David Seymour defends Pacific communities, calls for smaller and efficient government

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has rejected claims that Pacific communities rely heavily on welfare.

He says most Pasifika are working, paying taxes, and would benefit from a smaller, more efficient government.

Labour’s Tangi Utikere says any reform must prioritise frontline services and easing the cost-of-living services and easing the cost-of-living for families.

In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Seymour was asked whether the ACT Party’s plan to reduce the size of government could harm communities more dependent on state support.

According to data from the Ministry of Social Development, almost 50,000 Pacific people receive benefit, the third highest number after Māori and European.

“I reject the idea that Pacific people are reliant,” Seymour says. “I suspect what you'll find is that overwhelmingly Pacific people in New Zealand this morning are getting up, going to work, earning money and paying taxes, just like most people are.”

Watch David Seymour's full interview below.

Seymour argued that a smaller government, New Zealand currently has 43 departments, 30 ministers, and 81 ministerial portfolios, more than comparable countries like Ireland, Norway, and Singapore, would create opportunities for all citizens to earn more and spend more freely.

He cited Argentina as an example, praising President Javier Milei’s reforms since 2023, which halved government departments, cut spending by 30 per cent and are forecast to boost economic growth to 4.5 per cent this year.

“So I would argue that in terms of helping people who are poor have the opportunity to make the most of their lives, actually he's [Milei] going in the right direction.”

As New Zealanders prepare to cast their votes on 7 November, Seymour says a 100 per cent ACT Party government will deliver rapid reform and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

Under the election timeline, Parliament will rise on 24 September and dissolve on 1 October with advance voting beginning on 26 October ahead of polling day. Photo/Supplied

Labour MP Tangi Utikere says Pacific communities and other New Zealanders need reforms that support access to essential services.

Utikere points to Labour’s promise of three free doctor’s visits a year as an example of practical support.

“The economy has shrunk, jobs have been lost and the prices of things are going up,” he says on Pacific Mornings. “The government is out of touch when they say the economy is doing well. So we’re working hard to ensure that this government becomes a one-term government come elections.”

The debate reflects wider tension between economic reform and social support in New Zealand politics, with parties offering contrasting visions for how to best support communities in a changing economy.

Watch Tangi Utikere's full interview below.