Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced that the Government’s latest action plan would”focus on making Kiwis safer and restoring law and order.”

“Before the end of the Q3 Action Plan, the Government will have passed laws that will give police tough powers to go after gangs by restricting their ability to associate and banning gang patches in public, give police more power to get guns out of the hands of criminals, increase access to effective rehabilitation for prisoners on remand, and improve efficiency in the courts and increase access to justice,” Luxon said.

Luxon added that in addition to these laws, the Government would introduce legislation to toughen up sentencing to ensure real consequences for crime, while also launching a military-style academy pilot for serious and young offenders.

“We are also taking steps to keep Kiwis safer on our roads and will introduce legislation to enable roadside testing for drug driving,” Luxon said.

Luxon said having a clear plan with specific actions and timeframes for delivery creates momentum and drives focus across the government.

“Improving education outcomes remains a key part of the plan. The Q3 plan sees the opening of applications for new or converted charter schools, releasing a draft of new English and Maths curriculum, and continuing initiatives to improve school attendance,” he said.

Luxon highlighted actions to deliver high-quality infrastructure that will drive economic growth, boost productivity, and enhance the way of life for New Zealanders.

“This includes passing legislation on our Local Water Done Well policy to deliver financially sustainable water services, opening the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, and making Cabinet decisions on sensible changes to the fast-track consenting programme.”

Luxon noted that New Zealand has become a country in which it is too hard to get things done, emphasising the importance of making it easier to deliver long-term projects.

“My Government is committed to delivering for New Zealanders, which has been demonstrated by the success of the 100-Day Plan and Q2 Action Plan. Kiwis expect us to continue the momentum, and I am determined to do so,” Luxon said.