Labour Party Conference: Key Takeaways

The Labour Party’s annual conference in Christchurch saw key issues, including tax reform and the party’s approach to growing the economy, take center stage. With a focus on building unity and confidence among members, Chris Hipkins, the party leader, emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns.

Tax Reform

Tax was the clear winner at the conference, with many Labour members 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’. Hipkins acknowledged the pressure and stated that any tax policy changes had to be compatible with the party’s broader approach to growing the economy.

“We’ve always got to keep our eye on the external audience as well,” he said. “The Labour Party is a public institution. It’s not just a private gathering. It’s a public institution. And actually, we’ve got to make sure that the people who we need to vote for us have confidence.”

Following a vote, 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 wanting to get the details right.

Labour’s Approach

Hipkins also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the party did not become too internally focussed. He warned members that winning internal debates was not what mattered most, but rather finding a way to engage with the broader public.

“We’ve always got to keep our eye on the external audience as well,” he said. “The Labour Party is a public institution. It’s not just a private gathering. It’s a public institution. And actually, we’ve got to make sure that the people who we need to vote for us have confidence.”

A Key Year of Listening

Hipkins also called for a year of listening and engagement with members, acknowledging that winning internal debates was not what mattered most.

“Winning isn’t everything,” he said. “We’re going to spend some time listening, we’re going to spend some time engaging with our members, and then we’ll make decisions on how we can best serve New Zealand.”

Conclusion

The Labour Party conference marked a key moment in the party’s approach to growing the economy and addressing public concerns. With tax reform at the forefront of discussions, Hipkins emphasized the importance of ensuring that the party remained focused on building unity and confidence among members. As the party heads into the 2026 election campaign, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape its policy platform.

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