New Zealand's Prime Minister hints at future asset sales for infrastructure funding, sparking backlash over past failures and public service risks.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has signaled that selling government assets may be part of the National Party’s next election platform, framing it as "capital recycling" to reinvest in infrastructure and address underperforming state assets. While ruling out sales during the current term, Luxon cited a Treasury report noting poor maintenance and inefficiency in some public assets, suggesting periodic asset refreshes could improve fiscal sustainability. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Labour and the Public Service Association, who warn of repeating past failures, including costly bailouts and public opposition, as seen in a 2013 referendum. Critics argue the move undermines public services and contradicts promises made in 2023, while Labour promotes the New Zealand Future Fund as an alternative to preserve public ownership and drive domestic growth.