What does National Party do?

The New Zealand National Party, commonly known as National or the Nats, is a centre-right political party established in 1936. It was formed through the merger of the conservative Reform Party and the United Party, aiming to counter the Labour Party's influence. As New Zealand's second-oldest political party, National has governed multiple times, with significant periods in power from 1949 to 1999 and more recently under leaders like John Key and Christopher Luxon. National advocates for free-market economic policies, lower taxes, and equal opportunity, appealing primarily to suburban and rural voters, businesses, and the middle class. The party has a history of forming coalitions, particularly under the mixed-member proportional (MMP) system since 1996. Key achievements include ending Labour's 14-year rule in 1949 and notable leadership milestones, such as Jenny Shipley's premiership as the first female prime minister.