Government’s Q3 Action Plan Cracks Down on Crime and Restores Law and Order

The Q3 Action Plan’s centerpiece is the passage of four key law and order bills aimed at cracking down on gang activity and criminal behavior while supporting the rehabilitation of offenders.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the successful implementation of 39 out of 40 actions in the Government’s Quarter Three (Q3) Action Plan, highlighting the significant progress made in restoring law and order across New Zealand.

"I'm proud to say we have delivered on 39 of the 40 actions in our Q3 Action Plan, which had a particularly strong focus on restoring law and order," Luxon said. "Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe in their homes, businesses, and communities, but for too many, that feeling has turned to fear."

The Q3 Action Plan’s centerpiece is the passage of four key law and order bills aimed at cracking down on gang activity and criminal behaviour while supporting the rehabilitation of offenders. Key Law and Order Legislation Passed in Q3:

Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill: Gives Police enhanced powers to combat gang activity by restricting gang associations and banning gang patches in public spaces.

Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill: Increases Police authority to remove guns from criminals.

Corrections Amendment Bill: Expands access to rehabilitation programs for prisoners on remand, improving reintegration outcomes.

Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill: Enhances court efficiency and increases access to justice by allowing greater use of remote participation.

Luxon also noted major sentencing reforms introduced in Q3, ensuring tougher penalties for criminals and making sentencing reflect the harm caused to victims.

Additional Achievements in Q3

In addition to restoring law and order, the Q3 Action Plan saw progress on key economic and public service reforms. Some of the notable actions include:

Local Water Done Well Bill: Replaces the controversial Three Waters reform with a more localized water management approach.

New Speed Limit Rule: Reverses blanket speed limit reductions across the country, adjusting speeds based on local needs.

Legislation for Overseas Building Products: Removes barriers to the use of international building materials, helping to alleviate construction costs and delays.

Regional Infrastructure Fund: Opened applications for the $1.2 billion fund aimed at addressing infrastructure deficits in the regions.

Health Targets Plan: Launched a strategy to meet five key health targets, including faster cancer treatment and improved childhood immunization.

New Curriculum Draft for Schools: Released a draft English and Maths curriculum for primary schools, now open for public consultation.

Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) System: Introduced to tackle truancy and increase school attendance across the country.

Pending Health Workforce Plan

The one action yet to be fully completed is the updated national health workforce plan. While the mental health workforce plan has been published, the Government appointed a Commissioner to oversee Health NZ in July, delaying the broader workforce plan until Q4.

Luxon emphasized that the Government remains committed to delivering on its core promises: "Our Government is getting New Zealand back on track, with clear plans to deliver on the core priorities that Kiwis elected us on – rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and delivering better public services."