Chris Hipkins backs Pacific candidates in local elections

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says his party is taking nothing for granted as it gains ground in the polls.

Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Hipkins discusses Labour’s political rebuilding and key foreign policy challenges, including Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters' visit to the United States.

“I'm encouraged by the rise in the polls, but we've still got a good 18 months to go before the next election campaign really is at its peak,” Hipkins says.

“We know between now and then, our job is to get out around the country and earn every possible vote we can.”

Labour’s polling and political rebuilding

With recent polls showing Labour gaining support, Hipkins says the party's strategy has not fundamentally changed; it has just been a continued effort.

“We’re taking nothing for granted here.”

Hipkins says Labour focuses on engaging with communities and ensuring it remains a credible alternative to the current government.

Watch Chris Hipkins' full interview below.

Peters' US visit: A success for diplomacy?

Following meetings with Trump administration officials earlier on Wednesday, Peters describes his discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “substantive and productive.”

He emphasises the importance of the visit, given the fast-changing global landscape.

“We came here to listen to the new administration and to be clear about what is important to New Zealand,” Peters says.

“There’s a lot happening in the Indo-Pacific and indeed our world. It’s a seriously valuable time to be here in Washington, DC.”

Meanwhile, Hipkins questions Peters’ approach, particularly his statement he is in Washington to “ask the Americans what they want from us.”

Winston Peters meets with Marco Rubio. Photo/Supplied

Hipkins says Aotearoa New Zealand should maintain its independent foreign policy.

“We’re not there just to do another country’s bidding,” Hipkins says.

“I think Winston Peters can come away from his visit to America with a greater understanding of how Donald Trump's tariffs might apply to New Zealand and hopefully make the case that they shouldn't apply to New Zealand.”

Pacific aid and New Zealand’s role

The Trump administration is reassessing the almost NZ$2 billion pledged by the Biden administration for Pacific aid.

Hipkins says New Zealand should continue advocating for the US to maintain its commitments while also considering increasing its aid efforts.

Peters meets with Congressman Darrell Issa (Republican-California). Photo/Supplied

Luxon’s India visit and trade prospects

With Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in India, Hipkins has resisted claims that Labour has failed to strengthen ties with New Delhi.

Luxon argues his government is making strides in trade discussions, but Hipkins points out that National had previously abandoned a free trade agreement.

“The Key Government gave up trying to secure a free trade agreement with India back in 2016,” Hipkins says.

Instead, he says Labour focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, noting that six ministerial visits to India were made under Labour despite Covid-19 restrictions. Hipkins also warns about potential trade-offs in negotiations.

“If the Government comes back with a free trade agreement that includes comprehensive access for New Zealand dairy farmers, that will be a good thing,” he says. “The real question is, what price will we have to pay?”

'Labour Leader Chris Hipkins. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

Labour’s stance on local government elections

On domestic politics, Hipkins addresses Labour’s approach to upcoming local government elections, saying the party will not make endorsements until nominations close.

However, he takes a swipe at ACT’s recent announcement that it will recruit candidates for local elections.

“I think the ACT Party wants to do to the local government what they’ve done to school lunches,” he says. “I don’t think New Zealanders would want a bar of that.”

While declining to name potential Labour-backed candidates, Hipkins reaffirms the party’s commitment to supporting Pacific candidates.

“Labour has a strong track record of backing Pacific candidates for both local boards and around the council table, and we’ll continue to do that because I think it is important that our local government, our local councils reflect the communities that they're there to serve.”