Towards transformation

The Government’s first six months

September 23

National wins 58 seats on election night, Labour 45, NZ First 9, Greens 7

October 19

Jacinda Ardern becomes Prime Minister-elect after NZ First leader Winston Peters announces party coalition support

October 26

Labour Govt sworn in with Peters as Deputy Prime Minister. The Green Party supports the Govt, giving it a 63-57 seat majority

November 23

Tax Working Group set up

November 30

Paid Parental Leave extended to 26 weeks

December 1

Healthy Homes Guarantee Act passed, setting minimum standards for warm, dry rentals

December 15

Families Package law passed and National’s tax cuts repealed

December 18

Zero Carbon Act announced

January 19

Ardern announces pregnancy and Peters to act as PM in her absence

January 23

Inquiry announced into mental health and addiction

January 31

Pike River Recovery Agency set up

February 1

Child Poverty Reduction Bill introduced to require the Govt to report on progress in reducing child poverty

Royal Commission announced into historic abuse of children in state care

February 5

Ardern speaks at Waitangi, promising to involve Maoridom in a programme of change

March 8

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreed by NZ and 10 other countries

April 1

Minimum wage raised by 75c to $16.50 per hour

April 3

Draft Government Policy Statement on Transport released

April 11

Inquiry set up into Operation Burnham, on Defence Force activities in Afghanistan

April 12

New offshore oil and gas exploration banned

April 17

Interim Climate Commission set up