Responsible Drinkers and Honest Businesses

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Party: ACT

Sender: ACTion <[email protected]>

Date Received: 2025-08-29 18:44

HTML Version

Dear [Name],

It’s been one of those weeks that reminds you why politics matters.

You’ve got two choices in New Zealand: more rules, red tape, and people in Wellington thinking they know best.

Or you’ve got ACT, cutting through the nonsense and actually fixing things.

This week was all about common sense winning. Nicole McKee stood up to the booze bureaucrats. David got supermarket reform back on track. Mark Cameron backed farmers against reckless union scaremongering. And Todd Stephenson made sure New Zealanders keep dignity and choice at the end of life.

So let's crack into it👇

Fairer Alcohol Laws – Trusting People, Not Red Tape

For years, responsible drinkers and honest businesses have been caught up in rules that do nothing to reduce harm.

“Most New Zealanders who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly. Our reforms recognise that responsible drinkers should not be penalised because of the behaviour of a few who do not drink safely.” – Nicole McKee

What’s changing?

✅ Only allow objections to a licence application from local communities
✅ Allow applicants a right of reply to objectors
✅ Allow hairdressers to offer a drink without a licence
✅ Allow wineries and breweries to hold both on- and off-licences
✅ Enable pubs to open late for major televised events (without passing a law each time)

“It’s not about getting pissed. It’s about being able to operate good business.” – Nicole McKee

The hospitality section has welcomed the changes which will bring energy and life back to the night-time economy.

End of Life Choice – Keeping It Safe, Fair, and Compassionate

In 2020, New Zealanders voted to give people the right to choose assisted dying at the end of their lives. Since then, more than 1,200 terminally ill people have used the law.

ACT MP Todd Stephenson wants to make the law work better and is seeking cross-party support to do it. He has re-lodged a Member’s Bill in Parliament that:

Keeps all the existing safeguards in place.
Adopts 25 recommendations from the Ministry of Health’s review of the law.
Removes the strict “six months to live” rule, which has stopped some terminally ill people from qualifying even though they are suffering.

Because this law was originally passed as a conscience vote, MPs will again get to vote individually, not just along party lines. Todd has already written to MPs across Parliament asking them to support the changes.

“I think people are more comfortable now that we’ve had the end of life choice regime in place for a number of years,” Todd says. “People are at least willing to listen to the arguments and why some of these changes might be necessary.” – Todd Stephenson

For ACT, the principle is simple: people deserve dignity, compassion, and control at the end of their lives.

Supporting Our Farmers – Protecting Our Reputation

Farmers and exporters are the backbone of New Zealand. Our reputation for world-class food is what keeps our rural communities strong.

That’s why it was so disappointing to see the Public Service Association writing to foreign embassies suggesting our meat export standards might be at risk. No evidence. No consultation. Just scaremongering.

“The PSA's attempt to undermine the reputation of our world-class meat industry borders on economic sabotage.” – Mark Cameron

Everyone in the sector knows their livelihoods depend on quality and safety. That’s what protects jobs and export income.

ACT stands with the people who put food on our tables and export dollars in our economy.

In the weeks to come, we’ll be showcasing some of the hard work our candidates are doing out on the campaign trail – Here's our wonderful candidate Helena Roza for North Shore Ward.

Groceries – Competition Brings Down Prices

Every Kiwi knows the weekly shop is too expensive. The real question is: do you fix that with more regulators, or with more competition?

Labour chose regulators. ACT chooses competition.

“ACT has long argued that consumers need investment and competition, and the Government’s strongest suit is to remove barriers to those things.” – David Seymour

This week’s reforms will make it easier for new supermarkets to build, open, and compete. That means more choice, stronger supply chains, and lower prices.

“When people are driving across the country just to shop at Costco, you see how people want more investment and the choices it brings” – David Seymour

It’s not complicated. Let investment in, let competitors open their doors, and shoppers win.

David Honoured by Ukraine

This week, our very own Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour was awarded one of Ukraine’s highest civilian honours – the Order of Merit, Third Class, by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The honour recognises David’s advocacy for Ukraine’s sovereignty and his efforts here in New Zealand: organising fundraisers, petitioning to support Ukrainian-Kiwi families, and calling for unused Defence Force Javelin missiles to be sent to the front lines.

Why it matters:

“The Ukrainians are fighting for their own lives, but in many ways, all of our freedom…if large powers can just redraw boundaries anywhere on the map, that’s a big problem for countries like New Zealand.

"One country attacked another across an internationally recognized border. That cannot stand in our society and that’s why New Zealand, I’m very proud, stands with Ukraine.” – David Seymour

Until Next Week

This week ACT delivered fairer alcohol rules, pushed for cheaper groceries, stood with farmers, strengthened End of Life Choice, and saw David Seymour honoured for standing up for freedom.

This is why we’re in Government. That’s why ACT matters. And that’s why, with your help, we’re going to keep winning the battles that shape New Zealand’s future.

👉 Say g'day at our next event

Thanks,

Team ACT

DONATE TODAY

[Name], if you like what we're doing, and wish to support us, please consider donating. As a grassroots movement, we rely on the support from Kiwis like you.

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Text Version

<https://www.act.org.nz/>Dear [Name], <https://action.act.org.nz/>
It’s been one of those weeks that reminds you why politics matters.
You’ve got two choices in New Zealand: more rules, red tape, and people in Wellington thinking they know best.
Or you’ve got ACT, cutting through the nonsense and actually fixing things.
This week was all about common sense winning. Nicole McKee stood up to the booze bureaucrats. David got supermarket reform back on track. Mark Cameron backed farmers against reckless union scaremongering. And Todd Stephenson made sure New Zealanders keep dignity and choice at the end of life.
So let's crack into it👇
<https://www.iheart.com/podcast/24837940/episode/291025502/ Alcohol Laws – Trusting People, Not Red Tape
For years, responsible drinkers and honest businesses have been caught up in rules that do nothing to reduce harm.
“Most New Zealanders who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly. Our reforms recognise that responsible drinkers should not be penalised because of the behaviour of a few who do not drink safely.” – Nicole McKee
What’s changing?
✅ Only allow objections to a licence application from local communities
✅ Allow applicants a right of reply to objectors
✅ Allow hairdressers to offer a drink without a licence
✅ Allow wineries and breweries to hold both on- and off-licences
✅ Enable pubs to open late for major televised events (without passing a law each time)
“It’s not about getting pissed. It’s about being able to operate good business.” – Nicole McKee
The hospitality section has welcomed the changes which will bring energy and life back to the night-time economy.
<https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/570934/act-mp-seeks-support-for-bill-changing-end-of-life-choice-act>End of Life Choice – Keeping It Safe, Fair, and Compassionate
In 2020, New Zealanders voted to give people the right to choose assisted dying at the end of their lives. Since then, more than 1,200 terminally ill people have used the law.
ACT MP Todd Stephenson wants to make the law work better and is seeking cross-party support to do it. He has re-lodged a Member’s Bill in Parliament that:
- Keeps all the existing safeguards in place.
- Adopts 25 recommendations from the Ministry of Health’s review of the law.
- Removes the strict “six months to live” rule, which has stopped some terminally ill people from qualifying even though they are suffering.
Because this law was originally passed as a conscience vote, MPs will again get to vote individually, not just along party lines. Todd has already written to MPs across Parliament asking them to support the changes.
“I think people are more comfortable now that we’ve had the end of life choice regime in place for a number of years,” Todd says. “People are at least willing to listen to the arguments and why some of these changes might be necessary.” – Todd Stephenson
For ACT, the principle is simple: people deserve dignity, compassion, and control at the end of their lives.
<https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360804930/act-says-public-service-union-undermined-nzs-red-meat-export-sector>Supporting Our Farmers – Protecting Our Reputation
Farmers and exporters are the backbone of New Zealand. Our reputation for world-class food is what keeps our rural communities strong.
That’s why it was so disappointing to see the Public Service Association writing to foreign embassies suggesting our meat export standards might be at risk. No evidence. No consultation. Just scaremongering.
“The PSA's attempt to undermine the reputation of our world-class meat industry borders on economic sabotage.” – Mark Cameron
Everyone in the sector knows their livelihoods depend on quality and safety. That’s what protects jobs and export income.
ACT stands with the people who put food on our tables and export dollars in our economy.
In the weeks to come, we’ll be showcasing some of the hard work our candidates are doing out on the campaign trail – Here's our wonderful candidate Helena Roza for North Shore Ward <https://www.actlocal.nz/helenaroza>.
<https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/supermarkets-david-seymour-wants-a-fast-track-law-for-new-supermarkets/VDERFYGOA5HDFKXYEWQVDRH7RI/>Groceries – Competition Brings Down Prices
Every Kiwi knows the weekly shop is too expensive. The real question is: do you fix that with more regulators, or with more competition?
Labour chose regulators. ACT chooses competition.
“ACT has long argued that consumers need investment and competition, and the Government’s strongest suit is to remove barriers to those things.” – David Seymour
This week’s reforms will make it easier for new supermarkets to build, open, and compete. That means more choice, stronger supply chains, and lower prices.
“When people are driving across the country just to shop at Costco, you see how people want more investment and the choices it brings” – David Seymour
It’s not complicated. Let investment in, let competitors open their doors, and shoppers win.
David Honoured by Ukraine
This week, our very own Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour was awarded one of Ukraine’s highest civilian honours – the Order of Merit, Third Class, by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The honour recognises David’s advocacy for Ukraine’s sovereignty and his efforts here in New Zealand: organising fundraisers, petitioning to support Ukrainian-Kiwi families, and calling for unused Defence Force Javelin missiles to be sent to the front lines.
Why it matters:
“The Ukrainians are fighting for their own lives, but in many ways, all of our freedom…if large powers can just redraw boundaries anywhere on the map, that’s a big problem for countries like New Zealand.
"One country attacked another across an internationally recognized border. That cannot stand in our society and that’s why New Zealand, I’m very proud, stands with Ukraine.” – David Seymour
Until Next Week
This week ACT delivered fairer alcohol rules, pushed for cheaper groceries, stood with farmers, strengthened End of Life Choice, and saw David Seymour honoured for standing up for freedom.
This is why we’re in Government. That’s why ACT matters. And that’s why, with your help, we’re going to keep winning the battles that shape New Zealand’s future.
👉 Say g'day at our next event <https://action.act.org.nz/events>
Thanks,
Team ACT
<https://www.act.org.nz/donate>DONATE TODAY <https://www.act.org.nz/donate>[Name], if you like what we're doing, and wish to support us, please consider donating. As a grassroots movement, we rely on the support from Kiwis like you.
This email was sent to [Email] <https://action.act.org.nz/unsubscribe>
You can update your email preferences here <https://action.act.org.nz/unsubscribe>
Authorised by C Purves, Suite 2.5, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland 1023