Labour leader Chris Hipkins has explained why his party is holding its tongue on any more major policy announcements before the Budget later this month.
With six months until the 2026 election, Labour has been slow to make election announcements. Last year, they announced their plans to introduce free doctors’ visits, a capital gains tax, the New Zealand Future Fund, free cervical screening, and a family Doctor Loan Scheme.
Speaking to Q&A, Hipkins was asked about policy and why his party wasn’t making more announcements.
Hipkins said he was waiting for the budget to be released on May 28 and would not “fall into that trap”, which he said the Government had done.
"Christopher Luxon and the National Party are breaking so many of the promises that they made to New Zealanders," Hipkins said.
"Remember the tax cuts that weren’t going to result in extra borrowing, and they’re borrowing more money now because they weren’t affordable. They said they were going to keep fees free, they cancelled that."
He maintained there would be “more to come” regarding policy announcements.
Hipkins was pressed further, asked whether he had any policies to help with the rising cost of energy. Yesterday, Stats NZ revealed energy prices increased 2.4% in April. In the 12 months to April, energy prices increased 13.1%.
He said a government led by him would focus on renewable energy, but again would not divulge any solid plans.
“Renewable energy is a lot cheaper than fossil fuels, and we’ve got an abundance of it in New Zealand. Harnessing renewable energy will help to make electricity more affordable, and it will be a source of competitive advantage for New Zealand."
The Labour leader was then asked how he would make the country a more attractive place to work and live – he said this could be achieved through better job opportunities, a focus on healthcare, and more homes.
"I want New Zealand to be a place where talent wants to live."
He said the New Zealand Future Fund, which aims to invest dividends from state-owned assets into the local economy, would be crucial for this.
"Far too many of our innovative businesses are getting to a certain point and then leaving the country, taking the talent that created them.
"I want to see them staying here in New Zealand."
Asked for more details on the numbers behind the fund, Hipkins again said he was waiting for the budget. He said it would be "seeded" with assets the country already had.
"We’ll put some more numbers on that once we’ve seen the Government’s Budget."
Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand On Air
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