Labour leader Chris Hipkins has revealed a reshuffle of his caucus.
In his State of the Nation speech to the Auckland Business Chamber today, Hipkins outlined the party’s focus on jobs, health and homes as it worked towards the next election and beyond.
In a bid to achieve this, Hipkins unveiled his new line-up with a focus on the economy.
In his State of the Nation speech to the Auckland Business Chamber, Hipkins outlined the party’s focus on jobs, health and homes. (Source: 1News)
Barbara Edmonds will become the spokesperson for savings and investment, a new portfolio alongside her expanded finance and economy one.
As revealed by 1News yesterday, Ginny Andersen will add jobs and incomes to her list of portfolios.
Peeni Henare will take the economic development portfolio, Reuben Davidson will pick up science, technology and creative economy and Cushla Tangaere-Manuel will take Māori economy.
“This team, along with our energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and industry spokespeople will focus on the challenges that are holding New Zealand back. It’s not just about inviting in foreign money, it’s far more complex than that and involves our businesses, our exporters, our tech and science innovators, our creative sector, our iwi partners and our regions,” Hipkins said.
“An economy that delivers for all New Zealanders needs public investment. We’ve run down our infrastructure and sold off many of the public assets built up and passed down to us by previous generations.”
Several other Labour MPs will also be taking on new portfolios, including Kieran McAnulty, who will add infrastructure and public investment.
Tangi Utikere moves up the list and picks up local government.
Shanan Halbert loses the Auckland portfolio, which will now be held by deputy leader Carmel Sepiloni.
“The relationships Carmel has in Auckland will be vital to the success of the next Government and how it delivers for our biggest city,” Hipkins said.
Willow-Jean Prime will take education from Jan Tinetti, Willie Jackson will move to social development and Tinetti will take social investment and workplace relations and safety.
Megan Woods picks up the new portfolio of manufacturing and industry
“This experienced, united and formidable team is ready for Government. We will be working relentlessly over the next 18 months as we finalise policy and prepare to take back power in 2026,” Hipkins said.
Labour to start making policy announcements this year
In his speech, Hipkins said Kiwis can expect new policy announcements this year, “not in the weeks before election day”.
“Our policy packages will work with the three priorities I’ve announced today: jobs, health and homes. We want to work with you as we finalise that policy, not just tell you how it’s going to be,” he said.
“We do this because I know we all have the shared goal of building a better New Zealand, together.”
He promised a future Labour Government wouldn’t spend its first year in power “pausing, cancelling, and reviewing everything”.
“Just because the current government started something we aren’t just going to stop it because it was their idea not ours. If it’s working, we will keep moving forward.”
He said he would work with communities, businesses, experts and unions to form policy.
“People action that changes their lives for the better – and the current Government is not strong or united enough to deliver it.”
Hipkins said the Government had failed so far on the promises made to voters during the last election.
“What does New Zealand have to show for it? A country more divided than ever.
“A recession. A recession made worse by the choice to cut jobs and prioritise tax cuts for landlords. Cancelled ferries.Too many kids going hungry at school.
“I’m not going to do the whole list. I haven’t got time. But doesn’t it make clear where this government’s priorities are? Ask yourself this: do I feel better off today than I did 18 months ago?
“This government is turning New Zealand into a game only a few can afford to play. And the long-term costs will far outweigh the short-term benefits.”
