‘It’s tough when you come out of government’

As 2024 comes to an end, Labour’s deputy leader, Carmel Sepuloni, reflects on the party’s first year in opposition following their electoral defeat.

Speaking on Pacific Mornings, she opens up about the challenges and opportunities of being in opposition.

For Labour, 2024 marked its first full year in opposition since losing in the election.

Sepuloni describes it as a period of transformation, focusing on listening to New Zealanders, reflecting on past performance, and laying the groundwork for the 2026 election.

“We've had the kind of year that you could only hope for in opposition, really.

“Steadily climbing in most polls, slowly, but tracking up. The government becomes more and more unpopular.

“We've done what we said we would do and take this year to go out and listen to people, engage, get ideas from people for what maybe we should do next time round.

This year's Labour conference was held in Christchurch. Photo/Labour Party Facebook

“Reflecting on what we did last time or where we could have done better.

“And so it's been the type of year that you should have the year after you lose an election.”

However, being in opposition hasn’t been without its frustrations.

“Every day we get up, we have to go out there and be prepared to fight against that policy agenda, which is the divisiveness that's been caused by the Treaty Principles Bill and the undermining of Te Reo Māori.

“Like, it's been so much. And so that's the lowlight.

"Every day, there's another policy agenda item on the table of this government, which runs completely contrary to our values.

“We don't have the numbers. So that's the lowlight.”

Watch Carmel Sepuloni's speech during the Restoring Citizenship Bill's Third Reading.

Representation matters

The reduced size of Labour’s Pacific Caucus after the election was another setback, with the team decreasing from 11 to five, especially with Māngere MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene absent due to her recent breast cancer diagnosis.

“We’re a much smaller team, but it’s a tight team.”

Despite the challenges, Labour achieved a significant win for Pacific communities this year by supporting Green MP Teanau Tuiono’s Sāmoan Citizenship Bill.

The Bill, which aims to restore New Zealand citizenship rights for some Sāmoans, was recently passed into law with support from all parties.

“I’m really proud of our Samoan community and what was achieved there,” Sepuloni said.

“There’s not a lot of wins politically from the left at the moment, but that was a great achievement.”

Preparing for 2026

Looking ahead, Sepuloni said Labour plans to shift gears in 2025 by rolling out policy ideas earlier than in previous election cycles.

Labour's Pacific Caucus. Photo/Labour Party NZ

“We want to make sure we’re taking New Zealanders on the journey with us and that people are really clear about what our agenda is going into the next election.”

Labour also aims to expand its appeal, particularly to swing voters who shifted their support to National in the last election.

Sepuloni acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains optimistic about achieving it.

A personal year

Beyond politics, 2024 was a year of personal milestones for Sepuloni.

She became a grandmother again, participated in Celebrity Treasure Island, and dealt with an injury that required her to wear a moon boot for several months.

“It’s tough when you come out of government, especially when you’ve been a senior Cabinet Minister, but opposition this time around feels a lot nicer and more collaborative than before.”

As she prepares for a quiet holiday season filled with gardening and time spent with family, Sepuloni remains hopeful about the year ahead.

“Get some rest, spend time with family, and re-energise for the year ahead. That’s what I’ll be doing, and that’s what Labour will be doing too.”