vote-to-accept-collective-agreement |access-date=26 July 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=26 July 2019 |archive-date=26 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726000620/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/114504515/kindergarten-teachers-vote-to-accept-collective-agreement |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 1 August, the Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced that the Government would merge all 16 [[Tertiary education in New Zealand#Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP)|institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs)]] into a single entity in April 2020. In addition, Hipkins announced that the Government would replace all 11 industrial training organisations (ITOs) with between four and seven workforce development councils that would be set up by 2022 to influence vocational education and training. While polytechnics have been cautiously optimistic about the changes despite concerns about losing their autonomy to a national organisation, ITOs have opposed these changes, arguing that they would wreak an already working system. National's tertiary education spokesperson [[Shane Reti]] criticised the proposed changes as a "step backward" that would lead to job losses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gerritsen |first1=John |title=Government confirms major overhaul of polytechnics, apprenticeships |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/395722/government-confirms-major-overhaul-of-polytechnics-apprenticeships |access-date=2 August 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801041522/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/395722/government-confirms-major-overhaul-of-polytechnics-apprenticeships |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 4 August, Ardern announced that the Government would be investing NZ$25 million in purchasing 12 new radiation machines over the next three years.  Funding for this will come from the $1.7 billion the Government invested in hospital and health facilities as part of its Wellbeing Budget.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Junn |first1=Jihee |title=Cheat sheet: New cancer treatment for regions announced |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-08-2019/cheat-sheet-government-announces-new-cancer-treatment-in-regions/ |access-date=5 August 2019 |publisher=[[The Spinoff]] |date=5 August 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805000213/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-08-2019/cheat-sheet-government-announces-new-cancer-treatment-in-regions/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 5 August, Justice Minister Andrew Little announced a [[Abortion Legislation Act 2020|new abortion reform law]] that would remove [[Abortion in New Zealand|abortion]] from the [[Crimes Act 1961]] and allow women unrestricted access to abortion within the 20 week gestation period. Other changes include allowing women to self-refer to an abortion service, ensuring that health practitioners advise women about counselling services, establishing safe areas around abortion facilities, and requiring conscientious objecting doctors to inform women about their stance and alternative services.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Little |first1=Andrew |title=Bill to modernise abortion law introduced |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-modernise-abortion-law-introduced |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |access-date=6 August 2019 |date=5 August 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805190452/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-modernise-abortion-law-introduced |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite initially ruling out a referendum, Labour's coalition partner New Zealand First has since supported calls for a referendum on abortion reform. National Party leader Simon Bridges has indicated that he would support a Select Committee considering the bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jancic |first1=Boris |title=NZ First blindsides Andrew Little with talk of abortion referendum |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12256174 |access-date=7 August 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806183902/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12256174 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 August, the Government's abortion reform bill passed its first reading by 94 to 23 votes. Politicians followed a [[conscience vote]] instead of voting according to party lines.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |last2=Cooke |first2=Henry |title=Abortion law passes first hurdle 94 votes to 23 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/114855678/abortion-law-reform-passes-first-reading-clearing-a-major-hurdle |access-date=8 August 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808064101/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/114855678/abortion-law-reform-passes-first-reading-clearing-a-major-hurdle |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SBS 8 Aug 2019">{{cite news |title=NZ legal abortion bill passes first read |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/nz-legal-abortion-bill-passes-first-read |access-date=8 August 2019 |publisher=[[SBS World News]] |date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808082541/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/nz-legal-abortion-bill-passes-first-read |url-status=live }}</ref>
In mid August 2019, the Associate Housing Minister [[Kris Faafoi]] and Social Development Minister [[Carmel Sepuloni]] announced that the Government would be launching a NZ$54 million program to tackle [[homelessness in New Zealand]]. This includes investing $31 million in recruiting 67 intensive case managers and navigators to work with homeless people and a further $16 million in the Sustaining Tenancies Programme. This funding complements the Government's Housing First programme.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jancic |first1=Boris |title=Government announces $54 million to help keep people off the streets |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12259520 |access-date=19 August 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=18 August 2019 |archive-date=18 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818152303/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12259520 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 August, Ardern and Children's Minister Martin announced that the Government will be launching a free lunch program. The trial program was to begin with 5,000 primary and intermediate-aged school pupils at 30 schools in [[Rotorua]] and [[Hawke's Bay Region|Hawke's Bay]] with plans to extend it to 21,000 pupils in 120 schools by early 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Free lunches for school kids, Government announces |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/115375000/free-lunches-for-school-kids-government-announces |access-date=29 August 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=29 August 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829050931/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/115375000/free-lunches-for-school-kids-government-announces |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 30 August, the [[Ministry for Women|Minister for Women]] [[Julie Anne Genter]] announced the establishment of a National Health Coordination Centre in Auckland in response to a [[measles]] outbreak.<ref>{{cite news |title=National crisis centre set up to combat measles - government |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/397811/national-crisis-centre-set-up-to-combat-measles-government |access-date=1 September 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=30 August 2019 |archive-date=31 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831033310/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/397811/national-crisis-centre-set-up-to-combat-measles-government |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 30 August, there were 759 reported cases of measles in Auckland, 41 in the [[Canterbury Region]], and four in the [[Otago]] and [[Southland Region|Southland]] regions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Measles outbreak: 759 cases now confirmed in Auckland |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/397792/measles-outbreak-759-cases-now-confirmed-in-auckland |access-date=1 September 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=30 August 2019 |archive-date=1 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901035115/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/397792/measles-outbreak-759-cases-now-confirmed-in-auckland |url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 September, Ardern and Health Minister Clark announced that it would create a national [[Cancer Control Agency]] by December 2019 and would also invest NZ$60 million into the national drug purchasing company [[Pharmac]] as part of a ten-year cancer action plan.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Karen |title=Government to establish a Cancer Control Agency and give Pharmac an extra $60m |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/397898/government-to-establish-a-cancer-control-agency-and-give-pharmac-an-extra-60m |access-date=1 September 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=1 September 2019 |archive-date=1 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901035152/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/397898/government-to-establish-a-cancer-control-agency-and-give-pharmac-an-extra-60m |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 4 September, Housing Minister Megan Woods announced that the Government was revising its [[KiwiBuild]] programme, admitting that the initial goal had been "overly ambitious" and that houses had been built in places with little demand. Changes have included scrapping its target to build 100,000 houses over the next ten years, reducing government-back deposits for housing loans from 10% to 5%, and introducing progressive home ownership schemes including shared ownership and rent to buy initiatives.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=KiwiBuild reset sees 100,000 house target scrapped, 5% deposits for first home buyers introduced |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/kiwibuild-reset-sees-100-000-house-target-scrapped-5-deposits-first-home-buyers-introduced |access-date=5 September 2019 |publisher=[[1News]] |date=4 September 2019 |archive-date=4 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904235846/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/kiwibuild-reset-sees-100-000-house-target-scrapped-5-deposits-first-home-buyers-introduced |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 10 September, Ardern and Health Minister Clark announced the establishment of a [[Suicide Prevention Office]] to address the country's suicide rate. Key changes include shifting from a mental health service model to a community-based one and supporting people bereaved by suicide. The Suicide Prevention Office will initially be under the oversight of the [[Ministry of Health (New Zealand)|Ministry of Health]] but there are plans to make it a standalone government service.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Devlin |first1=Collette |title=Government sets up Suicide Prevention Office as part of national strategy |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/115669864/government-sets-up-suicide-prevention-office-as-part-of-strategy-to-help-save-lives |access-date=10 September 2019 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=10 September 2019 |archive-date=1 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001040833/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/115669864/government-sets-up-suicide-prevention-office-as-part-of-strategy-to-help-save-lives |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 12 September, Ardern announced that the teaching of New Zealand history will be made compulsory in all New Zealand primary and secondary schools by 2022. Key topics include the arrival of [[Māori people]], European colonisation, the [[Treaty of Waitangi]], immigration to New Zealand, the country's evolving national identity during the 19th and 20th centuries, and New Zealand's involvement in the Pacific. Education Minister Hipkins also confirmed that the [[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Education Ministry]] would work with historical and curriculum experts, the Māori and Pacific communities, students, parents, and other interested parties. Historically, the teaching of New Zealand history has been neglected in schools in favor of European history. Hokotehi Moriori Trust chair Maui Solomon welcomed the Government's announcement, saying that it would help dispel myths about the [[Moriori]] being a separate [[Melanesians|Melanesian]] people who were displaced by the Māori.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Zealand history will be compulsory in all schools by 2022 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/398599/new-zealand-history-will-be-compulsory-in-all-schools-by-2022 |access-date=12 September 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=12 September 2019 |archive-date=12 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912085250/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/398599/new-zealand-history-will-be-compulsory-in-all-schools-by-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 13 September 2019, Ardern and Police Minister Nash announced that the Government would be introducing an [[Arms Legislation Bill 2019|Arms Legislation Bill]] in late September. The new bill would introduce an online firearms register to stop the flow of guns into the criminal underworld. The opposition National Party, which had seen a leaked draft of the bill the previous month, and gun lobby groups claimed that the bill would hurt firearm owners and gun clubs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Menon |first1=Praveen |title=New Zealand's PM Ardern acts to tighten gun laws further, six months after attack |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-newzealand-shooting/new-zealands-pm-ardern-acts-to-tighten-gun-laws-further-six-months-after-attack-idUSKCN1VY092 |access-date=14 September 2019 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=13 September 2019 |archive-date=14 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914002131/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-newzealand-shooting/new-zealands-pm-ardern-acts-to-tighten-gun-laws-further-six-months-after-attack-idUSKCN1VY092 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Government's Arms Legislation Bill passed its first reading. Labour, the Greens, and NZ First supported the bill but it was opposed by the National and ACT parties.<ref>{{cite news |title=National and ACT vote against Government's latest gun laws |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/national-and-act-vote-against-governments-latest-gun-laws |access-date=24 September 2019 |work=[[1News]] |date=24 September 2019 |archive-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924065540/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/national-and-act-vote-against-governments-latest-gun-laws |url-status=live }}</ref>
In early October 2019, Immigration Minister [[Iain Lees-Galloway]] announced that the Government would be scrapping a requirement for African and Middle Eastern refugee applicants to have relatives who were residing in New Zealand. Despite increasing the African and Middle Eastern refugee quotas from 14% to 15%, New Zealand's [[Refugees in New Zealand|refugee resettlement program]] would still focus on resettling refugees from the Asia-Pacific region, which is allocated 50% on the annual refugee quota. Refugee advocate Murdoch Stephens, [[World Vision]], and Manawatū Refugee Voice president Tammam Tamim had previously criticized the previous policy as discriminatory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government scraps refugee policy labelled as racist by migrant advocates |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/400277/government-scraps-refugee-policy-labelled-as-racist-by-migrant-advocates |access-date=4 October 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=4 October 2019 |archive-date=30 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230134644/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/400277/government-scraps-refugee-policy-labelled-as-racist-by-migrant-advocates |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 8 October 2019, the [[New Zealand Treasury]] and Finance Minister Robertson released a report stating that the Government's surplus had increased from NZ$2 billion to NZ$7.5 billion. The net Government debt had also fallen to 19.2% of [[Gross Domestic Product]] (GDP), which is still short of its self-imposed Budget Responsibility Rules to keep debt at less than 20% of GDP. The total government revenue also increased from NZ$6.2 billion to NZ$86.5 billion as a result of taxation. However, the total [[district health board]] deficit rose to NZ$1 billion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walls |first1=Jason |title=Crown accounts: Government's $7.5b surplus is the biggest since 2008 GFC |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12274510 |access-date=9 October 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=8 October 2019 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009113020/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12274510 |url-status=live }}</ref> The net Crown debt rose by 0.2% from NZ$57.5 billion in the 2017-2018 financial year to NZ$57.7 billion in 2019.
<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=As Government surplus climbs to $7.5b, PM declines to say if tax cut will be considered |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-surplus-climbs-7-5b-pm-declines-say-if-tax-cut-considered |access-date=9 October 2019 |work=[[1News]] |date=8 October 2019 |archive-date=8 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008152913/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-surplus-climbs-7-5b-pm-declines-say-if-tax-cut-considered |url-status=live }}</ref> In response, National's Economic development spokesman [[Todd McClay]] claimed that the Government was not investing enough money in taxpayers and highlighted declining business confidence.<ref>{{cite news |title=Govt surplus increases to $7.5 billion |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/400515/govt-surplus-increases-to-7-point-5-billion |access-date=9 October 2019 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=8 October 2019 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009081123/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/400515/govt-surplus-increases-to-7-point-5-billion |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 23 October 2019, parliament, which had debated the [[End of Life Choice Bill]], voted 63 votes to 57 to have the issue of euthanasia decided by a [[2020 New Zealand euthanasia referendum|referendum]] at the [[2020 New Zealand general election|next election]]. [[New Zealand First]]'s members had stated that they would vote against the legislation as a block if the proposal to hold a referendum was rejected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12279106|title=Euthanasia bill to go to referendum after knife-edge vote in Parliament|date=23 October 2019|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=26 October 2019|archive-date=26 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026211616/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12279106|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 November, the End of Life Choice Bill passed its third and final reading.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jancic |first1=Boris |title=End of Life Choice Bill passes: What it means |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12284751 |access-date=15 November 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=14 November 2019 |archive-date=14 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114195321/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12284751 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In later October 2019, the Regional Development Minister [[Shane Jones]] announced that the Government would be investing NZ$20 million into re-establishing [[Hillside Engineering]] in [[South Dunedin]] as a major heavy engineering and [[KiwiRail]] servicing hub. Hillside Engineering's operations had been wound down in 2012 due to the previous National Government's decision to buy train components from China.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Loughrey |first1=David |title=$20m to revitalise 'vital' Hillside Workshop |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/20m-revitalise-vital-hillside-workshop |access-date=31 October 2019 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=30 October 2019 |archive-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030132142/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/20m-revitalise-vital-hillside-workshop |url-status=live }}</ref>
In early November 2019, New Zealand and China agreed to upgrade their [[New Zealand–China Free Trade Agreement|free trade agreement]]. China has agreed to ease restrictions on New Zealand imports, commit to environmental standards and give NZ preferential access to its wood and paper trade. In return, New Zealand has agreed to ease visa restrictions for Chinese tour guides and [[Chinese language]] teachers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Jane |title=NZ strikes deal on China FTA upgrade after years of talks |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/402505/nz-strikes-deal-on-china-fta-upgrade-after-years-of-talks |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105012050/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/402505/nz-strikes-deal-on-china-fta-upgrade-after-years-of-talks |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 6 November 2019, the Government reversed a controversial decision by [[Immigration New Zealand]] to exclude non-resident Indian arranged marriages from the partnership visa program.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bradford |first1=Katie |title=Controversial partnership visa decision set to be reversed by Immigration New Zealand |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/controversial-partnership-visa-decision-set-reversed-immigration-new-zealand |access-date=7 November 2019 |work=[[1News]] |date=6 November 2019 |archive-date=7 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107081413/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/controversial-partnership-visa-decision-set-reversed-immigration-new-zealand |url-status=live }}</ref> Immigration NZ's earlier decision to tighten their partnership visa rules had drawn allegations of racism from the [[Indian New Zealander|New Zealand Indian community]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walters |first1=Laura |title=Immigration NZ partnership visa policy labelled 'racist' |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/10/22/871682/immigration-nz-partnership-visa-policy-labelled-racist-unsympathetic |access-date=7 November 2019 |work=[[Newsroom (website)|Newsroom]] |date=22 October 2019 |archive-date=13 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113191423/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/10/22/871682/immigration-nz-partnership-visa-policy-labelled-racist-unsympathetic |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 7 November 2019, the Government's [[Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill]] passed its third reading with the near-unanimous support of most parties excluding the ACT Party. The opposition National Party supported the bill's passages into law despite some disagreements with the Government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Audrey |title=Zero Carbon Bill passes with almost unanimous support in Parliament |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12283372 |access-date=7 November 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=7 November 2019 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108191843/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12283372 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 18 November, Associate Housing Minister Kris Faafoi announced that the Government would be amending the [[Residential Tenancies Act 1986]]. Proposed changes have included limited rent increases to once every twelve months, banning rental bidding, ending "no cause" evictions, extending the notice period that landlords have to give tenants for selling rental property from 42 days to 63–90 days, letting tenants make minor fittings, and anonymising complaints to the tenancy tribunal. Andrew King of the NZ Property Investors Federation and National Party leader Simon Bridges claimed that these changes would make it more difficult to evict "troublesome" tenants and would do little to address the housing shortage. By contrast, the Green Party and tenancy advocacy group Renters United have welcomed these changes as a win for tenants' rights.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Junn |first1=Jihee |title=Cheat sheet: Big changes for rental laws announced |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/17-11-2019/cheat-sheet-big-changes-for-rental-laws-announced/ |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=17 November 2019 |archive-date=19 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119054056/https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/17-11-2019/cheat-sheet-big-changes-for-rental-laws-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 23 November 2019, the Justice Minister Andrew Little announced that the Government would be amending the Electoral Amendment Bill to allow prisoners who had been sentenced to less than three years in prison to vote in time for the [[2020 New Zealand general election]]; reversing the [[Fifth National Government of New Zealand|Fifth National Government]]'s decision to strip all prisoners of their voting rights in 2010. Little argued that restoring prisoners' voting rights would aid their reintegration into society. The Government's policy shift had been preceded by a successful legal challenge mounted by prisoners advocate [[Arthur William Taylor]] in 2013 and a [[Waitangi Tribunal]] report that the voting ban on prisoners disproportionately affected Māori prisoners.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Christian |first1=Harrison |title=Prisoner voting rights to be restored ahead of 2020 election |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/117658836/prisoner-voting-rights-to-be-restored-ahead-of-2020-election |access-date=24 November 2019 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=23 November 2019 |archive-date=27 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127214605/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/117658836/prisoner-voting-rights-to-be-restored-ahead-of-2020-election |url-status=live }}</ref> While Little's announcement was welcomed by Green MP Ghahraman, National Party leader Bridges accused the Government of being "soft on crime."<ref>{{cite news |title=Justice Minister announces prisoners serving less than three years in jail will have voting rights restored |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/403954/justice-minister-announces-prisoners-serving-less-than-three-years-in-jail-will-have-voting-rights-restored |access-date=24 November 2019 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=23 November 2019 |archive-date=27 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127171007/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/403954/justice-minister-announces-prisoners-serving-less-than-three-years-in-jail-will-have-voting-rights-restored |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 28 November 2019, Ardern marked the 40th anniversary of the [[Air New Zealand Flight 901|Erebus air disaster]] by apologizing on behalf of the Government and national carrier [[Air New Zealand]] to the families of the victims.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/28/mount-erebus-plane-crash-ardern-apologises-40-years-after-air-new-zealand-crash-that-killed-257|title='The time has come': Ardern apologises for New Zealand's worst air disaster|last=Roy|first=Eleanor Ainge|date=2019-11-28|work=The Guardian|access-date=30 November 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128180450/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/28/mount-erebus-plane-crash-ardern-apologises-40-years-after-air-new-zealand-crash-that-killed-257|url-status=live}}</ref>
In early December 2019, Justice Minister Little announced that the Government would be introducing legislation to ban foreign donations over the amount of NZ$50 in a move to combat foreign interference in New Zealand elections. This policy would put New Zealand in line with Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have introduced similar [[Political funding in New Zealand|electoral financing]] legislation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government to ban foreign donations to political parties and candidates |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/404707/government-to-ban-foreign-donations-to-political-parties-and-candidates |access-date=4 December 2019 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=3 December 2019 |archive-date=4 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204022610/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/404707/government-to-ban-foreign-donations-to-political-parties-and-candidates |url-status=live }}</ref>
In early December, the Education Minister Chris Hipkins introduced the Education and Training Bill 2019. This omnibus bill aims to loosen restrictions on teachers using force, make religious instruction optional, and focus more on the [[Treaty of Waitangi]]. The bill passed its first reading with the support of Labour and its coalition partners NZ First and the Greens but was opposed by the National and ACT parties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Education Minister Chris Hipkins details changes in big new bill |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/404702/education-minister-chris-hipkins-details-changes-in-big-new-bill |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=3 December 2019 |archive-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226232802/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/404702/education-minister-chris-hipkins-details-changes-in-big-new-bill |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, Ardern announced that the Government would be investing NZ$400 million in school property upgrades, with each school being allocated between NZ$50,000 and NZ$400,000 depending on their school roll.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCullough |first1=Yvette |title=Schools get funding boost of nearly $400m for property upgrades |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/404568/schools-get-funding-boost-of-nearly-400m-for-property-upgrades |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=1 December 2019 |archive-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224024056/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/404568/schools-get-funding-boost-of-nearly-400m-for-property-upgrades |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 18 December, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway announced that the Government would be raising the minimum wage to NZ$18.90 an hour from April 2020, a $1.20 increase from $17.70. This news was welcomed by the Council of Trade Unions and E-Tu unions but was criticised by the opposition National Party's Workplace Relations and Safety spokesperson [[Todd McClay]], who claimed that a wage hike would cost jobs and increase costs on small businesses.<ref>{{cite news |title=Minimum wage to be increased to $18.90 an hour |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405759/minimum-wage-to-be-increased-to-18-point-90-an-hour |access-date=18 December 2019 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218003452/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405759/minimum-wage-to-be-increased-to-18-point-90-an-hour |url-status=live }}</ref>
==2020==
In response to the [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season]], the New Zealand Government dispatched 179 firefighters, medical personnel, and elements of the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] and [[New Zealand Army]] to assist with firefighting efforts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mark |first1=Ron |title=NZDF sends more support to Australia |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nzdf-sends-more-support-australia |website=Beehive.govt.nz |access-date=13 January 2020 |date=10 January 2020 |archive-date=13 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113203103/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nzdf-sends-more-support-australia |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 12 January 2020, the Government announced that the Ministry of Education would be introducing [[climate change education]] into the educational curriculum for students aged between 11 and 15 years. These new resources would include lessons about [[climate change mitigation]], activism, and combating [[climate change denial|climate skepticism]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hipkins |first1=Chris |title=New resource for schools to increase awareness and understanding of climate change |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-resource-schools-increase-awareness-and-understanding-climate-change |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |access-date=21 January 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116071825/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-resource-schools-increase-awareness-and-understanding-climate-change |url-status=live }}</ref> The Government's climate change teaching resource was criticized by [[Federated Farmers]], and the opposition National and [[New Conservative Party (New Zealand)|New Conservative]] parties. Federated Farmers also organized a petition calling on the Government to withdraw the climate change material from the Education Ministry's website. National indicated that they would withdraw the material from the education system if elected.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Skerrett |first1=Angie |title=Federated Farmers launch petition against climate change teaching resource |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2020/01/federated-farmers-launch-petition-against-climate-change-teaching-resource.html |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=20 January 2020 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120013723/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2020/01/federated-farmers-launch-petition-against-climate-change-teaching-resource.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Satherley |first1=Dan |title=National might withdraw climate change teaching resource |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/01/national-might-withdraw-climate-change-teaching-resource.html |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=20 January 2020 |archive-date=20 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120035135/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/01/national-might-withdraw-climate-change-teaching-resource.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Climate Education in Schools a Disaster |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2001/S00043/climate-education-in-schools-a-disaster.htm |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=[[New Conservative Party (New Zealand)|New Conservative Party]] |agency=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]] |date=20 January 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121165002/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2001/S00043/climate-education-in-schools-a-disaster.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> By contrast, left-wing blogger [[Martyn "Bomber" Bradbury]] claimed that the climate change curriculum did not go far enough in pursuing "polluters."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bradbury |first1=Martyn |title=Actually the school curriculum for climate change doesn't go far enough! |url=https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2020/01/15/%e2%80%aaactually-the-school-curriculum-for-climate-change-doesnt-go-far-enough%e2%80%ac/ |publisher=The Daily Blog |access-date=21 January 2020 |date=15 January 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116011708/https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2020/01/15/%e2%80%aaactually-the-school-curriculum-for-climate-change-doesnt-go-far-enough%e2%80%ac/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 13 January, Education Minister Hipkins also announced that parents would be required to give explicit written permission for their children to receive religious instruction in schools.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Audrey |title=Changes planned for religious instruction in state schools |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12299424 |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=13 January 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121050953/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12299424 |url-status=live }}</ref> While the New Zealand education system is secular, several Christian groups including the [[Churches Education Commission]] have provided Bible lessons in primary schools under a provision of the Education Act that allows state schools to hold religious education classes for up to 20 hours a year. This has been opposed by the secular advocacy group [[Secular Education Network]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Towle |first1=Max |title=The beginning of the end for religious classes in schools? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/377628/the-beginning-of-the-end-for-religious-classes-in-schools |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=7 December 2018 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929230019/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/377628/the-beginning-of-the-end-for-religious-classes-in-schools |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 28 January, Ardern announced that the [[2020 New Zealand general election]] would be held on 19 September 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM announces date of 2020 general election |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/408323/pm-announces-date-of-2020-general-election |access-date=30 January 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=28 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128055849/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/408323/pm-announces-date-of-2020-general-election |url-status=live }}</ref>
In late January 2020, Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi announced that the Government was planning to merge [[TVNZ]] and [[Radio New Zealand]] into a new public broadcasting service.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Jane |title=New details revealed as Cabinet agrees on RNZ, TVNZ public broadcasting decision |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/408355/new-details-revealed-as-cabinet-agrees-on-rnz-tvnz-public-broadcasting-decision |access-date=30 January 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=29 January 2020 |archive-date=28 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128215229/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/408355/new-details-revealed-as-cabinet-agrees-on-rnz-tvnz-public-broadcasting-decision |url-status=live }}</ref> In response, the opposition National Party's Broadcasting spokesperson Melissa Lee and Opposition Leader Bridges announced that it would oppose any plans to merge Radio NZ and TVNZ.<ref>{{cite news |title=National threatens to drop RNZ-TVNZ merger if elected |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12304374 |access-date=30 January 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=29 January 2020 |archive-date=29 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129161933/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12304374 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 29 January, the Government announced the [[New Zealand Upgrade Programme]], a $12 billion infrastructure package focusing on highway upgrades and rail improvements with some spending on health and education.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Orsman |first1=Bernard |title=Auckland motorways, Harbour Bridge Skypath big winners in Government's $12 billion infrastructure spend-up |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12304150&ref=art_readmore |access-date=30 January 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=29 January 2020 |archive-date=29 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129230741/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12304150&ref=art_readmore |url-status=live }}</ref>
In late January, the Government announced that they would be chartering a [[Boeing 777]]-200ER plane from the national carrier [[Air New Zealand]] to assist in the evacuations efforts of New Zealand, Australian, and Pacific Island nationals from Wuhan in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12304977 |title=Coronavirus: Air New Zealand rescue flight details revealed |last=Bradley |first=Grant |date=31 January 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=31 January 2020 |issn=1170-0777 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320163753/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12304977 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/content/tvnz/onenews/story/2020/01/30/government-charters-air-new-zealand-flight-to-evacuate-kiwis-fro.html |title=Government charters Air New Zealand flight to evacuate Kiwis from coronavirus epicentre in China |date=30 January 2020 |work=[[1News]] |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-date=6 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306185204/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/content/tvnz/onenews/story/2020/01/30/government-charters-air-new-zealand-flight-to-evacuate-kiwis-fro.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 2 February, the Government imposed a temporary travel ban on all foreign nationals traveling from or transiting through mainland China in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which came into effect on 2 February.  New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, and their immediate family members, were allowed to enter New Zealand, but must self-isolate for 14 days.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 February 2020 |title=NZ to close doors on foreign travellers from China |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/408675/nz-to-close-doors-on-foreign-travellers-from-china |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202043654/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/408675/nz-to-close-doors-on-foreign-travellers-from-china |url-status=live }}</ref>
In mid-February, the Government announced that they would be investing NZ$300 million into the Aotearoa New Zealand Homelessness Action Plan to combat homeless including creating an extra 1,000 transitional housing places and investing $70 million into homelessness prevention programmes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Effort to tackle homelessness sees new Government investment of $300 million |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/effort-tackle-homelessness-sees-new-government-investment-300-million |access-date=13 February 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=13 February 2020 |archive-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213010608/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/effort-tackle-homelessness-sees-new-government-investment-300-million |url-status=live }}</ref> In late February, Ardern announced that the Government would be contributing NZ$2 million to Fiji's climate change relocation fund to help people displaced by climate change. This is part of the Government's NZ$150 million climate change aid package for the Pacific Islands.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |title=New Zealand to give $2m to Fiji climate change relocation fund |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/410430/new-zealand-to-give-2m-to-fiji-climate-change-relocation-fund |access-date=26 February 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=26 February 2020 |archive-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226050454/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/410430/new-zealand-to-give-2m-to-fiji-climate-change-relocation-fund |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 28 February, the Government imposed a temporary travel ban on travelers from [[Iran]] in response to the coronavirus outbreak. While New Zealand citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to return, they must self-isolate for 14 days. In addition, Health Minister David Clark announced that no exemptions would be made for Chinese international students to re-enter the country and that there would be an increased health presence at airports.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=NZ's coronavirus travel ban extended to Iran, no exemptions for students from China |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/nzs-coronavirus-travel-ban-extended-iran-no-exemptions-students-china |access-date=28 February 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=7 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507145912/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/nzs-coronavirus-travel-ban-extended-iran-no-exemptions-students-china |url-status=live }}</ref> That same day, Ardern confirmed New Zealand's first case of the coronavirus outbreak, an individual who had returned from Iran earlier in the week.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chumko |first1=Andre |title=Coronavirus: First case of virus in New Zealand |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/119899280/ministry-of-health-gives-latest-update-on-novel-coronavirus |access-date=28 February 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228171221/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/119899280/ministry-of-health-gives-latest-update-on-novel-coronavirus |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 2 March, the Government extended travel restrictions on Iran and China by seven days. In addition, travelers arriving from northern Italy and South Korea will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.<ref>{{cite news |title=New travel conditions for people arriving from coronavirus hotspots |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/410790/new-travel-conditions-for-people-arriving-from-coronavirus-hotspots |access-date=3 March 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=2 March 2020 |archive-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302130343/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/410790/new-travel-conditions-for-people-arriving-from-coronavirus-hotspots |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 March, Ardern confirmed New Zealand's second case of the coronavirus, an individual who had returned from Italy with her family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Second case of coronavirus confirmed in New Zealand |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/410909/second-case-of-coronavirus-confirmed-in-new-zealand |access-date=4 March 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=4 March 2020 |archive-date=24 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324153745/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/410909/second-case-of-coronavirus-confirmed-in-new-zealand |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 6 March, Police Minister Stuart Nash announced that the Government would be investing NZ$1.9 million from the Proceeds of Crime Fund into installing hundreds of new [[fog cannon]]s at [[Dairy (store)|dairies]] across New Zealand in order to combat robberies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clent |first1=Danielle |last2=Forbes |first2=Stephen |title=Hundreds of fog cannons to be installed in high-risk areas to cut robberies |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/120062075/hundreds-of-fog-cannons-to-be-installed-in-highrisk-areas-to-cut-robberies |access-date=6 March 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=6 March 2020 |archive-date=6 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306191823/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/120062075/hundreds-of-fog-cannons-to-be-installed-in-highrisk-areas-to-cut-robberies |url-status=live }}</ref> On 9 March, Ardern appointed Andrew Coster as the new [[Commissioner of Police (New Zealand)|Commissioner of Police]], replacing [[Mike Bush]] who will step down after two terms in April 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wade |first1=Amelia |title=New Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12315174 |access-date=9 March 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=9 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309092954/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12315174 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 14 March, Ardern announced in response to the coronavirus epidemic that the government would be requiring anyone entering New Zealand from midnight 15 March to isolate themselves for 14 days. The Government also placed a temporary entry ban on all cruise ships until 30 June 2020, which came into effect at midnight on 14 March. In addition, the government imposed restrictions on travelers heading to the Pacific Islands, excluding anyone with coronavirus symptoms from traveling there and requiring those who have been traveling overseas prior to isolate for 14 days before traveling to the Pacific.<ref>{{cite news |title=Live - Everyone travelling to NZ from overseas to self-isolate |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/411738/live-everyone-travelling-to-nz-from-overseas-to-self-isolate |access-date=14 March 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=14 March 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418210801/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/411738/live-everyone-travelling-to-nz-from-overseas-to-self-isolate |url-status=live }}</ref> The government also canceled anniversary memorial services for the 2019 [[Christchurch mosque shootings]] due to coronavirus concerns.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mosque attack memorial service called off due to Covid-19 coronavirus concerns |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/411729/mosque-attack-memorial-service-called-off-due-to-covid-19-coronavirus-concerns |access-date=14 March 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=14 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331122938/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/411729/mosque-attack-memorial-service-called-off-due-to-covid-19-coronavirus-concerns |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 17 March, Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced a NZ$12.1 billion business package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This includes $8.7 billion for businesses and jobs, $2.8 billion for income support, and $500 million for health. As part of the package, the government also invested $126 million in COVID-19 leave and self-isolation support and $600 million into a support package for national carrier [[Air New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title='We will get through this crisis' - Govt announces $12.1 billion coronavirus rescue package |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/its-just-beginning-govt-announces-12-1-billion-coronavirus-rescue-package |access-date=17 March 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=17 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317063010/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/its-just-beginning-govt-announces-12-1-billion-coronavirus-rescue-package |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 19 March, Ardern announced that borders would be closed to all non New Zealand citizens and residents, beginning at midnight [[NZDT]].<ref>{{cite news |title=PM places border ban on all non-residents and permanent residents entering NZ |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/pm-places-border-ban-all-non-residents-and-permanent-entering-nz |access-date=20 March 2020 |work=[[TVNZ]] |date=19 March 2020 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319210134/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/pm-places-border-ban-all-non-residents-and-permanent-entering-nz |url-status=live }}</ref> The only categories exempted from the ban were Samoan and Tongan citizens traveling to New Zealand for essential reasons, "essential health workers", and those seeking to enter the country for humanitarian reasons.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moodie |first1=Kim |title=Coronavirus: Who can still come in to New Zealand? |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12318295 |access-date=19 March 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319202809/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12318295 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 21 March, Ardern introduced a [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand#Alert level system|COVID-19 alert level system]] after health authorities confirmed 13 new cases, bringing the total to 52. As a result of a level 2 ranking, people over the age of 70 or with compromised immune systems were encouraged to stay at home, and all non-essential domestic travel was curtailed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=Coronavirus: PM Jacinda Ardern outlines NZ's new alert system, over-70s should stay at home |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12318673 |access-date=21 March 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=21 March 2020 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321113000/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12318673 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 22 March, Associate Health and [[Whānau Ora]] Minister [[Peeni Henare]] announced that the Government would be investing NZ$56.4 million in assistance for [[Māori people|Māori]] communities and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Over $56 million prioritised for Māori communities in coronavirus support package |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/over-56-million-prioritised-m-ori-communities-in-coronavirus-support-package |access-date=30 March 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=22 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330075846/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/over-56-million-prioritised-m-ori-communities-in-coronavirus-support-package |archive-date=30 March 2020}}</ref>
On 23 March, Ardern raised the COVID-19 alert level to level 3 after health authorities confirmed 36 new cases, bringing the total to 102. As a result, all mass gatherings including schools were cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |title=36 new cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand |url=https://www.health.govt.nz/news-media/media-releases/36-new-cases-covid-19-new-zealand |publisher=[[Ministry of Health (New Zealand)|Ministry of Health]] |access-date=23 March 2020 |date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323082339/https://www.health.govt.nz/news-media/media-releases/36-new-cases-covid-19-new-zealand|archive-date=23 March 2020}}</ref> She also announced that the government would upgrade the national alert level to level 4 on 11:59&nbsp;pm on 25 March, which would lead to a nationwide lockdown for at least four weeks. All sporting matches and events as well as non-essential services such as pools, bars, cafes, restaurants, playgrounds were closed, while essential services such as supermarkets, petrol stations, and health services remained open.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Scott |title=Coronavirus: New Zealand goes to COVID-19 alert level 3 |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/03/coronavirus-new-zealand-goes-to-covid-19-alert-level-3.html |access-date=23 March 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=28 March 2020 |archive-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323055338/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/03/coronavirus-new-zealand-goes-to-covid-19-alert-level-3.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The government announced a list of "essential services" that would continue to function during the four-week lockdown period which came into effect from 26 March.<ref name="Essential services">{{cite web |title=Current COVID-19 alert level |url=https://covid19.govt.nz/government-actions/covid-19-alert-level/ |website=covid19.govt.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |access-date=24 March 2020 |archive-date=24 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324001130/https://covid19.govt.nz/government-actions/covid-19-alert-level/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 24 March, the government announced that parliament would adjourn for five weeks beginning on 27 March.<ref name="RNZ 26 March">{{cite news |last1=Dreaver |first1=Charlie |title=Special committee set-up as Parliament is adjourned |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/412520/special-committee-set-up-as-parliament-is-adjourned |access-date=27 March 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326164026/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/412520/special-committee-set-up-as-parliament-is-adjourned |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to the parliament's closure, it passed three bills with cross-party support dealing with emergency spending, remitting interest on tax owed after 14 February, allowing local authorities to meet remotely, governments to take over schools, and preventing no-cause evictions and freezing rent for six months.<ref name="Kiwiblog bills">{{cite web |last1=Farrar |first1=David |title=The bills passed under urgency |url=https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2020/03/the_bills_passed_under_urgency.html |website=[[Kiwiblog]] |access-date=27 March 2020 |date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327224338/https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2020/03/the_bills_passed_under_urgency.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That same day, Finance Minister Grant Robertson also announced that the government was negotiating with banks to ensure that nobody would lose their homes as a result of defaulting on mortgage payments during the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid 19 coronavirus lockdown: Your questions answered |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12319266 |access-date=24 March 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=24 March 2020 |ref=NZH lockdown questions |archive-date=24 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324001050/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12319266 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 25 March, it was announced that [[Leader of the Opposition (New Zealand)|Leader of the Opposition]] [[Simon Bridges]] would chair a cross-party committee called the [[Epidemic Response Committee]] to scrutinise the government's response to COVID-19. Two thirds of members will be from the opposition National while the remainder will come from the Labour, New Zealand First and Green parties. Other members include New Zealand First MP [[Fletcher Tabuteau]], Greens co-leader [[Marama Davidson]], and ACT leader David Seymour.<ref name="Kiwiblog bills"/><ref name="RNZ 26 March" /><ref name="Newstalk ZB 25 March">{{cite news |title=Simon Bridges to chair bipartisan select committee on Covid-19 |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/simon-bridges-to-chair-bipartisan-select-committee-on-covid-19/ |access-date=27 March 2020 |work=[[Newstalk ZB]] |date=25 March 2020 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326023255/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/simon-bridges-to-chair-bipartisan-select-committee-on-covid-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 26 March, Ardern announced that the government would provide $27 million to social service providers such as the [[Salvation Army]] and Women's Refuge to help the vulnerable cope with the lockdown.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |last2=Cooke |first2=Henry |last3=Coughlan |first3=Thomas |title=Coronavirus: Government to give $27m to social service agencies for vulnerable amid lockdown |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120590463/coronavirus-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-to-update-lockeddown-new-zealand |access-date=27 March 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326024143/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120590463/coronavirus-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-to-update-lockeddown-new-zealand |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, Finance Minister Grant Robertson also announced that the government had given NZ$1.5 billion to more than 240,000 workers as part of its wage subsidy scheme in response to the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Live Covid-19 updates in NZ and around the world on 26 March |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/412620/coronavirus-live-covid-19-updates-in-nz-and-around-the-world-on-26-march |access-date=27 March 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=25 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325222311/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/412620/coronavirus-live-covid-19-updates-in-nz-and-around-the-world-on-26-march |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 8 April, Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced that the government was investing in a NZ$87.7 million distance learning package to facilitate education during the lockdown period. This distance learning package including two education television channels (one English and the other Māori), improved Internet access and devices, online resources for parents, handheld devices, and educational material for different year levels.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Devlin |first1=Collette |title=Covid-19: PM Jacinda Ardern urges parents not to feel teaching pressure about $88m learning from home package |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/120897089/coronavirus-government-reveals-88m-learning-from-home-package-for-all-students?cid=app-iPhone |access-date=8 April 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=8 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408074936/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/120897089/coronavirus-government-reveals-88m-learning-from-home-package-for-all-students?cid=app-iPhone |archive-date=8 April 2020}}</ref>
On 14 April, the New Zealand Government announced a NZ$130 million support package for tertiary students including raising the amount of course related costs able to be claimed per student for the year to
NZ$2,000 temporarily, continuing support payments for students unable to study online for up to eight weeks, and ensuring that students whose studies have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic's eligibility for student loans and Fees Free study would not be affected.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hipkins |first1=Chris |title=COVID-19: Tertiary student support package |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2004/S00075/covid-19-tertiary-student-support-package.htm |access-date=14 April 2020 |work=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]] |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |date=14 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414101327/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2004/S00075/covid-19-tertiary-student-support-package.htm|archive-date=14 April 2020}}</ref>
On 15 April, Ardern announced that all government ministers and public sector chief executives would take a 20 percent pay cut in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Opposition Leader Simon Bridges has also confirmed that he will take a 20 percent pay cut.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19 live updates, April 15: 20 new cases; Ministers to take a pay cut |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/15-04-2020/covid-19-live-updates-april-15-trump-versus-the-states/ |access-date=15 April 2020 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=15 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415021052/https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/15-04-2020/covid-19-live-updates-april-15-trump-versus-the-states/|archive-date=15 April 2020}}</ref>
On 20 April, Ardern extended New Zealand's Alert Level 4 by another seven days, arguing that the country needed to consolidate the gains made in containing the spread of the coronavirus. The Alert Level 4 will end at 11:59 pm on 27 April with the country entering into Alert Level 3 on 28 April.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sachdeva |first1=Sam |title=Ardern: NZ to leave lockdown in a week |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2020/04/20/1136611/ardern-nz-to-leave-lockdown-in-a-week |access-date=20 April 2020 |work=[[Newsroom (website)|Newsroom]] |date=20 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420044138/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2020/04/20/1136611/ardern-nz-to-leave-lockdown-in-a-week |archive-date=20 April 2020}}</ref> Ardern also announced that schools and early childhood centres could reopen on 29 April.<ref>{{cite news |title=Schools can reopen from April 29, Jacinda Ardern announces |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/new-zealand-s-alert-level-4-lockdown-lift-april-27-pm-announces?auto=6150683911001 |access-date=20 April 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=20 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420044302/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/new-zealand-s-alert-level-4-lockdown-lift-april-27-pm-announces?auto=6150683911001 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2020}}</ref>
On 23 April, Broadcasting Minister [[Kris Faafoi]] announced the Government's NZ$50 million media release package which includes $20.5 million to eliminate broadcasting transmission fee for six months; $16.5 million to reduce media organisations' contribution fees to [[New Zealand On Air]] for the 2020/21 financial year; $11.1 million in specific targeted assistance to companies; $1.3 million to purchase central government news media subscriptions; and $600,000 to completely cut [[Radio New Zealand]]'s AM transmission fees for six months. Faafoi also confirmed that the proposed [[TVNZ]]&ndash;Radio New Zealand merger had been suspended as a result of the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19: Government announces support package for media sector |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/414946/covid-19-government-announces-support-package-for-media-sector |access-date=23 April 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=23 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423073120/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/414946/covid-19-government-announces-support-package-for-media-sector |archive-date=23 April 2020}}</ref>
On 1 May the Government, with the unanimous support of all parliamentary parties, passed a NZ$23 billion omnibus tax support package to support New Zealand businesses affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This bill's provisions included a NZ$3 billion tax relief package for businesses, NZ$25 million for further business support in 2021, a $NZ10 billion wage subsidy scheme, NZ$4.27 billion to support 160,000 small businesses, and NZ$1.3 billion for 8,900 medium-sized businesses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walls |first1=Jason |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: MPs unanimously pass biggest tax support package in NZ's history |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12328723 |access-date=1 May 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501112708/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12328723 |archive-date=1 May 2020}}</ref>
On 5 May, Ardern attended the Australian Emergency Cabinet via video conference alongside [[Prime Minister of Australia|Australian Prime Minister]] [[Scott Morrison]] and several Australian state and territorial leaders. The NZ and Australian Governments agreed to work together develop a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone that would allow residents from both countries to travel freely without travel restrictions as part of efforts to ease coronavirus restrictions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wescott |first1=Ben |title=Australia and New Zealand pledge to introduce travel corridor in rare coronavirus meeting |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/05/australia/australia-new-zealand-ardern-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=7 May 2020 |work=[[CNN]] |date=5 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505194308/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/05/australia/australia-new-zealand-ardern-coronavirus-intl-hnk/ |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>
On 11 May Ardern announced that New Zealand would be entering [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand#Alert level system|alert level 2]] at 11:59&nbsp;pm on 13 May. While most lockdown restrictions would be lifted, there would still be restrictions on social distancing in public while private gatherings such as funerals, [[tangihanga|tangi]], weddings, and religious services would be limited to ten people. Schools can reopen on Monday 18 May, while bars (defined as on-licence premises which primarily serve beverages) can reopen on 21 May. The Government will look at lifting the limit on public gatherings without physical distancing on 25 May.<ref name="Stuff 11 May Level 2">{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300009818/coronavirus-new-zealand-will-start-to-move-to-level-2-on-thursday|title=Coronavirus: New Zealand will start to move to level 2 on Thursday|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=11 May 2020|access-date=11 May 2020|first=Henry|last=Cooke|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511044940/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300009818/coronavirus-new-zealand-will-start-to-move-to-level-2-on-thursday|archive-date=11 May 2020}}</ref>
On 13 May, the Government passed the [[COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020]] which gave police the power to enter homes in order to enforce lockdown restrictions without a warrant. This bill was opposed by the opposition National and ACT parties, and criticised by the [[Human Rights Commission]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wade |first1=Amelia |title=Covid-19 coronavirus: Controversial bill passed to enforce alert level 2 powers |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12331547 |access-date=14 May 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=14 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513223302/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12331547 |archive-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> In addition, Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare lifted the national state of emergency. Health Minister David Clark also announced changes to the alert level 2 rating, allowing up to 50 people to attend funerals and [[tangihanga]]. Education Minister Chris Hipkins has also moved the [[National Certificate of Educational Achievement]] (NCEA) high school exams from 6 November to 16 November.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19 live updates, May 13: Alert level two law passes; changes to rules for funerals and tangi |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/13-05-2020/covid-19-live-updates-may-13-alert-level-two-law-may-go-right-down-to-the-wire/ |access-date=14 May 2020 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514012504/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/13-05-2020/covid-19-live-updates-may-13-alert-level-two-law-may-go-right-down-to-the-wire/ |archive-date=14 May 2020}}</ref>
On 14 May, Finance Minister Grant Roberson released the [[2020 New Zealand budget|2020 budget]]. Its provisions include a NZ$50 billion COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, a NZ$3.2 billion wage subsidy scheme, business support, trades training support, a NZ$1.1 billion environmental jobs package, investing $900 million to supporting the Māori community, and extending the school lunch programme.<ref name="RNZ budget">{{cite news |last1=Dreaver |first1=Charlie |title=Budget 2020: What you need to know |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/budget-2020/416634/budget-2020-what-you-need-to-know |access-date=18 May 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514025600/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/budget-2020/416634/budget-2020-what-you-need-to-know |archive-date=14 May 2020}}</ref>
On 20 May, the Government released a COVID-19 [[contact tracing app]] called the [[NZ COVID Tracer]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: 'Digital diary' tracing app trips up; users unable to log on, 'can't use it' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12333297 |access-date=20 May 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=20 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520010326/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12333297 |archive-date=20 May 2020}}</ref>
On 25 May, Ardern raised the limits on social gatherings including religious services, weddings, and funerals to 100, which comes into effect at 12pm on 29 May 2020. Ardern also confirmed that Cabinet would consider a decision to move into alert level 1 on 8 June, with 22 June set as the tentative date for moving into alert level 1.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=Live: Mass gatherings to increase to 100 max from noon Friday |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/live-mass-gatherings-to-increase-to-100-max-from-noon-friday/ |access-date=25 May 2020 |work=[[Newstalk ZB]] |date=25 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525044836/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/jacinda-ardern-mass-gatherings-to-increase-to-100-max-from-noon-friday/ |archive-date=25 May 2020}}</ref> That same day, Finance Minister Robertson introduced a new 12-week relief payment scheme for New Zealand citizens and residents who lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which comes into effect on 8 June. It pays NZ$490 per week for those who lost full-time work and NZ$250 for part time workers including students.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |title=Coronavirus: Weekly $490 payments for unemployed workers in $1.2b Government relief scheme |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/121614298/coronavirus-weekly-490-payments-for-unemployed-workers-in-12b-government-relief-scheme |access-date=27 May 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=25 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527040202/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/121614298/coronavirus-weekly-490-payments-for-unemployed-workers-in-12b-government-relief-scheme |archive-date=27 May 2020}}</ref>
On 3 June, Ardern announced that the Government would make a decision to enter Alert Level 1 on 8 June. She clarified that Alert level 1 would involve the elimination of social distancing restrictions on shops, restaurants, public transportation and public gatherings including religious services, funerals, weddings, and community sports events. However, event organisers would have to ensure contact tracing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19 rules and restrictions on businesses to be lifted under alert level 1 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/418155/covid-19-rules-and-restrictions-on-businesses-to-be-lifted-under-alert-level-1 |access-date=3 June 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=3 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603034751/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/418155/covid-19-rules-and-restrictions-on-businesses-to-be-lifted-under-alert-level-1 |archive-date=3 June 2020}}</ref> That same day, National alleged that a leaked cabinet paper suggested that New Zealand could move into Alert level 1 straight away. The Government contended that the paper represented "one strand" of decision making and that any move into alert level 1 was predicated upon eliminating the chains of transmissions and ensure there were no new community transmissions for at least 28 days.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |title=Coronavirus: Leaked paper appears to show New Zealand could ease restrictions now |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/121712829/coronavirus-leaked-paper-appears-to-show-new-zealand-could-ease-restrictions-now |access-date=3 June 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=3 June 2020}}</ref> That same day, Ardern announced that the Government would be distributing free sanitary products in 15 Waikato high schools on a trial basis as part of a NZ$2.6 million initiative to combat "[[period poverty]]."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Eleanor |title=New Zealand tackles 'period poverty' with free sanitary products for all schoolgirls |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/03/new-zealand-tackles-period-poverty-with-free-sanitary-products-for-all-schoolgirls |access-date=5 June 2020 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=3 June 2020 }}</ref>
On 18 June 2020, the Government's [[Arms Legislation Bill 2019]] passed into law. [[New Zealand First]] agreed to support the bill's passage in return for the establishment of an independent entity that would take over firearms licensing and administration from the police. In addition, the amended Bill also allowed members of the farming community, owners and managers of agricultural businesses to apply for endorsements to use prohibited firearms for pest control without having to establish a company to carry out the work.<ref>{{cite news |title=Firearm legislation passes final reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/419323/firearm-legislation-passes-final-reading |access-date=19 June 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619004235/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/419323/firearm-legislation-passes-final-reading|archive-date=19 June 2020}}</ref>
On 19 June 2020, [[Minister of Housing and Urban Development|Housing Minister]] [[Megan Woods]] was given joint responsibility with Air Commodore [[Darryn Webb]] for supervising isolation and quarantine facilities for travellers entering New Zealand, as part of the Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Housing Minister Megan Woods to oversee managed isolation and quarantine facilities |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/419375/housing-minister-megan-woods-to-oversee-managed-isolation-and-quarantine-facilities |access-date=20 June 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620023014/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/419375/housing-minister-megan-woods-to-oversee-managed-isolation-and-quarantine-facilities|archive-date=20 June 2020}}</ref>
On 24 June, Transport Minister Phil Twyford abandoned its flagship [[Auckland Light Rail]] project due to disagreements between Labour and its coalition partner New Zealand First. The Auckland Light Rail sought to connect the Auckland CBD with [[Auckland Airport]] in Auckland's southern [[Manukau]] suburb. Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff expressed disappointment while National's Transport spokesperson [[Chris Bishop (politician)|Chris Bishop]] listed the abandonment of Auckland Light Rail as one of the Government's failures.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=Government's flagship transport policy axed |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300041249/governments-flagship-transport-policy-axed |access-date=26 June 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=24 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624211406/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300041249/governments-flagship-transport-policy-axed |archive-date=24 June 2020}}</ref>
On 24 June, the Government's Electoral (Registration of Sentenced Prisoners) Amendment Bill passed with the support of the Labour, New Zealand First, and Green parties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Electoral (Registration of Sentenced Prisoners) Amendment Bill |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_94947/electoral-registration-of-sentenced-prisoners-amendment |publisher=[[New Zealand Parliament]] |access-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618124609/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_94947/electoral-registration-of-sentenced-prisoners-amendment |archive-date=18 June 2020}}</ref> National, ACT, and [[Jami-Lee Ross]] opposed the bill. The Bill allowed prisoners serving sentences of less than three years to vote. In addition, it incorporated an amendment supported by both the Greens and National which eliminates the [[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]]'s power to remove voters from the electoral roll. It also advises prisoners serving any sentence of their right to register to vote but that their disqualification would remain if they were serving more than three years. Justice Minister Little accused National of sabotaging the bill and announced that this change to the bill would be corrected.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Bizarre scenes as Parliament legalises prisoner voting |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300041853/bizarre-scenes-as-parliament-legalises-prisoner-voting |access-date=26 June 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=24 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624224133/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300041853/bizarre-scenes-as-parliament-legalises-prisoner-voting|archive-date=24 June 2020}}</ref>
On 29 June, Health Minister David Clark announced that the Government was investing NZ$150 million in personal protective equipment from their NZ$50 billion COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund unveiled in the [[2020 New Zealand budget]]. In addition, returnees in isolation facilities are required to wear face masks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=Government invests $150m in COVID-19 protective gear, returnees required to wear face masks |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/06/government-invests-150m-in-covid-19-protective-gear-returnees-required-to-wear-face-masks.html |access-date=29 June 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629051822/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/06/government-invests-150m-in-covid-19-protective-gear-returnees-required-to-wear-face-masks.html|archive-date=29 June 2020}}</ref>
On 2 July, Health Minister Clark resigned from his portfolio, stating that he "had become a distraction from the Government's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and health reforms."<ref name="Stuff Clark resigns">{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=David Clark resigns as Health Minister, will contest general election |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300047391/david-clark-resigns-as-health-minister-will-contest-general-election |access-date=2 July 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702015422/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300047391/david-clark-resigns-as-health-minister-will-contest-general-election|archive-date=2 July 2020}}</ref> Following Clark's resignation, Ardern appointed [[Chris Hipkins]] as interim Health Minister until the general elections in September 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Molyneux |first1=Vita |title=Why Jacinda Ardern chose Chris Hipkins as temporary Health Minister |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/why-jacinda-ardern-chose-chris-hipkins-as-temporary-health-minister.html |access-date=2 July 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702050204/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/why-jacinda-ardern-chose-chris-hipkins-as-temporary-health-minister.html|archive-date=2 July 2020}}</ref>
On 7 July, the Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway extended the visas of 16,500 Essential Skills and Work to Residence workers by six months and the 12-month stand-down period for 600 migrant workers including dairy workers until February 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government extends temporary work visas by six months |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/420688/government-extends-temporary-work-visas-by-six-months |access-date=7 July 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707101331/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/420688/government-extends-temporary-work-visas-by-six-months |archive-date=7 July 2020}}</ref>
On 21 July, Health Minister Chris Hipkins announced that the Government would be investing NZ$302 million into various health services including NZ$150 million over two years for [[Pharmac]], NZ$30 million into the [[National Close Contact Service]], NZ$23 million into a [[National Immunisation Solution]], NZ$35 million for purchasing more ventilators and respiratory equipment, NZ$50 million for purchasing personal protective equipment supplies, and NZ$14.6 million for telehealth services.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: One new case today; health sector gets $302m funding boost |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12349665 |access-date=21 July 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721014018/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12349665|archive-date=21 July 2020}}</ref>
On 22 July, Ardern dismissed [[Iain Lees-Galloway]] from his Immigration, Workplace Relations and [[Accident Compensation Corporation]] (ACC) ministerial portfolios after he admitted having an inappropriate relationship with a former staff member who worked at one of his agencies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Devlin|first=Collette|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122208470/workplace-relations-minister-iain-leesgalloway-dismissed-following-relationship-with-staffer |title=Workplace Relations Minister Iain Lees-Galloway dismissed following relationship with staffer |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=22 July 2020 |access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721232449/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122208470/workplace-relations-minister-iain-leesgalloway-dismissed-following-relationship-with-staffer|archive-date=21 July 2020}}</ref> Following his resignation, [[Kris Faafoi]] became [[Minister of Immigration (New Zealand)|Minister of Immigration]] while [[Andrew Little (New Zealand politician)|Andrew Little]] became [[Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety]], and [[Carmel Sepuloni]] became Minister for ACC.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=PM dismisses Iain Lees-Galloway as minister after 'inappropriate relationship' |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/minister-iain-lees-galloway-resigns-after-fairly-inappropriate-behaviour-allegation |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721232221/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/minister-iain-lees-galloway-resigns-after-fairly-inappropriate-behaviour-allegation |archive-date=21 July 2020}}</ref>
On 28 July, the Government suspended New Zealand's extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to the Chinese Government's [[2020 Hong Kong national security law|Hong Kong national security law]] introduced earlier that month. Foreign Minister Peters criticized the new law for "eroding rule-of-law principles" and undermining the "one country, two systems" policy while Ardern criticised the new law for violating the principles of freedom of association and the right to take a political view.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Audrey |last2=Walls |first2=Jason |title=NZ suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong - Ardern says new law not consistent with 'NZ's principles' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12351595 |access-date=28 July 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728035040/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12351595 |archive-date=28 July 2020}}</ref> In response, the Chinese Embassy criticised the New Zealand Government for violating international law and norms, and interfering in China's internal affairs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=New Zealand suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong over China's controversial security law |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/new-zealand-suspends-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong-over-china-s-controversial-security-law.html |access-date=28 July 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729154753/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/new-zealand-suspends-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong-over-china-s-controversial-security-law.html |archive-date=29 July 2020}}</ref>
On 29 July, Housing Minister Megan Woods announced that New Zealanders entering the country temporarily and most temporary visa holders with the exception of family members of citizens who were not liable, diplomats, or those here for the Christchurch mosque trial would have to pay for their 14-day stay in managed isolation.  The isolation stays will cost NZ$3,100 ($2,050) for the first adult in each hotel room, $950 for each additional adult and $475 for each child sharing the room. However, New Zealanders returning home permanently will be exempt from these charges. While the Labour and Green parties supported the new ruling, New Zealand First and the opposition National party argued that the charges would apply to all travellers entering the country.
<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |last2=Malpass |first2=Luke |title=Quarantine fee of $3100 to hit temporary visitors or those leaving country after new rules come into effect |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300068658/quarantine-fee-of-3100-to-hit-temporary-visitors-or-those-leaving-country-after-new-rules-come-into-effect |access-date=29 July 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729103654/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300068658/quarantine-fee-of-3100-to-hit-temporary-visitors-or-those-leaving-country-after-new-rules-come-into-effect |archive-date=29 July 2020}}</ref>
On 5 August, the Government passed the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill which removes rental bidding, raises the period for rental increase to 12 months, eliminates "no-cause" [[eviction]]s, and allows victims of domestic violence to end a tenancy within two days' notice. Landlords seeking to evict tenants will have to apply to the [[Tenancy Tribunal]] with three examples of bad behaviour over a period of three months. The opposition National Party opposed the bill with MP [[Alfred Ngaro]] criticizing the bill for disadvantaging landlords.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bill to strengthen renters' rights passes final reading in Parliament |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/422848/bill-to-strengthen-renters-rights-passes-final-reading-in-parliament |access-date=6 August 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806080804/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/422848/bill-to-strengthen-renters-rights-passes-final-reading-in-parliament |archive-date=6 August 2020}}</ref>
On 11 August, Ardern announced that lockdowns would be reintroduced over the country in response to the discovery of four community transmissions, lasting from 12 August mid-day to 14 August midnight. Auckland would be placed under a Level 3 lockdown while the rest of the country would be placed under a Level 2 lockdown.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland in lockdown - Four cases of community transmission |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12355759 |access-date=11 August 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=11 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811093903/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12355759 |archive-date=11 August 2020}}</ref> Following the discovery of more community transmissions, the Government extended the lockdowns until 11:59 pm local time on 26 August.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - NZ to maintain current lockdown settings for 12 more days |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12356647 |access-date=14 August 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814092830/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12356647 |archive-date=14 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 17 August 2020, Ardern delayed the [[2020 New Zealand general election]] by four weeks until 17 October in response to the recent outbreak in COVID-19 community transmissions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/122466319/live-jacinda-ardern-delays-election-to-october-17-amid-coronavirus-outbreak|title=Live: Jacinda Ardern delays election to October 17 amid coronavirus outbreak|first=Brittney|last=Deguara|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=17 August 2020|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817010430/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/122466319/live-ashley-bloomfields-coronavirus-update-as-jacinda-ardern-delays-election|archive-date=17 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>  In addition, the dissolution of the [[New Zealand Parliament]] was pushed back to 6 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.interest.co.nz/news/106573/general-election-be-moved-october-17-september-19-dissolution-parliament-deferred|title=Election deferred by four weeks to October 17; Treasury's pre-election economic update pushed out|first=Jenée|last=Tibshraeny|website=Interest.co.nz|date=17 August 2020|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817011425/https://www.interest.co.nz/news/106573/general-election-be-moved-october-17-september-19-dissolution-parliament-deferred|archive-date=17 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 24 August, Ardern announced that Auckland would remain under a Level 3 lockdown until 11:59 pm on 30 August, when the city and its surrounding region would move to a Level 2 lockdown. In addition, public gatherings in Auckland would be limited to ten people while a 50-person limit would be enforced for funerals and weddings. The rest of New Zealand will remain on a Level 2 lockdown until 6 September. In addition, all people using public transportation will be required to wear face masks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=Auckland to remain under Level 3 lockdown restrictions until Sunday evening, rest of NZ stays at Level 2 |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/auckland-remain-under-level-3-lockdown-restrictions-until-sunday-evening-rest-nz-stays-2 |access-date=24 August 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824050229/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/auckland-remain-under-level-3-lockdown-restrictions-until-sunday-evening-rest-nz-stays-2 |archive-date=24 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 27 August 2020, Associate Finance Minister Shaw attracted criticism from the opposition National Party's education spokesperson [[Nicola Willis]], school principals, teachers unions' and several members of his own Green Party after he allocated NZ$11.7 million from the Government's $3 billion COVID-19 recovery fund to the private "Green School New Zealand" in [[Taranaki]]. This funding boost violated the Green Party's own policy of private schools receiving state funds. Shaw had defended the decision, claiming it would have created 200 jobs and boosted the local economy. The Education Minister Chris Hipkins stated that he would not have prioritised funding for the private school and sympathised with state schools' dissatisfaction with Shaw's decision.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |title=Critics pile on Green private school funding boost |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/424605/critics-pile-on-green-private-school-funding-boost |access-date=27 August 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=27 August 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827121626/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/424605/critics-pile-on-green-private-school-funding-boost|archive-date=27 August 2020}}</ref> Following considerable criticism, Shaw apologised for approving the funding of the Green School, describing it as "an error of judgment" on 1 September. Representatives of the school have reportedly approach the Crown to convert part or all off the Government's grant into a loan.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=James Shaw calls Green School funding 'an error of judgment' as he searches for a solution |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300096758/james-shaw-calls-green-school-funding-an-error-of-judgment-as-he-searches-for-a-solution |access-date=1 September 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040810/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300096758/james-shaw-calls-green-school-funding-an-error-of-judgment-as-he-searches-for-a-solution |archive-date=1 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 November, it was reported that Michael and Rachel Perrett, the owners of the Green School, had reached a settlement for the Government's NZ$11.7 million grant to be converted into a loan; a development that was welcomed by local principals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Green school's $11.7 million grant now a 100 per cent Government loan |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/green-schools-11-7-million-grant-now-100-per-cent-government-loan |access-date=2 November 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102233709/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/green-schools-11-7-million-grant-now-100-per-cent-government-loan |archive-date=2 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 14 September, Ardern extended the Alert Level 2.5 rating in Auckland and the Level 2 rating in the rest of the country by one week. She indicated that the Government would consider easing restrictions the following week. While the Government's decision was supported by Cabinet, New Zealand First leader and Deputy Prime Minister [[Winston Peters]] disagreed with the extension of lockdown restrictions, claiming they were unnecessary in the South Island. Similar sentiments were echoed by ACT Party leader [[David Seymour (New Zealand politician)|David Seymour]], who claimed they were hurting the country's businesses. In addition, the Government relaxed social distancing restrictions on public transportation including buses and planes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=Covid-19 coronavirus: Auckland stays at level 2.5, rest of NZ likely to move to level 1 next week - Jacinda Ardern |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12364732 |access-date=14 September 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=14 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914021241/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12364732 |archive-date=14 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 21 September, Ardern announced that Auckland would move into Alert Level 2 on 23 September at 11:59pm while the rest of New Zealand would move into Alert Level 1 on 21 September at 11:59pm. Under Auckland's Alert Level 2 status, public gatherings of 100 people will be allowed but funerals and [[tangihanga]] will remain limited to 50 people.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wade |first1=Amelia |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland moving to alert level 2 and NZ to level 1 - Jacinda Ardern |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12366570 |access-date=21 September 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=21 September 2020 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921232253/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12366570|archive-date=21 September 2020}}</ref>
On 12 October 2020, the Government signed an agreement with [[Pfizer]] and [[BioNTech]] to purchase 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy Task Force is also negotiating with other pharmaceutical companies to provide vaccines. In addition, the Government established a fund of $66.3 million to support a COVID-19 immunisation programme as soon as the vaccine is ready.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government signs agreement to purchase 1.5m Covid-19 vaccines, enough for 750k people |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-signs-agreement-purchase-1-5m-covid-19-vaccines-enough-750k-people |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012041410/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-signs-agreement-purchase-1-5m-covid-19-vaccines-enough-750k-people |archive-date=12 October 2020}}</ref>
==Notes and references==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand}}
{{Governments of New Zealand}}
{{Jacinda Ardern}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Labour Government of New Zealand, 6, 1st term}}
[[Category:2017 establishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:2020 disestablishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Cabinets established in 2017]]
[[Category:Cabinets disestablished in 2020]]
[[Category:2010s in New Zealand]]
[[Category:2020s in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand|*]]
[[Category:Coalition governments]]
[[Category:Ministries of Elizabeth II]]
[[Category:New Zealand First]]
[[Category:New Zealand Labour Party]]
[[Category:Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand]]
[[Category:Jacinda Ardern]]