Middle East, Air New Zealand shares, and move-on orders for rough sleepers w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 2nd March, 2026

Last week, ACT leader David Seymour called on the government to sell its shares in Air New Zealand. The statements followed the half-year $40 million loss at the end of 2025, which followed a profit the year before of $106 million.

Seymour criticised Air New Zealand for going “woke”, which included “electric planes, glossy reports on climate change, [and] paper cups in the Koru Lounge.”

This past week also saw the government propose expanding police powers to enforce move-on orders for rough sleepers across the country. The government says this order will help reduce “disorderly behaviour” and “ensure the public can feel and are safe”. However, the order would not just target those who are disorderly or disruptive, but also any form of begging, rough sleeping, or intention to inhabit a public space.

The proposal has been criticised for multiple reasons, including as an inadequate solution failing to address the cause of the problem, and as unnecessarily cruel measures against those who are already struggling. 

This weekend also saw conflict escalating between multiple powers in the Middle East, most notably between Israel and Iran. In our weekly catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with a quick question on the government’s stance on issues in the Middle East.