Key Takeaways:
- Labour leader Chris Hipkins has criticized the current government for its handling of the economy and lack of vision for the future
- Hipkins has called for a sense of hope and optimism for New Zealanders, who are currently feeling desperate and disillusioned
- The Labour party has done the "hard work" of listening, taking stock, and renewing itself after its defeat in 2023
- Hipkins has promised to hold the government accountable for its "bad choices" and to offer a "real and compelling alternative" to voters
- The party will focus on key policies such as the New Zealand Future Fund and three free doctor visits, paid for by a capital gains tax
Introduction to Election Year
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has come out swinging at the government in his first speech of election year, saying it is responsible for the situation New Zealand is in. Hipkins addressed his party at its caucus retreat in West Auckland, saying that New Zealanders are looking for a "sense of hope" this year, but are instead getting "more cuts, more negativity, real doom and gloom" from the current government. He emphasized that people want a sense of hope that better is possible and that a better future for New Zealand is possible. Hipkins also took aim at the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation speech, saying that New Zealanders got "another litany of blame and excuses" from Christopher Luxon when what they wanted was a "plan for the future."
Criticism of the Government
Hipkins was scathing in his criticism of the government, saying that there was no leadership from this government and referencing the comments Luxon had made in the past about New Zealanders. He joked that it was "a little bit wet today" acknowledging the wind and rain outside the venue, but emphasized that what he heard from Kiwis over the summer break was not whiny and miserable, but desperate for something to get excited about, for some sense of hope, some sense that the government has an idea about how to make the country better. Hipkins also spoke of the "record number of Kiwis" who left the country last year looking for "opportunity elsewhere" they couldn’t find in New Zealand, saying that this was an "absolute indictment" on Christopher Luxon and his government.
Labour’s Renewal
Hipkins said that the Labour party had done the "hard work" over the last couple of years, listening, taking stock, and renewing itself after its defeat in 2023. He emphasized that the party was now ready to talk about what it wants to do, how it will do things differently, and remind New Zealanders of the "absolute mess" the government has created. Hipkins also spoke of the "structural deficit" that Nicola Willis had "created", pointing to the pre-election fiscal update in 2023, and saying that New Zealand was on a pathway to recovery before the government’s "slash and burn exercise" ended all of that. He emphasized that Labour would not be "shy" in reminding New Zealanders that the situation they found themselves in now was because of the "bad choices" of this government.
Labour’s Vision for the Future
Hipkins pointed to Labour policies such as the New Zealand Future Fund and three free doctor visits, paid for by a capital gains tax, saying that these had been "well received" by people. He emphasized that New Zealanders want to see investment moved out of the speculative housing market and into providing opportunities for New Zealanders. Hipkins also blamed the current government for increased unemployment in New Zealand, and more people on job seeker benefits, saying that despite all of their tough talk about sanctions, they were actually making it harder for New Zealanders to get a job. He emphasized that Labour would do more than just criticize the government, but would offer a "real and compelling alternative" because "better is possible".
Conclusion
Hipkins closed his opening remarks by saying that the party was "fired up and excited for election year" and welcoming incoming Labour MP Georgie Dansey, as former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe announces his retirement from politics. He emphasized that the party was ready to take on the government and offer a vision for a better future for New Zealand. With the election year now underway, it remains to be seen how the Labour party’s message will resonate with voters, but one thing is clear: Hipkins is ready to take on the government and offer a compelling alternative to voters.
