Chris Hipkins is vowing that a coalition government led by him would better reflect the power-sharing arrangement envisaged by voters.
The Labour leader, speaking to Mata with Mihingarangi after the release of Budget 2025, says the opposition parties have a number of values in common. “All three parties believe, I think, in a more inclusive New Zealand, you know, a more communit-focussed New Zealand. One where we recognise that our collective interests are as strong as our individual interests. I think we have a common set of values in that regard.”
He acknowledges that they also have “some pretty pronounced differences” as well, pointing to recent announcements by Te Pāti Māori which he argues “will be far too much for most New Zealanders”.
“I think probably the big difference is we have to recognise under MMP we need to work together, but unlike Christopher Luxon I don’t think that means you need to let Winston Peters and David Seymour … call all the shots."
The New Zealand First leader has recently reiterated that he has ruled out working with Labour in the future while it is led by Chris Hipkins. Hipkins wasn’t too concerned. “I think the country is sick of being held to ransom by Winston Peters and David Seymour quite frankly.”
“I think the Greens and Te Pāti Māori if we were working with them would have a share of influence that was proportionate to how much vote, and how much share of the votes, they get from the New Zealand public, and I think that’s what people expect under MMP.”
Hipkins, who recently criticised the Privilege’s Committee recommendation to suspend Te Pāti Māori’s co-leaders for 21 days for their part in the haka performed by various MPs during the vote on the first reading of the Principles of Treaty of Waitangi Bill, in November 2024.
However, he also criticised the approach taken by Te Pāti Māori, characterising it as more focussed on protesting outside the building than working constructively within it.
“The Māori Party didn't have to go to the Privileges Committee, but I think they should of.
“You know, they started a debate around tikanga in the House and then walked away from it. They should have showed up and said actually we stand by having more tikanga in the House and this is what it looks like, and this is what Parliament should do around that.
While he "absolutely" agrees with having tikanga in Parliament, he’s reluctant to spell out what form he thinks that should take. “As a non-Māori New Zealander, I’m not going to tell Parliament what that should look like. I think our Māori members can and should be articulating that. They missed the opportunity to do that.”
Photo: Te Māngai Pāho
Photo: NZ On Air
