Elections Special : Chris Hipkins on Cost of Living, Healthcare, Jobs & Immigration
We had conversation with Labour Leader and Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins as voting opens, covering campaign momentum and the issues shaping New Zealand’s election debate.
Hipkins outlines Labour’s cost-of-living proposals, including opposing National’s proposed 25-cent-per-litre fuel tax increase, introducing free GP visits, capping public transport fares, making solar panels more accessible, strengthening supermarket competition and improving consumer protections.
He explains Labour’s proposed public transport fare cap of $20 a week in major cities and $10 a week elsewhere, saying it would cost less than 1% of the National Land Transport Fund.
The conversation also explores Labour’s healthcare plans, including ending National’s hospital hiring freeze and using free GP visits to help ease pressure on emergency departments. On jobs and business, Hipkins discusses government-led construction projects and Labour’s proposal to increase the small-business asset write-off threshold to $10,000.
Immigration is another key topic, with Hipkins addressing concerns around political rhetoric, parent visas and potential reviews of health and English-language requirements. He also discusses Labour’s coalition position, stating that the party would not work with New Zealand First.
22 Oct 2026
Elections Special - Green Party
In this episode of New Zealand Speaks, Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez March discusses the party’s proposals to address the cost of living, including a $10,000 tax-free threshold, a 2.5% wealth tax on assets over $10 million (excluding the family home), and cheaper groceries through a publicly owned KiwiMart.
He outlines proposed changes to parent residency visas, housing affordability, rent increases, small-business leases and healthcare staffing. The conversation also explores migrant representation in Parliament, gang prevention, lowering the voting age to 16, longer parliamentary terms and the Green Party’s potential coalition partners.
15 Oct 2026
Election Special 2026 - Qiulae Wong, Leader of The Opportunity Party
🎙️ Elections Special on Drive Show – Aotearoa Speaks!
Missed our conversation with Qiulae Wong, Leader of The Opportunity Party? Catch up on the full interview as we dive into the party’s policies, political alignments, key priorities, and vision for New Zealand ahead of Election 2026.
We explore where The Opportunity Party stands on the issues that matter most to Kiwis, how its policies differ from those of other political parties, and which parties it could align with in the next Parliament. We also discuss Chris Hipkins’ “wasted vote” comment and unpack what it could mean for smaller parties and voters considering alternatives beyond the major political players.
From the challenges facing New Zealanders to the Opportunity Party’s priorities and reasons for seeking voter support, this conversation covers the important questions voters may be asking as the country heads towards the 2026 General Election.
🗳️ What does The Opportunity Party want to change, where does it stand on the big issues, and what role does it hope to play in New Zealand’s political future? Hear Qiulae Wong share her perspectives and respond to the questions shaping the election conversation.
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