New Zealand’s politics get ‘negative and personal’ in run up to election day on October 14
- While National was ahead of Labour in recent opinion polls, the polls – against a backdrop of soaring prices and a weak economy – could be tight
- Both party leaders have warned that New Zealand faces a bleak future if their opponent prevails. PM Chris Hipkins is seeking a third term for Labour
The ruling Labour Party kicked off its campaign on Saturday in Auckland with a pledge to extend free dental care to everyone under the age of 30 if re-elected. The main opposition National Party followed on Sunday with a list of eight commitments, the first of which is to reduce inflation and return the economy to growth.
While National was ahead of Labour in recent opinion polls, the election could be tight. Both party leaders warned that the country faces a bleak future if their opponent prevails.
“We are going to fight this election campaign as though New Zealand’s future depends on it, because actually it does,” Luxon told supporters. “We will be up against a campaign based on fear and disinformation, a campaign that’s negative and personal. That’s what they do when you have no record to run on and no ideas to take the country forward.”
Hipkins said policies put in place by Labour to reduce child poverty will be at risk if there’s a change of government.
“In National’s upside-down cost-of-living crisis they think property speculators, international investors and millionaires need government support more than our children, especially our poorest,” he said. “More kids in poverty should not be how you fund tax cuts, but that’s exactly what National’s proposing.”
