Story perspectives

Luxon Proposes Foreign-Aid Cuts to Fund $604M Pharmac Boost

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 3:23 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

National Party leader Christopher Luxon proposes cutting foreign aid to fund a $604 million Pharmac budget increase.
The Pharmac uplift will cost $151 million annually, financed by a $107.8 million yearly foreign-aid cut.
National says Pacific aid, about 66% of the IDC budget, will remain fully protected.
The party plans a 2% Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) baseline cut saving $45.6 million.

1 of 1

Story summary

National Party leader Christopher Luxon proposes cutting foreign aid to fund a $604 million Pharmac budget increase.
The Pharmac uplift will cost $151 million annually, financed by a $107.8 million yearly foreign-aid cut.
National says Pacific aid, about 66% of the IDC budget, will remain fully protected.
The party plans a 2% Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) baseline cut saving $45.6 million.