The Labour Party, under the leadership of Chris Hipkins, has set its sights firmly on the 2026 elections.

At a retreat in Brackenridge, Wairarapa, the Labour Party outlined its strategy to address what it sees as the exacerbation of “inequality and division” by the current National Government.

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said “It’s not easy losing an election, and Labour has work to do to get back to where we want to be as a party.”

Labour was planning an “extensive engagement process” with its base, involving a series of speeches and attendances at regional conferences between May and June by Hipkins, aiming to involve members directly in the policy-making process.

“This Labour team is one I am honoured and excited to lead.”

Hipkins criticised the National Government’s first 100 days in office, accusing it of prioritising its interests over those of the general populace.

“We’ve been waiting to hear their plan. Waiting to see if they have a vision for New Zealand. Now we know for certain that they are not governing for all New Zealanders, but for themselves.

“Labour’s current strategy focuses on laying down strong policy foundations without rushing the process.

“Our current focus is on building strong policy foundations and getting work underway. It’s not a process we plan to rush, rather one we want to get right,” Hipkins said.