Labour Party’s senior Pacific MPs warn NZ families being pushed to breaking point

Labour’s two most senior Pacific MPs have delivered sharp warnings about the cost-of-living crisis, rising inequality, and social division at the party’s annual conference in Auckland this weekend.

Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told hundreds of delegates that Labour was making a direct commitment to restore living standards and protect essential public services.

“Out of the wreckage of Christopher Luxon’s (Prime Minister) broken promises and economic mismanagement, Labour will restore hope,” she says.

Edmonds drew on her parents’ journey from Sāmoa to highlight how today’s economic pressures affect families and households across Aotearoa.

“When my parents came from Sāmoa in the 1970s, like so many migrant families, they came to the ‘land of milk and honey’ to give their children a better life. They sweated on factory floors, so we could have a better start.

“Like every parent, I want a better future for my kids and I know that’s what you want for yours,” she told the party faithful.

Edmonds criticised the Government’s handling of the economy, saying Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis are completely out of touch.

“(They) say they get it, but they have no idea what life is really like for most New Zealanders.

“No idea what it feels like to stand in the supermarket aisle, putting food back on the shelf because you can’t afford it. No idea what it’s like to sit at the kitchen table late at night, staring at the bills, wondering how on earth it’s going to add up this week.”

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins and deputy Carmel Sepuloni at Labour Party Annual Conference in Auckland. Photo/Facebook

Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni used her address to focus on unity, social cohesion, and the pressures workers and families are facing.

“Recently, I attended a Pacific principals association meeting. One of the principals said he feels like the light is going out. He feels like they can’t win with this government and he’s getting tired of fighting.”

Sepuloni listed what she describes as worsening crises under the Government, including a health system that is falling apart, the cancellation of thousands of state housing builds, the skyrocketing cost of living, and attacks on our education system and teachers.

“We must keep fighting. We need to support each other to keep the light burning, we have to retain hope and we have to believe that we can win.”

She says Labour remains the party of opportunity for all communities.

“When we lead, let’s lead with love because that is the Labour way and that is how we win not just the next election, but the trust and the hearts of our people.”