Key Takeaways:
- Labour leader Chris Hipkins is promising a different Labour party in 2026, with a focus on new solutions to new challenges.
- The party has released its tax policy, which includes a capital gains tax on investment and commercial property, with revenue ringfenced for healthcare initiatives.
- Hipkins is keen to distance the current Labour party from the one that lost the 2023 election, with a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility and delivering on promises.
- Labour is looking to win back support in Auckland, where it lost several seats in the last election, with a focus on listening to the city’s concerns and building momentum.
- Hipkins is confident that Labour can win the 2026 election, with a focus on offering a different vision for the country and a more aggressive turnout strategy.
Introduction to Labour’s New Direction
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is promising voters that they will see a different Labour party in 2026, one that is focused on new solutions to new challenges. In an end-of-year interview with RNZ, Hipkins emphasized that the country has moved on from the challenges of the past, and that Labour must also evolve to meet the changing needs of New Zealanders. This new direction is reflected in Labour’s recently released tax policy, which includes a capital gains tax on investment and commercial property. The revenue from this tax will be ringfenced and used to fund healthcare initiatives, such as three free doctor’s visits per year for everyone.
Labour’s Tax Policy
The tax policy is a key part of Labour’s effort to demonstrate its commitment to fiscal responsibility and delivering on its promises. Hipkins noted that the party had considered using the tax revenue to pay down debt or fund other initiatives, but ultimately decided that the escalating cost of healthcare was the most pressing issue. The capital gains tax is targeted at investment and commercial property, with the goal of encouraging more investment in the productive economy. Hipkins believes that this approach will help to address the country’s "national obsession" with buying up rental houses, which is not contributing to economic growth. By targeting this tax at investment and commercial property, Labour hopes to create a more balanced economy that benefits all New Zealanders.
A Different Labour Party
Hipkins is keen to distance the current Labour party from the one that lost the 2023 election. He acknowledges that the party has been through a period of renewal, and that it is now offering New Zealanders a different vision for the country. This vision is focused on delivering on promises and being fiscally responsible, rather than making unrealistic promises that cannot be kept. Hipkins believes that the public is starting to see this new Labour party, and that it is gaining momentum as a result. The party’s renewed focus on fiscal responsibility is reflected in its commitment to only making promises that it can keep, and to being transparent about how it will pay for its initiatives.
The Challenge of Te Pāti Māori
One of the challenges facing Labour is the ongoing scandals and internal turmoil within Te Pāti Māori. Hipkins has declared that Te Pāti Māori is a "shambles" and not ready for government, and has stated that Labour’s goal is to win all seven Māori electorates to ensure that Te Pāti Māori is not part of the conversation post-election. This is a significant challenge for Labour, as it will require the party to win back support from Māori voters who may have been disillusioned with Labour’s performance in the past. However, Hipkins is confident that Labour can achieve this goal, and that it will be an important step towards building a more inclusive and representative government.
A New Labour Lineup
Since the election, several high-profile Labour MPs have left the party, including Kelvin Davis, Grant Robertson, Andrew Little, and David Parker. However, Hipkins sees this as an opportunity for renewal, with new talent and energy coming into the party. The likes of Barbara Edmonds, Kieran McAnulty, and Willow-Jean Prime have been promoted to the front bench, and Hipkins believes that this new lineup will help to drive Labour’s campaign forward. The party’s renewed focus on diversity and inclusion is reflected in its efforts to attract new candidates and build a more representative team.
A Cost-of-Living Election
The 2026 election is likely to be a cost-of-living election, with many New Zealanders struggling to make ends meet. Hipkins believes that Labour’s focus on delivering a economic recovery that benefits all New Zealanders will resonate with voters. He argues that the current government is only focused on benefiting those at the top, and that Labour will offer a different vision for the country. This vision is focused on creating a more balanced economy that benefits all New Zealanders, rather than just a privileged few. By targeting the capital gains tax at investment and commercial property, Labour hopes to create a more level playing field and encourage more investment in the productive economy.
An Auckland-Focused Campaign
Labour is looking to win back support in Auckland, where it lost several seats in the last election. Hipkins has spent a lot of time in the city, listening to the concerns of Aucklanders and building momentum for the party. He believes that Labour’s message is starting to resonate with voters, and that the party is well-placed to make gains in the city. The party’s renewed focus on Auckland is reflected in its efforts to build a more aggressive turnout strategy, which will focus on getting out the vote and building support for Labour’s candidates.
A Different Campaign Style
Hipkins has reflected on his own style of campaigning, and believes that he will do things differently in 2026. In contrast to the give-everything-a-go approach of National leader Christopher Luxon, Hipkins sometimes struggled on the road, relying on a "good to see you" and a handshake before moving on. However, Hipkins believes that he has learned from his mistakes, and that he will be more effective in the next campaign. The party’s renewed focus on building momentum and getting out the vote will be critical to its success in the next election.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Labour leader Chris Hipkins is promising a different Labour party in 2026, one that is focused on new solutions to new challenges. The party’s tax policy, which includes a capital gains tax on investment and commercial property, is a key part of this effort. Hipkins is keen to distance the current Labour party from the one that lost the 2023 election, and is confident that the party can win back support in Auckland and elsewhere. With a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and building momentum, Labour is well-placed to make gains in the next election. By offering a different vision for the country, one that benefits all New Zealanders rather than just a privileged few, Labour hopes to win back the trust of voters and return to government in 2026.