Changes & updates
Policy changes in New Zealand that affect our guides — already in force or coming soon — and the guides we have checked most recently. There are 72 recorded changes, each linked to its official source. You can also follow this page by RSS. RSS feed
What has changed recently?
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The Employment Leave Act 2026 takes effect and replaces the Holidays Act 2003. Until this date, employers and employees must keep following the current Holidays Act rules and cannot start using the new rules early.
Annual leave, sick leave and public holidays → -
The default contribution rate will rise again, from 3.5% to 4%, for both employees and employers.
KiwiSaver retirement savings → -
Light vehicles registered between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2019 now change to a WoF every 2 years (before this, they still needed one every year).
Vehicle registration (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF) → -
The high-income threshold (starting at NZ$200,000) is adjusted every year from this date.
Work disputes and unpaid wages → -
The residence requirements for Working for Families (including Best Start) will change under the Taxation (Budget Measures) Act 2026. The tax residence requirement for the principal caregiver will be removed. Instead, both the caregiver and the child must be physically in New Zealand and normally live in New Zealand. The caregiver must still have lived in New Zealand for 12 months in a row at some time. Trips overseas of up to 42 days (six weeks) each will not affect your payments. The caregiver or the child must still be in New Zealand lawfully and not on a temporary visa.
Best Start payment for new babies → -
According to the IRD page, after 31 March 2027 the in-work tax credit maximum goes back to NZ$97 a week (NZ$5,070 a year).
Working for Families tax credits → -
The residence requirements will change (Taxation (Budget Measures) Act 2026). The tax residence requirement for the principal caregiver will be removed. Instead, both the caregiver and the child must be physically in New Zealand and normally live in New Zealand. The caregiver must still have lived in New Zealand for 12 months in a row at some time. Trips overseas of 42 days (six weeks) or less each time will not affect payments. The caregiver or the child must still be in New Zealand lawfully and not on a temporary visa. The way family income (family scheme income) is calculated will also be simplified at the same time.
Working for Families tax credits → -
Budget 2026: the government is providing funding so tertiary providers can raise fees by up to 6% in 2027.
Studying at university: student loans and allowances (StudyLink) → -
Fees Free is ending, with no transition arrangements. You must finish your studies on or before 31 December 2026 to qualify. If you finish in 2026, you can apply within 12 months of finishing (by 31 December 2027 at the latest).
Studying at university: student loans and allowances (StudyLink) → -
Health NZ notice: the rules on who can get publicly funded health care (including maternity services) will change from 1 December 2026. See the Ministry of Health website for details.
Pregnancy and birth: midwives and antenatal care → -
Health NZ has announced that the rules on who can get publicly funded healthcare will change from 1 December 2026. See the Ministry of Health website for details.
Enrolling with a GP and who can get publicly funded healthcare → -
Metro buses and ferries in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri no longer accept Metrocard or cash. They now use Motu Move only (bank card, phone or Motu Move prepaid card). Metrocard balances cannot be moved to the new system. Metro says you will be able to apply online for a refund later.
Taking the bus: transport cards and discounts → -
People aged 18 or 19 (and a small number aged 16 or 17) who apply for Jobseeker Support or a similar Emergency Benefit must pass the Parental Assistance Test, as well as meeting the usual conditions. They must show they cannot reasonably rely on their parents for support (for example, a parent is in hospital long-term or in prison, or the family has broken down), and/or their parents' combined income before tax is not more than NZ$67,225. People with dependent children or who receive the Foster Care Allowance do not need to take the test. People already receiving the payment will take the test when they reapply at 26 weeks; if they do not pass, the payment will stop. The law passed its third reading in Parliament on 25 August 2026.
Lost your job? Jobseeker Support explained → -
The temporary 18-month rule ends: if you arrive on or after 1 November 2026, you can drive a car on an overseas licence for up to 12 months. If you arrived between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2026, you still get 18 months.
Driving on an overseas licence and converting to a New Zealand licence → -
WoF frequency changes begin: the second WoF for new vehicles is now at 4 years; light vehicles registered on or after 1 November 2019 now need a WoF every 2 years; older vehicles and motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000 change from every 6 months to every year; CoF for light rental vehicles changes to every year. The WoF now includes checking warning lights for driver assistance systems (ADAS). Current WoF expiry dates do not change. The new frequency applies from the next inspection.
Vehicle registration (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF) → -
Fines change: driving with a WoF expired less than 2 months is still NZ$200; expired 2 months or more increases to NZ$350; defective tyres and wheels increases to NZ$350.
Vehicle registration (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF) → -
New rules for power bills: from this date, power bills show information more clearly and consistently, with each charge explained in plain language, so it is easier to compare plans.
Power bills: switching electricity company and saving money → -
For the 2026 general election, enrolment closes at midnight on the deadline day. Unlike the last two general elections, you cannot enrol and vote on the spot at a voting place.
Enrolling to vote and voting → -
RealMe help page updated: the usual reply time after you apply for a verified identity has been reduced from 10 working days to 5 working days.
RealMe login and verified identity → -
The Government confirmed that Aspeq Limited will deliver the citizenship test. From around late 2027, the test is expected to be a requirement for most citizenship by grant applicants: 20 multiple-choice questions in English, and you must get at least 15 right to pass. If you apply before the test becomes a requirement, you will not need to take it. The test location and cost have not been decided yet.
Apply for New Zealand citizenship → -
New road rules in force: drivers passing pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised road users must leave at least 1.5 metres of space (NZ$300 fine). On roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less, drivers must give way to buses signalling to pull out (NZ$50 fine). Children aged 12 and under (and adults with them) can ride bikes on the footpath. E-scooters can use cycle lanes.
Road rules and traffic fines → -
Metro services in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri: child, youth, Total Mobility, Community Services Card and SuperGold concessions can now be linked to a bank card, phone or Motu Move prepaid card.
Taking the bus: transport cards and discounts → -
Canterbury Regional Council has announced that, with Motu Move, SuperGold free times in Greater Christchurch will change to match the rest of New Zealand. You will pay before 9am and between 3pm and 6:30pm on weekdays. Travel at other times stays free. The start date has not yet been announced.
Taking the bus: transport cards and discounts → -
Fees for citizenship applications and related services went up. The citizenship application fee rose by 14.4%. The current fee is NZ$641 for adults and NZ$320 for children.
Apply for New Zealand citizenship → -
Employment New Zealand announced that the Employment Leave Act 2026 has passed into law and will replace the Holidays Act. It will change how annual leave, sick leave, family violence leave, bereavement leave, public holidays and alternative holidays are earned, taken and paid.
Annual leave, sick leave and public holidays → -
Cabinet minutes (CAB-26-MIN-0255) show that the condition of 91 petrol being below NZ$3 a litre for four weeks in a row was met in the week ending 26 July 2026. However, Cabinet decided to keep the temporary increase to the in-work tax credit for now, and will decide when to end it after fuel prices fall again. Watch for the latest updates from IRD.
Working for Families tax credits → -
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) became the only supervisor of the anti-money laundering (AML/CFT) system.
Opening a bank account → -
Application fees increased: under NZ$2,000 from NZ$61 to NZ$62; NZ$2,000–5,000 from NZ$121 to NZ$124; NZ$5,000–30,000 from NZ$243 to NZ$248; over NZ$30,001 from NZ$468 to NZ$496.
Small claims: the Disputes Tribunal → -
2026/27 rates rebate: the maximum rebate is NZ$830. The income limit for the full rebate is NZ$33,210. For SuperGold cardholder households, the income limit for the full rebate is NZ$46,400. The application deadline is 30 June 2027.
Rates and the rates rebate → -
The maximum parental leave payment went up from NZ$788.66 to NZ$811.05 a week (before tax). The minimum for self-employed people went up from NZ$235 to NZ$239.50 a week.
Paid Parental Leave → -
Paper bond refund forms, change of tenant forms and change of landlord forms are no longer available. These are now done online through Bond Hub or property management software.
Rental bond: how much you pay, how to check it and how to get it back → -
Digital credentials issued by an accredited digital identity service, showing your photo and your age or date of birth, have been added to the list of approved evidence of age documents.
Buying and drinking alcohol in New Zealand → -
The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act 2026 is in force. The law now allows vehicle licences (rego) to be electronic (electronic licence), so windscreen labels may not be needed in future. NZTA will announce when printed labels end. If you get a printed label now, you must still display it as required.
Vehicle registration (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF) → -
The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Act 2026 passed and took effect immediately. It focuses on carrying out obligations, including customer due diligence, in proportion to risk.
Opening a bank account → -
Bars, restaurants and other premises with an on-licence can now also open during their normal permitted hours on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Bottle stores and supermarkets (off-licences) still cannot sell alcohol on these days (except, for example, wineries selling wine they make on site).
Buying and drinking alcohol in New Zealand → -
For children born on or after 1 April 2026, the first year of Best Start also depends on family income. If your family income is over NZ$79,000, the NZ$77 a week reduces at a rate of 21%.
Best Start payment for new babies → -
Children born before 1 April 2026 who are still in their first year keep getting the full amount, whatever the family income. The weekly amount went up from NZ$73 to NZ$77.
Best Start payment for new babies → -
The abatement threshold went up from NZ$42,700 to NZ$44,900, and the abatement rate went up from 27% to 27.5% (for the 2026–27 tax year onwards).
Working for Families tax credits → -
Temporary increase to the in-work tax credit: the weekly maximum went up from NZ$97 to NZ$147, and the yearly maximum from NZ$5,070 to NZ$7,670.
Working for Families tax credits → -
For children born on or after 1 April 2026, Best Start in the first year is also based on family income (see our Best Start guide).
Working for Families tax credits → -
Student allowances and living costs loans are adjusted for inflation every year (Annual General Adjustment). New rates include: a single student under 24 not living with their parents can get up to NZ$333.38 a week (after tax) in Student Allowance; the living costs loan is up to NZ$333.48 a week.
Studying at university: student loans and allowances (StudyLink) → -
The default contribution rate rose from 3% to 3.5% for both employees and employers. Employees already above 3% keep their own rate, but if their employer was paying 3%, the employer must now pay 3.5%. KiwiSaver members aged 16 and 17 can now get a 3.5% employer contribution. You can apply for a temporary rate reduction to keep contributing 3% for 3 to 12 months.
KiwiSaver retirement savings → -
Minimum wage increase: the adult minimum wage went up from NZ$23.50 to NZ$23.95 an hour. The starting-out and training minimum wages went up from NZ$18.80 to NZ$19.16. All amounts are before tax.
Minimum wage and employment agreements → -
The Electricity Authority launched Billy (billy.govt.nz), a free official website for comparing and switching electricity plans.
Power bills: switching electricity company and saving money → -
An amendment to the notice came into force: the rule for children of work visa holders now says the child must hold a student visa and be a dependent child of a work visa holder. For children of citizens or residents whose status is still being processed, domestic status is now based on the year the child's student visa expires.
Is my child a domestic student (free school)? → -
The Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Act came into force. Overseas investors on an Active Investor Plus, Investor 1 or Investor 2 visa can apply to buy or build one home worth more than NZ$5 million. Restrictions on other overseas people buying homes still apply.
Buying a home: overseas buyer rules and first-home support → -
The transition period for the new allergen labelling rules is ending: food packed and labelled under the old rules before 25 February 2024 can only be sold for 2 more years, until 25 February 2026.
Food safety and food recalls → -
Changes to the Employment Relations Act took effect: employees on new employment agreements earning NZ$200,000 or more a year can no longer raise a personal grievance for unfair dismissal (or for unjustified disadvantage related to dismissal). Employees on existing agreements have a 12-month transition period. If an employee's own behaviour contributed to the problem, the remedies they can get are reduced.
Work disputes and unpaid wages → -
The new Education (Domestic Student: Primary and Secondary Education) Notice 2026 came into force, replacing the Education (Domestic Students) Notice 2023.
Is my child a domestic student (free school)? → -
Some people with stable long-term conditions can get a prescription for up to 12 months and pay the prescription charge only once, when they first collect it. The pharmacy still gives you up to 3 months' supply at a time (6 months for the oral contraceptive pill).
Prescription costs and dental care → -
The Disputes Tribunal's maximum claim increased from NZ$30,000 to NZ$60,000, and a new fee level was added for claims over NZ$30,001.
Small claims: the Disputes Tribunal → -
The Health (Immunisation) Regulations 1995 were revoked. ECE services no longer need to collect immunisation certificates from parents or keep an immunisation register on site. This information is now held in the Aotearoa Immunisation Register (AIR).
Kindergarten, daycare and 20 Hours ECE → -
The Health (Immunisation) Regulations 1995 have been revoked. These rules required primary schools and early childhood services to ask parents about their child's immunisation status (immunisation certificate) at enrolment and keep a record.
Starting school in New Zealand: school age and school zones → -
The Electoral Amendment Act 2025 is now in force. In the voting eligibility rules, "permanent resident" is now called "resident for electoral purposes". The enrolment deadline is now the end of the 13th day before election day.
Enrolling to vote and voting → -
New pet rules started: tenants can ask to keep a pet and landlords can refuse only on reasonable grounds; landlords can charge a pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent.
Renting rights: repairs, rent increases and notice to end a tenancy → -
The Statutes Amendment Bill passed into law. One of its changes removes the requirement to verify customer addresses for standard, simple, low-risk business.
Opening a bank account → -
Minor technical changes to the healthy homes standards came into force. Homes that meet the healthy homes standards no longer also need to meet the Housing Improvement Regulations 1947. Rental homes that already comply are not affected.
Healthy homes standards: minimum rules for rental homes → -
All private rental homes must meet the healthy homes standards. (The deadline for Kāinga Ora and registered Community Housing Providers was 1 July 2024. For boarding houses it was 1 July 2021.)
Healthy homes standards: minimum rules for rental homes → -
For quarters ending after 1 July 2025 (from the July–September 2025 quarter): the payment rate went up from 25% to 40%; the maximum per quarter went up from NZ$975 to NZ$1,560; the household income limit went up from NZ$45,000 to NZ$57,286 a quarter; and the reduction for income over NZ$35,000 went down from 9.75 cents to 7 cents for every NZ$1.
FamilyBoost childcare payment → -
FamilyBoost increased: for quarters ending after 1 July 2025, the refund rate went up from 25% to 40%, the maximum per quarter went up from NZ$975 to NZ$1,560, and the quarterly family income limit went up from NZ$45,000 to NZ$57,286.
Kindergarten, daycare and 20 Hours ECE → -
From this date, the government contribution changed to 25 cents for every NZ$1 you save, up to NZ$260.72 a year. Members aged 16 and 17 can also get the government contribution (before, you had to be 18).
KiwiSaver retirement savings → -
Police no longer run speed cameras and red light cameras. Camera fines after this change are handled by NZTA.
Road rules and traffic fines → -
New rules apply to fixed-term tenancies ending on or after this date: either side can end the tenancy on its end date, without giving a reason, by giving written notice between 90 and 21 days before the end date. Otherwise, it automatically becomes a periodic tenancy.
Renting rights: repairs, rent increases and notice to end a tenancy → -
Employers must keep a copy of each employee's employment agreement and be able to produce it. If an employee asks for a copy, the employer must provide it within 7 working days.
Minimum wage and employment agreements → -
If the tenancy agreement lists an electronic address (such as an email address) as an address for service, landlords and tenants can send notices and documents electronically.
Renting rights: repairs, rent increases and notice to end a tenancy → -
Rules for ending periodic tenancies changed: landlords can end a tenancy with 90 days' notice without giving a reason; with 42 days' notice if the owner or a family member is moving in, the property is sold unconditionally and must be empty on handover, or it is used to house employees; tenants must give 21 days' notice.
Renting rights: repairs, rent increases and notice to end a tenancy → -
Fees Free has changed from "first year fees free" to "final year fees free" (up to NZ$12,000). If you got first-year Fees Free before 31 December 2024, you cannot get final-year Fees Free.
Studying at university: student loans and allowances (StudyLink) → -
The time limit for driving a car (Class 1) on an overseas licence was temporarily extended from 12 months to 18 months.
Driving on an overseas licence and converting to a New Zealand licence → -
The income range for IETC (ME tax code) is now NZ$24,000 to NZ$70,000. Older information showing an upper limit of NZ$48,000 is out of date.
Tax codes and your end-of-year tax refund or bill → -
For homes sold on or after this date, the bright-line period is 2 years (earlier sales follow different periods).
Buying a home: overseas buyer rules and first-home support → -
New residence requirements apply to people who turn 65 on or after 1 July 2024: the number of years needed rises step by step from 10 to 20 years, depending on your date of birth.
NZ Super (New Zealand Superannuation) → -
The NZ$50 (including GST) user charge for family and civil Legal Aid has been removed. Cases approved before 1 January 2023 may still have to pay it.
Free advice and legal aid →
Which guides were checked recently?
The Holidays Act 2003 sets the minimum leave for employees in New Zealand. After 12 months of continuous work for the same employer, you get at least 4 weeks of paid annual leave. After 6 months, you get 10 days of paid sick leave each year. If a public holiday falls on a day you would normally work, you get the day off with pay. If you work that day, you get at least time and a half, plus an extra day off. A new Employment Leave Act will not take effect until 6 August 2028. Until then, the current rules still apply.
In New Zealand, you usually see a family doctor (GP) first when you are unwell. If you are eligible for publicly funded health services, you can enrol with a GP clinic for free. After you enrol, visits cost less, and you get reminders and screening services. Enrol before you get sick.
Not sure who to ask about renting, work, shopping, family or immigration paperwork? Start with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). It is free. If you need legal advice but cannot afford a lawyer, contact a free Community Law Centre. You can also apply to the Ministry of Justice for Legal Aid. Legal Aid is a loan, so you may have to pay it back. When you call a government agency, you can ask for a free interpreter.
You can get free help if you feel stressed, anxious or low, or if you are worried about someone else. The main service is 1737. You can call or text 1737 for free, and trained counsellors answer 24 hours a day. Many areas also have free mental health support services that you can contact without a referral. If someone is in danger right now, call 111.
When you are pregnant in New Zealand, your first step is to choose a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). This is usually a midwife. Your LMC looks after you during your pregnancy and the birth. They also care for you and your baby until your baby is 6 weeks old. If you are eligible, most maternity care is free. After your baby is born, you also get free Well Child Tamariki Ora health checks.
RealMe is the New Zealand government's single login and online identity service. It has two parts. A RealMe login is a username and password that you can use for many services, such as myIR and Immigration New Zealand. A RealMe verified identity is a digital identity issued by the government. It lets you prove who you are online, for example to open a bank account online. Many services only need a login. Applying for a verified identity is free, and it lasts 10 years.
Scammers often pretend to be your bank, Inland Revenue (IRD), a government official, or a family member or friend. They may also use fake investments or online relationships to take your money. If you think you have been scammed, stop all contact, do not pay any more money, and contact your bank straight away. Then report the scam to the NCSC. If you lost money, report it to the Police: call 105 or report online.
Each region in New Zealand runs its own public transport, so each city uses a different transport card. Auckland uses AT HOP. Wellington uses Snapper (Metlink). Christchurch is moving to Motu Move, the new national system. Many other regions use Bee Card. Children, students and Community Services Card holders can get discounts. SuperGold Card holders (65 and over) travel free at off-peak times. For most discounts, you need to load the concession onto a transport card. If you just tap your bank card, you usually pay the adult fare.
An IRD number is your personal tax number in New Zealand. You use it for all your tax matters, and it stays the same for life. You need one if you earn income in New Zealand. Applying is free. If you have just arrived on a visa, you can use the simpler 'new arrival' process and usually get your number within 2 days.
Once you have lived in New Zealand on a residence visa for long enough, you can apply to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for citizenship. This is called "citizenship by grant". DIA's main requirements are: you have lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least 5 years and meet the minimum days in the country, you are of good character, you can hold a basic conversation in English, and you intend to keep living in New Zealand. The adult application fee is NZ$641, and processing takes 3 to 14 months. After approval, you become a citizen only when you take the oath or affirmation at a citizenship ceremony.
Everyone who arrives in New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This includes New Zealand citizens, residents and babies. The NZTD replaced the old paper Passenger Arrival Card. You must declare all food, plants and seeds, animal products and traditional or herbal medicines. A false declaration can bring an instant fine of at least NZ$400. If you are not sure, declare it.
Best Start is part of Working for Families. It gives your family extra money for the first 3 years after your child is born, up to NZ$77 a week. For children born on or after 1 April 2026, the first year also depends on your family income.