NZ First Proposes Child Support Grant to Boost Population

New Zealand's birthrate has been declining drastically over the past decade, from 52,506 children in 2006 to just 36,351 in 2025. This represents a 30% drop in ten years and is below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per person.

NZ First leader Winston Peters announced their 'Kiwi Kids Grant' policy, which aims to support citizens during the first three years of raising their children. The grant will be $5,000 annually for each child, tax-free and in addition to existing support mechanisms.

Peters stated that this is a vital measure to encourage Kiwis to have more children and address the increasing costs of having kids. He warned that if not addressed, New Zealand will become dependent on immigration to sustain its economy.