Labour has unveiled a $1.56 billion election policy package aimed at supporting New Zealand’s small businesses through faster invoice repayments, tax relief on new equipment, and reduced compliance costs. Party leader Chris Hipkins stated that small businesses represent around 42% of the country’s gross domestic product, arguing that owners are currently being squeezed by rising … Read more
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has formally ruled out any potential cooperation with New Zealand First at the upcoming election. This decision follows remarks made by New Zealand First leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who told Lawrence Xu-Nan to go back to his “own country” during a parliamentary session last week. According to 1News, the … Read more
The Home Office has intervened to halt the placement of asylum seekers into new-build homes at Dutton Close in the village of Stoke Heath, following public outcry and local political pressure. While 21 homes were initially earmarked for use by the outsourcing firm Serco, officials have confirmed that no asylum seekers currently remain on the … Read more
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has pledged to restore the two-year Apprenticeship Boost subsidy by 2028 if his party wins the upcoming election. The policy, announced at the party’s congress in Wellington, aims to increase domestic workforce participation by providing $500 monthly payments to employers for two years, alongside new grants for apprentice toolkits and … Read more
Labour campaign chairperson Kieran McAnulty stated that the party has a “genuine shot” of forming a government with one other party, though he ruled out ACT and called a coalition with New Zealand First “highly unlikely.” He also noted that Labour intends to reclaim Māori seats currently held by Te Pāti Māori. Speaking to Jack … Read more
The Labour Party opened its two-day annual congress in Wellington this weekend, focusing on campaign strategy and internal alignment with four and a half months until the general election. While internal polling shows the party at 32 percent—a five-point drop in the latest 1 News Verian poll—the event centered on rallying members for a contest … Read more
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins announced today that a future Labour government would reinstate free prescriptions from July 1, 2027. The policy aims to reverse the $5 co-payment reintroduced by the National-led coalition in 2024. According to Labour, the universal scheme is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent patients from accessing necessary medication. Why … Read more
Greater Manchester Police have ruled out investigating allegations that Andy Burnham breached COVID-19 lockdown rules during a fire at his Warrington home in June 2021, citing a legal time limit for enforcement. Reform UK reported the claim to police on Sunday, alleging Burnham hosted more than six people at his property when fire crews attended … Read more
Why are financial markets wary of Andy Burnham’s potential victory? Currency analysts at Ebury warned that investors may be underestimating risks tied to Andy Burnham’s expected win in the Makerfield by-election, citing concerns over potential shifts in UK fiscal policy. Matthew Ryan, Ebury’s head of market strategy, noted that markets are closely tracking the contest … Read more
The Labour Party has pledged to cap weekly public transport fares at $20 for commuters in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and $10 in all other regions, if elected in November. The policy, estimated to cost $65 million annually, would take effect in July 2027 and aims to address cost-of-living pressures for approximately 1.3 million riders. … Read more