Politics
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi out in front in Waiariki poll
The poll was conducted by Curia for Whakaata Māori.
Latest from Labour Party
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Post debate standup: Luxon and Hipkins speak to media
Chris Hipkins and Chris Luxon both speak to the media following their debate. Video / NZ Herald
Hipkins speaks to media following debate
Labour leader, Chris Hipkins, speaks to the media following debate. Video / NZ Herald
‘Frankly, I don’t care’: Luxon and Hipkins react after debate
Labour and National leaders went head-to-head over their plans for New Zealand.
Power remains in Opportunity’s hands in latest 1News-Verian poll
Opportunity’s eight seats would decide whether the left or right could hold power.
Green Party pushes for wealth tax as Labour, National feud over costings
High polling has the Green Party continuing to push for its wealth tax.
Labour promises to fix fiscal plan after Taxpayers’ Union spots mistake
Labour say it is 'a straightforward and small correction'.
‘Borderline homeless’: Labour voter challenges Hipkins over jobs
A traditional Labour voter says after losing work she's leaning towards the Greens.
Redundant worker asks Hipkins for advice
The Labour leader Chris Hipkins asked "what can you do for me" when campaigning in Mt Albert. Video \ Jason Dorday
Hipkins says Labour picking up momentum despite poll drop
Labour polled 30.8%, ahead of National on 25.9%.
New poll: National crashes below 26%, Greens surge, Opportunity kingmaker
National has fallen to 25.9%, its weakest result since the 2020 election.
Luxon and Hipkins face do-or-die debate
OPINION: The two leaders face off in a make-or-break debate.
Blather and bull****: What voters don’t want to hear at high-stakes leaders’ debate
OPINION: Many voters are undecided. That makes the debates especially important.
Labour announces plans to cut costs on car maintenance
Labour leader Chris Hipkins and spokeswoman Arena Williams discuss new plans to cut down on the cost of living. Video / NZ Herald
Labour to require NZTA to potentially give up spare land for petrol stations
It's part of a policy aimed at improving competition in the sector.
'I'm not quite sure': Christopher Luxon defends missing plan as Labour goes on attack
The Labour Party has attacked National for not releasing its own numbers.
Labour’s fiscal plan answers some questions, but leaves $10b hanging
Labour's fiscal plan addresses some questions asked of it, but leaves others hanging.
Error page on Labour website as fiscal objective made 'clearer'
National's Nicola Willis said Labour are 'not serious people' following their fiscal plan.
NZ Foreign Minister: If it’s not Winston Peters, then who?
There are several reasons why Peters may not be the next Foreign Minister.
Numerous election announcements at end of campaign's first week
It's been a whirlwind of a first week on the campaign trail. Video / Dean Purcell
Te Pāti Māori selects just one list candidate for 2026 election
Lance Norman is the sole list candidate beyond its seven electorate picks.
Hipkins says Nats failed to 'pay women properly', as Willis calls Labour’s fiscal plan a 'fraud'
Leader Chris Hipkins says pay equity changes will arrive within 100 days of government.
Labour promises to reinstate pay equity, but only costs one claim, leaving $8.5b out of plan
The Labour Party published its fiscal plan, reiterating a pledge to restore the old pay equity regime, but declining to include a specific cost for this in its spending plan.
Labour's Fair Go law garners support but analysts question implementation
Consumer NZ backs the plan but queries enforcement against overseas firms.
'I'm barely at home': Hipkins on balancing politics and fatherhood
The Labour leader sits down for a candid conversation with former adversary Paula Bennett.
National battles its own voters with this high-risk strategy
OPINION: Party votes would go to Act or NZ First, electorate votes to National.
Labour leader goes on spending spree at Upper Hutt outdoor show
Hipkins had to turn to one of his MPs when one stall didn't offer payWave.
Why bad policy feels as good in 2026 as it ever did
OPINION: The fundamental problem is that there is no direct feedback mechanism.
Can Labour make it add up? Big questions hang over Hipkins' fiscal plan
The Labour Party's fiscal plan for the election has become a hotly anticipated document.
The books are getting better. But where are the customers?
OPINION: The debate is shifting from fiscal restraint to business needs.