Nicole McKee’s rise to Deputy Leader of the ACT Party marks a major moment for one of the Government’s most outspoken voices on firearms, justice reform and individual rights.
McKee, who entered politics after becoming a prominent advocate for licensed firearms owners following the March 15 terror attacks, was confirmed as ACT’s Deputy Leader on 28 June, replacing Brooke van Velden. She brings to the role a political profile built around public safety, law reform, personal responsibility and limiting what ACT sees as unnecessary state overreach.
As Minister for Courts and Associate Minister of Justice, McKee has led significant work across the rewrite of the Arms Act, anti-money laundering reform, the Proceeds of Crime Fund and the reinstatement of Three Strikes. The Government has also committed $44.9 million in Budget 2026 to implement the new Arms Act and establish Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand as a new independent firearms regulator.
McKee says her political motivation comes from a belief that law-abiding New Zealanders should not be punished for the actions of criminals. Her journey from shooting sports advocate to Cabinet Minister has shaped a political philosophy centred on fairness, accountability and the protection of individual freedoms.
On firearms reform, McKee argues the goal is to improve safety while restoring confidence for responsible licensed firearms owners. The Arms Act rewrite is expected to place greater emphasis on education, licensing, enforcement and clearer regulation, rather than what ACT has described as blanket restrictions that capture the wrong people.
Her justice priorities follow a similar theme. Reinstating Three Strikes, strengthening anti-money laundering rules and reshaping the Proceeds of Crime Fund are all presented by McKee as part of a wider push to make the justice system more focused on victims, deterrence and consequences for serious offending.
For ACT, these policies sit inside a broader belief that government should be firm where people are harmed, but restrained where citizens are acting responsibly.
McKee has also spoken openly about her Māori heritage, including her Ngāpuhi whakapapa, while rejecting the idea that Māori political identity must fit within one party or worldview. Her message to Māori voters and ACT supporters is that identity and individual rights can sit together, and that Māori should be free to choose their own political path without being told who speaks for them.
As ACT prepares for a highly contested election, McKee’s elevation gives the party a deputy leader with a clear policy record and a sharp ideological edge.
Her challenge now will be to broaden that message beyond ACT’s traditional base while defending policies that remain deeply contested across the political landscape.
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