Election 2026: Act’s public service ‘reset’ includes removing ‘good employer’ requirements, enshrining ‘need, not race’

Act is proposing a significant overhaul of New Zealand's public service, aiming to remove 'good employer' requirements as part of its 2026 election platform. The party argues that the focus should be squarely on delivering services to the public, rather than engaging in what it terms 'social engineering'.

Act leader David Seymour stated that the current framework for public service employment is too focused on social outcomes and diversity targets, which he believes detract from the core mission of effective service delivery. The proposed changes would shift the emphasis back to merit and the needs of the public, ensuring that appointments and promotions are based on capability and the ability to get the job done.

This policy represents a clear departure from the current approach, which emphasizes a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the makeup of New Zealand society. Act contends that these diversity initiatives have become a bureaucratic burden, hindering the efficiency and responsiveness of government departments. The party's vision is for a public service that is lean, agile, and solely dedicated to meeting the needs of citizens.

The proposal is likely to spark debate about the role of the public service in modern society. While Act emphasizes a return to core service delivery, critics may argue that removing 'good employer' provisions could undermine efforts to build a diverse and equitable public sector workforce. The party's stance suggests a fundamental disagreement on how best to achieve both effective governance and social progress through public administration.

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The focus should be on delivery for the public, not 'social engineering'.