Carl Bates

Some exciting things are coming. Major events mean more money flowing into restaurants, shops and hotels. It helps create more jobs and lift incomes for Kiwis.

We make no apologies for being tough on crime, so Kiwis are safer.

National is cracking down on criminals to make communities safer.

We won’t introduce a capital gains tax.

Here’s 5 things changing in 2026, thanks to National. 1. We’re backing more concerts and events through our tourism and events package - that means more fun events like Linkin Park and Ultra Music Festival. 2. National’s new planning system will become law, making it so much easier to build the homes, roads, schools and hospitals New Zealand needs. 3. There be stronger penalties for attacking first responders and for retail crime. 4. We’re extending repeat prescriptions from 3 to 12 months, saving you time and money. 5. Thousands of students in Years 1-8 will have access to more learning support coordinators in their classrooms. National is fixing the basics and building the future.

The attack on Winston Peters home today was totally unacceptable. MPs homes are not the place to protest. No matter the cause, political violence is never ok and should be condemned. Free speech is healthy in a democracy, political violence is not.

If you don't vote, you can't complain later. That's my very profound plea for the importance of local democracy

Good news