Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on 27 May 2026 about the wars in Ukraine and Iran and the shared pressure global instability places on household costs ahead of New Zealand's Budget 2026.
A statement published by the UK Prime Minister's office explicitly linked the discussion to the Budget, stating:
"Ahead of New Zealand's Budget tomorrow, the leaders discussed the financial impact that widespread global instability was having on households in both the UK and New Zealand, and the importance of finding a way forward and ultimately, a resolution, to keep the cost of living down."
The call occurred as New Zealand prepares to deliver its Budget on 28 May 2026 under the theme 'Securing New Zealand's Future'. Finance Minister Nicola Willis will present the Budget.
In the same call, Starmer thanked Luxon for New Zealand's support for the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine and for plans for a future multinational mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Downing Street readout.
Defence Spending and Geopolitical Commitments
Geopolitical tensions are driving a $1.6 billion defence allocation within the fiscal package. This includes funding for drones, ship maintenance and fleet renewal.
New Zealand participates in Operation Interflex, the UK-led programme that trains Ukrainian forces. Luxon has also joined multilateral discussions — involving around 50 countries — on a potential mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The strait carries about 20 percent of global oil flows. Risks there add pressure to transport and energy costs already visible in domestic inflation data.
Fiscal Settings: Tighter Operating, Bigger Capital
Budget 2026 tightens operating settings while expanding capital investment. The operating allowance falls to $2.1 billion from the previously signalled $2.4 billion. The capital allowance rises to $5.7 billion. These changes support fiscal repair.
The government plans to reduce the core public service workforce by around 8,700 positions — from about 63,600 roles to 55,000 by mid-2029. It is expected to deliver $2.4 billion in savings. The measures target discretionary spending while protecting core services in health, education and law and order.
Cost-of-Living Pressures
Stats NZ data show ongoing but moderating cost-of-living pressures. The Household Living Costs Price Index rose 2.1 percent in the year to March 2026. CPI inflation held at 3.1 percent over the same period. Housing and utilities drove much of the increase — that group rose 3.4 percent, with electricity up 12.5 percent and rates up 8.8 percent.
Debt Trajectory and Fiscal Outlook
Treasury forecasts in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2025 project net core Crown debt rising from 41.8 percent of GDP in 2024/25 to 46.9 percent in 2027/28.
