New Zealand First has announced a new family support policy aimed at reversing the country's declining birth rate, while also confirming the return of former Defence Minister Ron Mark to frontline politics ahead of the general election.
According to a report by 1News, under the proposed Kiwi Kids Grant, families would receive a tax-free payment of $5,000 annually for the first three years of each family's first, second and third child. The payments would be made monthly through Inland Revenue (IRD), in addition to existing parental support. Parents welcoming their first child would also have the option of receiving the first year's payment as a lump sum. To qualify, at least one parent must be a New Zealand citizen.
Launching the policy, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said the initiative was designed to encourage more New Zealanders to start or expand their families.
"The fact is, we need more Kiwis having more children," Peters said.
He described the proposal as "an essential investment in our country's future demography, culture, and sustainable economic future." Peters added, "New Zealand needs to get our birth rate increasing before it's too late," 1News has quoted.
The party said New Zealand's birth rate has continued to decline over recent years, with births to New Zealand citizens dropping from 52,000 in 2006 to 36,000 in 2025. The country's fertility rate has also fallen to 1.53 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1.
Warning about the long-term implications, Peters said, "With an ever-decreasing birth rate, we will face a future where we are totally dependent on immigration to maintain our economy and mounting costs of supporting our population and growing our economy," as quoted by 1News.
According to New Zealand First, births to non-citizens have increased over the same period, while the proportion of births to New Zealand citizens has declined. Peters argued that rising living costs have contributed to many families delaying parenthood or having fewer children, and said the proposed grant would help reduce financial pressures.
The party estimates the policy would cost approximately $400 million annually once fully implemented.
Alongside the family policy announcement, Peters confirmed that former Defence Minister Ron Mark will stand as the New Zealand First candidate for the Wairarapa electorate in the upcoming election, as reported by 1News.
Mark, a former New Zealand Army soldier, served as Minister of Defence between 2017 and 2020 and has also held the role of Carterton mayor. He previously served as New Zealand First's deputy leader.
Announcing his candidacy, Peters said, "Ron brings proven leadership and a deep commitment to serving the people of New Zealand," 1News has quoted.
He added, "When Ron was the Minister of Defence, he had a huge impact on the Defence Force, was well respected within the ranks, and delivered massive changes and upgrades to our forces," as quoted by 1News.
Peters expressed confidence in Mark's chances, saying, "Ron has a real chance here in the Wairarapa to help turn things around."
Speaking to 1News, Mark said his decision to return to politics had been difficult but was driven by concerns over national security.
"As a military man and person who thoroughly enjoyed and was successful in my job as Minister of Defence, I can’t ignore what’s going on globally. I am deeply concerned about the state of our defence forces and our security," Mark said, 1News has quoted.
When asked which portfolios he would seek if elected, Mark replied, "Veterans and defence."
Mark also criticised the current condition of the New Zealand Defence Force, saying he was "thoroughly disappointed with the performance of senior leadership," as quoted by 1News.
Concluding his remarks, he said, "We’re in a parlous state, the like of which I can’t recall ever in the history of the New Zealand Defence Force," as quoted by 1News.