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Chris Hipkins has accused teh Prime Minister of starting the election year by “panicking” and throwing one of his senior ministers “under the bus”.
The Labor leader made the comments to Morning Report earlier today, ahead of the party’s post-break gathering in “wet and windy West Auckland”.
prime Minister Christopher Luxon last week confirmed the coalition was considering weakening housing intensification laws in Auckland.
The subject did not come up during his State of the Nation speech on Monday.
Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris bishop last year directed Auckland Council to allow for greater housing and development intensification, particularly around rail stations, as the city prepared to open the long-awaited City Rail Link.
Hipkins said if Luxon and Bishop have changed the plan, they shoudl “get on and tell new zealanders what it is that they’ve been cooking up behind the scenes”.
“Because up until now, Chris Bishop is the person who’s been speaking for the government on the matter, and it seems that he’s now been sidelined.”
House prices have fallen since their peak in 2022, and rents have stabilised – and in some places, fallen – after years of almost unbroken above-inflation rises.
Asked if he would like house prices to fall, Hipkins said he wanted a “stabilisation in house prices … giving New Zealanders a chance for their incomes to catch up”.
“The current government aren’t focused on growing people’s incomes at all.They’re only focused on increasing the wealth of those at the top rather than the people who are working hard every day and aspiring to owning their own home.”
Amid the 45-minute media conference on local government reforms, reporters asked Bishop about ongoing National Party leadership rumours. (Source: 1News)
Asked if Bishop was “playing on your home ground” by overseeing improving housing affordability, Hipkins talked up his party’s capital gains and Future Fund policies to “ensure that people are investing in productive businesses rather than simply buying up all the available houses and forcing first-time buyers out of the market”.
Luxon said Bishop would “come forward with his views and explain that shortly”.
Paying for pay equity
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One way the previous Labour-led government tried to boost incomes – particularly for historically underpaid sectors - was through 2020’s Equal Pay Amendment Act, which was gutted under urgency in early 2025, Luxon saying the changes would save the Government “billions” of dollars.
Labour has promised to restore pay equity, but still would not say how it would be paid for – Treasury’s estimate was that it would cost close to $13 billion over four years.
“We’ll set out before the election a balanced fiscal plan that will show how we will get New Zealand’s books balanced, something [Finance Minister] Nicola willis has spent two-and-a-half years failing to do and there is no balance in sight.
labour Leader Chris Hipkins Outlines Election strategy, Criticizes National’s Tax Plan
According to a report from 1News (https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/01/21/hipkins-attacks-luxons-tax-plan-as-unaffordable-and-out-of-touch/, accessed 2026/01/21 08:03:58), Chris Hipkins, leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, has attacked the National Party’s proposed tax cuts as unaffordable and benefiting only those at the top. The statement was made as Labour prepares for the upcoming election.
Labour’s Economic Focus
Hipkins stated his party is focused on ensuring the benefits of economic recovery reach working New Zealanders, contrasting this with what he perceives as National’s focus on benefiting the wealthy.He emphasized a commitment to a “sensible, responsible set of commitments” to voters. He specifically criticized National leader Christopher Luxon‘s claims of an economic recovery, arguing it must benefit all New Zealanders, not just a select few.
Portfolio Reshuffle Anticipated
A portfolio reshuffle within the Labour Party is expected,following the announced departures of labour MPs Duncan Webb and Adrian Rurawhe (https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/01/21/labour-mp-adrian-rurawhe-to-leave-parliament/, accessed 2026/01/21 08:03:58). Hipkins affirmed the party’s determination to win the election, believing it to be “up for grabs.”
Election Date Announced by National
The report notes that National is holding a meeting in Christchurch where Christopher luxon announced the date for this year’s election (https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/01/21/game-on-as-pm-luxon-reveals-2026-election-date/, accessed 2026/01/21 08:03:58).
Verification Status: As of 2026/01/21 08:03:58, the facts presented aligns with reporting from 1News. no newer confirmed information contradicting these statements has been found.
