Labour Party’s Annual Conference: A Year of Listening to Members

The Labour Party’s annual conference, held in Christchurch last weekend, was a significant event for the party’s members and leadership. The conference brought together thousands of delegates from across New Zealand to discuss key issues affecting the country and the party’s policies. This article provides an overview of the key discussions, decisions, and outcomes from the conference.

**Taxation: A Key Issue**

Taxation was the most pressing issue debated by Labour Party members at the conference. The majority of members acknowledged that tax was necessary to fund public services and support vulnerable communities. However, there was also a strong emphasis on reducing taxes for high-income earners and businesses. “Any tax policy changes that you make have to be compatible with your broader approach to growing the economy, creating good, well-paying jobs and funding the public services that New Zealanders want,” said Chris Hipkins, Labour Party leader.

The conference saw a significant increase in calls for a wealth tax or a capital gains tax. The Taxpayers Union held a small demonstration outside the conference, with signs pointing inside, saying ‘Higher taxes this way.’ Following a vote on Saturday, both a wealth tax and a capital gains tax were now on the table for the party’s policy team to progress.

**Effective Opposition: A Call to Action**

Labour Party members also discussed the importance of being an effective opposition. Hipkins called for the party to be more proactive in holding the government to account and questioning its policies. “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.”

**Party Leadership and Internal Focus**

Despite warnings from Hipkins on Friday that winning internal debates was not what mattered most, some members expressed concerns about the party’s leadership and internal focus. “I don’t think it’s healthy for a party to spend too much time debating itself,” said one delegate. However, Hipkins rejected this notion, arguing that the party needed to ensure its internal debates did not distract from its broader goals.

**Conclusion**

The Labour Party’s annual conference was an opportunity for members to engage with key issues affecting New Zealand and the party’s policies. The discussion on taxation highlighted the need for a fair and progressive tax system, while also emphasizing the importance of economic growth and job creation. As the party looks towards the 2026 election, it is clear that effective opposition and internal focus will be crucial in securing its electoral success.

In his speech, Hipkins emphasized the need for the party to listen to its members and ensure they have confidence in their leadership. “We’ve got to make sure that the people who we need to vote for us have confidence,” he said. The Labour Party’s annual conference provides a glimpse into the party’s priorities and direction, and it will be interesting to see how these discussions shape its policies in the lead-up to the next election.

Members of the Taxpayers Union protest outside the Labour Party conference.

Party members at the Labour Party conference in Christchurch.

The conference saw a significant increase in calls for a wealth tax or a capital gains tax.