Will's Word: Welcome back, Labour Party

Well, well, well, Labour’s come out swinging, and I’ve got to say. I’m here for it.

Chris Hipkins and the team have laid out a vision that actually makes sense - jobs, health, and homes.

Honestly. It’s refreshing to hear a plan that isn’t just a pile of corporate buzzwords with a sprinkle of ‘we’ll figure it out later'.

Wages are stagnant, more people are out of work, and the current Government’s grand response has been, well, "trust the market" and "cut, cut, cut."

But Labour’s saying nah, let’s actually do something about it.

Let’s get people into work, make sure they’re paid well, and shocker keep them healthy and housed while we’re at it. Revolutionary, I know.

What I love about this speech is the absolute refusal to sell New Zealand’s soul for a quick buck. No flogging off our natural beauty for short-term gain, no sitting back while families struggle.

It’s a commitment to people first, not profits first – and some would argue that's what we need.

And then there’s the economy. Now, I know some people hear the word "Labour" and immediately assume "big spending, bad with money," and I'll admit I fall in that camp.

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But there's nothing wrong with smart, long-term investments in infrastructure, health, and education, as long as the taxpayer dollar is spent efficiently and not recklessly.

Also Barbara Edmonds stepping up to lead the economic team.

That’s a power move. She knows her stuff, she’s sharp, and most importantly, she actually cares about making sure the economy works for everyone, not just those at the top.

I reckon this speech hits all the right notes. It’s a clear, no-nonsense vision for a country that works for its people, not just for shareholders and lobbyists.

So welcome back to the Labour Party, I say.

Hoake tatou.

That’s Will’s Word.