Category: Labour Party

The National Government must completely overhaul the Fast Track Approvals Bill to put protection of the environment at the centre of its purpose.

“Any developments approved under the Bill must work with nature, not against it,” Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said.

The Government said yesterday it will make decisions on the final design of the Fast Track Approvals Bill in the next few months, incorporating sensible changes suggested through the select committee process.

“Working with nature is the most sensible change needed in this Bill. Protecting the environment from destructive development should be included in the purpose of any consenting process. The Bill in its current form could destroy our natural environment, allow climate-polluting industries to expand, and see affected communities locked out of the process.

“We’ve heard from concerned New Zealanders repeatedly that this Bill will hurt the natural environment and communities for generations, and that it must be stopped.

“Labour brought in a fast track consenting process that works with nature not against it, to approve sustainable development such as renewable energy projects, housing and infrastructure. We have several renewable energy projects consented already.

“We do not need new coal mines, and we definitely do not need new coal mines on conservation land, in kiwi habitat.

“There are other problems with the Bill in its current form – locking communities and iwi out of the process, Ministers having the final say on projects, and the potential for projects that have previously been declined, like Te Kuha mine, to be approved under this piece of legislation without any regard for the native species it could affect. New Zealanders need to know if this is the case as under the fast track process, they won’t have a chance to voice their concerns.

“The National Government is making a choice to prioritise short term, potentially environmentally damaging projects like coal mines, without any input from the communities they will affect long term,” said Rachel Brooking.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Correspondence released under the Official Information Act reveals the Government’s boot camp concept is not backed by the military that is expected to run it.

The New Zealand Defence Force will not staff military-style boot camps for youth because it will put its personnel’s safety and wellbeing at risk, Labour’s children spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

Newly released documents show the NZDF warned the Government that military-style training does not work for complex participants and has previously resulted in serious mental harm of staff, and an increase in physical assaults on defence personnel.

“NZDF has made it clear that new military style academies should not be likened to its Limited-Service Volunteers (LSV) programme as they are eight-week courses run for people wanting to get jobs, not custodial sentences for offending youth.

“Yet, the Prime Minister and other members of the Cabinet persist with their references to the LSV programme as one that ‘works’, despite the office of the Chief of Defence writing to Defence Minister Judith Collins asking for the Government to correct this inaccuracy.

“It would seem Christopher Luxon’s Cabinet has a communications issue, as ministers continue to use LSV as though it is how the Government’s boot camp dream will be brought to life.

“Just last week the Prime Minister said he doesn’t care about what people say about whether boot camps work or not – he wanted to try something different. Well, perhaps he will listen to those with experience, and make the call to stop the nonsense once and for all.

“We know boot camps did not work in the past. Sending these children to boot camps, most of whom have experienced abuse and suffered deep trauma, could cause further harm. The LSV was not designed for children.

“This isn’t a new idea, it’s failed before and it risks failing again,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

False promises and political spin won’t save National today, as the much-touted July 1 changes will hit Aucklanders’ pockets for the first time.

“Prescription fees, higher rates, expensive public transport, additional road tolls and increases to vehicle registration are just some of the charges set to make things harder for those struggling in Tāmaki Makaurau,” Labour Auckland issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert said.

“Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown is playing revenge politics and Aucklanders are going to foot the bill. It’s short sighted and unfair of the Government.

“Simeon Brown is failing on every measure – reducing congestion, addressing youth crime, climate resilience and cost of living. This Minister has given up on this portfolio and refuses to stand up for Auckland.”

“He hasn’t taken any Auckland specific papers to Cabinet, the city wasn’t a priority during the first 100 days, and it is MIA on this quarter’s ‘to-do’ list. We’ve seen nothing but Simeon Brown asking Aucklanders for more money for six months now.

“The reality is the people of Auckland are tired of hearing about the cost-of-living crisis, and want it fixed. Adding new fees and payments, on top of rates and groceries is not the answer. Aucklanders need immediate help.

“Boasting about removing a fuel tax that will leave a $1.2 billion hole in the city’s infrastructure fund is beyond ridiculous. We need to find a solution and have a Minister for Auckland that isn’t asleep at the wheel,” Shanan Halbert said.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

The Government is risking the wellbeing of vulnerable children across Aotearoa who benefit from services like counselling, intensive family support, parent programmes and early intervention, as they claw back funding.

“Children in care have often experienced significant trauma and chaos in their lives. Taking away activities and support that help them to heal is cruel and heartless,” Labour’s children spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

“In the May Budget, National cut $120 million in funding for frontline providers. These are programmes that offer therapy and companionship for children – many who’ve suffered from family harm, neglect and trauma.

“These providers do incredible and highly sensitive work with tamariki, helping them navigate distressing experiences, while keeping them out of harm’s way.

“These cuts come as Oranga Tamariki has said there already isn’t enough money to meet the needs they’re seeing every day.

“ACT’s Karen Chhour has chosen to go ahead with these reckless cuts, despite the detrimental effect on the frontline.

“I am hearing from many in the sector who are anxious about whether they can continue to meet the needs of kids in their community.

“Karen Chhour must stand up for these children and whānau who rely on these services to get through the week.

“I truly worry about the harmful consequences to come if the Government continues to ignore this need,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The Government has not committed to doing any additional operations in a newly opened surgical hospital on the North Shore of Auckland.

“Labour built the Tōtara Haumaru facility to do an additional 15,000 procedures a year, but today the Government is opening it without a plan to do any new operations. It will mostly take staff from other postings and be doing surgeries that were already planned to go ahead in other hospitals,” said Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall.

“Minister of Health Shane Reti was desperate to turn the lights on following mounting pressure over this vital facility sitting empty, so Health New Zealand have moved surgeries from existing hospitals to the new hospital, to give the appearance that it is up and running.

“Budget 24 did not increase funding in real terms meaning staff numbers are restricted. That’s why Health New Zealand has transferred most of the staff from other hospitals.

“Health New Zealand’s hiring freeze began in April, and it has been widely reported in media that clinical positions nationwide are not being filled. Minister Reti needs to end the hiring freeze and enable full recruitment so that the facility can provide the additional 15,000 procedures as it was designed.

“If Minister Reti was serious about making sure New Zealanders get the healthcare they need, he would allow hospitals to hire the staff they need. After all, he campaigned on there being a workforce crisis.

“The National Government has no plan for our health workforce, and if today is anything to go by, I am very worried for the state of our health system. This government is taking New Zealand backwards,” said Ayesha Verrall.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Celebrating Matariki as a public holiday over the past two years has made sure everyone gets to spend some extra time with friends and family, as well as the chance to learn more about what makes this time of year meaningful.

Named after the group of stars that rises in mid-winter, Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year, and is a time to both reflect and plan for the coming year.

This year’s theme is Matariki heri kai: The feast of Matariki. Matariki stars each relate to our food sources: gardens (Tupuānuku), forests (Tupuārangi), fresh water (Waitī), and

the ocean (Waitā). Māori looked to the appearance of Matariki in the sky to determine how the kai harvest would go. The tradition exists in different forms across the world, but there are many elements unique to New Zealand.

Each year we’ve been seeing an increase in the number of people coming together to celebrate Matariki, with events being held around the motū. You can also watch a national live broadcast here. Events acknowledge three main principles:

Matariki Hunga Nui | Remembrance

• Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.

Matariki Ahunga Nui | Celebrating the Present

• Gathering together to give thanks for what we have.

Matariki Manako Nui | Looking to the Future

• Looking forward to the promise of a new year

Wherever you are, we hope you and your whānau have the chance to spend some time together, relax and enjoy the holiday.

Mānawatia a Matariki.

Click here to take our Matariki quiz.

Lady Glen Rowling, wife of the late Prime Minister Bill Rowling, will be remembered as loyal, kind, clever and supportive.

“Lady Glen Rowling will be sorely missed by her family, community and by the Labour Party,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

“She was a solid and unwavering support to former Prime Minister Bill Rowling during a tough period both personally and in politics. She continued to contribute to the Labour movement and her community well after his death.

“Lady Glen gave a lifetime of service. She was a volunteer, giver of advice, caterer – whatever she needed to be. She lent her mana and support to Labour and to her community for a long time,” Chris Hipkins said.

“Bill Rowling and Lady Glen lived in Westport for a number of years, in the Buller electorate which was later split into West Coast and Tasman. They were hugely supportive,” Damien O’Connor said.

“Their son was involved in young farmers with my family. Lady Glen stood out to me as somebody who was highly respected, both as wife to Bill Rowling but also in her own right.”

Lady Glen was a parishioner at Christ Church Cathedral after moving to Nelson, where her funeral service will be held.

“I knew Lady Glen on a personal level through her commitment to the church, the Nelson community and the local Labour Party. She was incredibly bright, and a legendary quiz master who would always include obscure and creative political questions that would frustrate the room, much to her glee,” Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said.

“The Fifeshire Foundation, which supports people who are struggling in Nelson Tasman, was started by Bill Rowling and Lady Glen continued this support after his death. The Foundation helps with things like school uniforms, dental treatment, and firewood.

“In her name, the family have asked that instead of flowers, people send money to a charity of their choice. The Rowling name will live on through the good that she did,” Rachel Boyack said.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The Government needs to be transparent about the cuts they are making to hospital infrastructure, so that cities are clear on the health resources they will have into the future.

As at September 2023, the Infrastructure and Investment Group (IIG) within Health New Zealand was responsible for over 110 health infrastructure projects worth a total of $7.7 billion. These projects are in various phases of completion and included the new Dunedin Hospital. Large hospital rebuilds were planned for Nelson and Whangarei.

“The Government set aside a mere $103 million in the budget to cover all capital cost pressures across multiple projects – costs that arise due to inflation. This does not look like a Government committed to completing an adequate Dunedin Hospital on time, let alone hospitals in other regions,” said Labour associate health spokesperson Tracey McLellan.

“In Dunedin, which was the largest capital project underway in New Zealand, National promised additional theatres, and hospital space, but these have not been funded. He has broken his promise.

“In last week’s scrutiny hearings, Minister Reti was unable to answer for the $1.1 billion for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, which would have been allocated over six-phases. In fact, there was no spend for Nelson Hospital in this Budget, and nothing set aside for 2025 or 2026 either.

“These projects were planned under Labour to meet clinical expectations – downsizing or shedding parts of the builds is simply not good enough – the buildings won’t be fit into the future.

“And on Whangarei Hospital, Minister Reti is silent. By his own admission, the upgrade is desperately needed, and was being scoped under Labour, but Minister Reti has failed to name an ongoing funding source for Whangarei or Nelson hospitals.

“The Government is building a case to land Labour with the blame for the projects they themselves are reducing. New Zealand deserves better than this backwards government, who will give billions to landlords in tax breaks but won’t build a hospital to serve taxpayers.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The National Government is keeping the public in the dark about projects that have applied for approval under the Fast Track Approvals Bill.

“The Government will not front up on what the proposed projects are, despite the applications closing nearly two months ago,” said Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking.

“Ministers should be upfront about the projects. They say the Fast Track Approvals Bill will be used to get renewable energy projects off the ground, but how can we know if they don’t release the list?

“These projects must go to select committee for scrutiny, rather than just being plonked into the Bill with no way for the public to have their say.

“The public need to know what the Fast Track Approvals Bill will be used for and what the Government is signing New Zealand up to.

“I am concerned that projects that have previously been declined, like Te Kuha mine, could be approved under this piece of legislation without any regard for the native species it could affect. New Zealanders need to know if this is the case as under the fast track process, they won’t have a chance to voice their concerns.

“The National Government is making a choice to prioritise short term, potentially environmentally damaging projects like coal mines, without any input from the communities they will affect long term,” said Rachel Brooking.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.