Labour Party Annual Conference: Key Issues on the Agenda

The Labour Party’s annual conference in Christchurch has concluded, with key issues including tax reform, job creation, and public services dominating the agenda.

Taxation was a major point of discussion among party members, with many calling for higher taxes to fund public services. The Taxpayers Union held a small demonstration outside the conference, with signs pointing inside, saying ‘Higher taxes this way.’

“We’ve got to make sure that the people who we need to vote for us have confidence,” said Chris Hipkins, Labour Party leader. “The Labour Party is a public institution. It’s not just a private gathering. It’s a public institution.”

Any tax policy changes that are made have to be compatible with the party’s broader approach to growing the economy, creating good, well-paying jobs and funding the public services that New Zealanders want.

Following a vote on Saturday, both a wealth tax and a capital gains tax were now on the table for the policy team to progress. However, no announcements would be made this weekend, with Hipkins saying he wanted to get the details right.

“We’ve always got to keep our eye on the external audience as well,” said Hipkins. “We can’t just focus on internal debates. We have to make sure that we’re offering a coherent and consistent message to the public.”

Job creation was also a major theme, with many party members calling for action to be taken to support workers and create good-paying jobs.

“We need to take a big-picture approach to our economic policy,” said Hipkins. “We can’t just focus on one issue in isolation. We have to think about how we’re going to tackle the broader challenges facing our economy.”

The conference also saw significant discussion around public services, with many party members calling for increased investment in areas such as healthcare and education.

“We need to make sure that our public services are working for everyone, not just a privileged few,” said Hipkins. “We have to take a fair and compassionate approach to these issues.”

In conclusion, the Labour Party’s annual conference has marked an important step forward for the party as it prepares for the 2026 election. With key issues such as tax reform, job creation, and public services dominating the agenda, the party is well-positioned to offer a coherent and consistent message to voters.

“We’re not just talking about internal debates,” said Hipkins. “We’re talking about how we can make a difference in people’s lives. We’re talking about how we can build a better future for New Zealand.”

The conference has also highlighted the importance of engagement with external audiences, including the media and civil society organizations.

“We need to be responsive to the needs and concerns of our citizens,” said Hipkins. “We need to be open to new ideas and perspectives. We need to be willing to listen and adapt.”