US/Israel/Iran and backwards charging double-up ACC claimants w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 9th March, 2026

Last weekend saw the United States and Israel airstriking Iran, with Iran retaliating with strikes on Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The New Zealand government put out a press release soon after, condemning Iran for the strikes and for protest crackdown earlier this year. 

While the press release and later communications from the government have called for all parties to follow international law, the government has offered little in criticism of the United States and Israel’s bombings. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, when asked if the strikes were legal, said it would be up to each country to provide a justification. 

This past week also saw a new policy from the government that would look to reclaim ACC payments from those already receiving welfare payments. ACC claimants usually receive funding to support their inability to work, however those on the benefit will already be receiving such funds regardless. While there is cross-party support for a change that would remove this “double dipping”, the policy would also charge back some of those who have already benefited from this loophole. 

The move has been criticised by opposition MPs, who say creating debt for already marginalised or vulnerable groups is unfair and morally questionable.

For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about the New Zealand government’s stance on conflict in the Middle East and issues with this new ACC policy change, beginning on the Middle East.