NZE Election Outlook: Labour Seeks to Capitalise on Successes in 2023 Election

The New Zealand Labour Party is gearing up for the 2026 election, with a renewed focus on building support for its policies and vision for the country’s future. After a successful term in office, which saw the party achieve significant milestones such as the passage of the Treaty Principles Bill, Labour is looking to capitalize on its strengths and address areas where it fell short.

Labour Seeks to Build on Successes

The 2023 election saw Labour win a landslide victory, with the party securing 64% of the vote. The party’s success was largely due to its ability to connect with voters on key issues such as healthcare, education, and economic growth. However, Labour leader Jacinda Ardern announced her retirement after the election, and a new leader, Chris Hipkins, has taken over.

Under Hipkins’ leadership, Labour is focused on building on its successes from 2023. The party is looking to capitalize on its strengths in areas such as healthcare and education, while also addressing areas where it fell short. One area of focus is the economy, where Labour has promised to take a more progressive approach to taxation.

“We have to reflect on that [trying to do too much]. We have to show the constituents and the voters of New Zealand that, on questions like CGT, we’ve got to take people with us,” said Hauraki-Waikato MP and former Labour leader, Helen Clark.

Labour’s Economic Vision

One of Labour’s key policies is a more progressive approach to taxation, including a capital gains tax. The party has promised to use the revenue generated from this tax to fund key public services such as healthcare and education.

“We’ve got to take people with us on questions like CGT,” said Helen Clark. “We can’t just ignore the concerns of our voters.”

Labour is also looking to address the issue of climate change, which is a major concern for many New Zealanders. The party has promised to invest in renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Newcomer Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke

The Labour Party’s focus on building support for its policies and vision for the country’s future was highlighted by the emergence of new MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke. Maipi-Clarke, who won the Hauraki-Waikota seat in 2023, has been making headlines with her outspoken views on the Treaty Principles Bill.

Maipi-Clarke recently performed a haka during the first reading of the bill in Parliament, which sparked controversy and debate. However, Labour leader Chris Hipkins praised Maipi-Clarke’s passion and commitment to the issue.

“There’s one thing doing the haka, there’s another thing delivering to her electorate,” said Hipkins. “The threshold of expectation is to deliver.”

Maipi-Clarke has been growing in a community of being positively and confidently Māori, Waikato, Ngāpuhi, and everything that she can whakapapa too. That’s important, and that’s the generation that my kids are growing up in,” said Helen Clark.

Labour Seeks to Build on Successes

In conclusion, Labour is seeking to capitalize on its successes from 2023, while also addressing areas where it fell short. The party is focused on building support for its policies and vision for the country’s future, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and economic growth.

With a new leader at the helm, Chris Hipkins, Labour is looking to build on its strengths and deliver on its promises to New Zealanders. As Helen Clark said, “The threshold of expectation is to deliver.”