Demographic change, rising cost pressures and a narrow tax base are constraining New Zealand’s economic confidence, public services and inter-generational goodwill. These challenges are well understood – and it is well past time to address them.

Ahead of the 2026 General Election, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand has identified six policy priorities designed to strengthen New Zealand's long-term fiscal sustainability and boost productivity.

These priorities have been informed by feedback from our members, including insights gathered through a Member Insights Panel survey. The survey highlighted members' concerns about New Zealand's long-term fiscal sustainability, productivity and economic resilience, helping to shape the focus areas included in our ‘6 for 26’.

Our six policy priorities cover:

1. A sustainable tax base fit for the future
2. The importance of a free and frank conversation on retirement settings
3. Strengthening independent fiscal oversight of policy in New Zealand
4. Preserving a high-quality accounting talent pipeline
5. Adopting digital reporting to boost New Zealand’s competitiveness
6. Charting the path on sustainability reporting

6 for 26 aims to lift the quality of policy debate, not just for today, but for the generations that follow.

You can read our full 6 for 26 policy document below.