William Terite: Chippy swears vs Luxon's tears

Well, based on energy alone, Labour’s campaign launch had far more of it than National’s.

From the outset, the red team’s rally felt more energetic and lively than the blue team’s.

And yes, you could plausibly make the argument that it’s easier for Labour. They haven’t been in power for the past three years, so putting the blame on the current lot is a much more comfortable position to be in.

But even the atmosphere in the room felt more alive at Labour’s event.

And a big part of that came down to a loud, proud Pacific crowd in the audience.

Which is where Labour was smart. They held their launch in South Auckland, the party’s stronghold, and filled the room with people who clearly wanted them back.

Still, it wasn’t without fault.

As the curtains opened and Chris Hipkins emerged on stage, I couldn’t help but feel like he was a bit of a deer in the headlights.

Did I walk away from that campaign launch convinced he’ll do a better job than he did at the last election?

Labour leader Chris Hipkins and his partner Toni at the party’s 2026 campaign launch in South Auckland over the weekend. Photo/RNZ Jo Moir

Somewhat.

He swore on stage, calling National’s tax attacks, quote, “bullshit”.

A rather bold choice, given surely there were children in that audience.

But at least we got to see a bit more edge, a bit more mongrel.

No doubt his minders would've told him he needed to get out there and show he had energy.

Which is what I want to see more of by Hipkins this election.

Might I add that I'll never fault a political party for putting a new policy on the table because at the end of the day, elections are about ideas.

Ideas that can get this country moving. Ideas that can push our nation forward. Ideas that can lift people out of hardship and get them into well paid employment.

So Labour’s latest policy, to wipe 10 per cent off student debt, will come as welcome relief to students drowning in debt and facing a cost-of-living crisis.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon speaks at the party’s 2026 campaign launch at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland. Photo/RNZ/Calvin Samuel

By comparison, the best the Nats could come up with was a pledge card. A list of things they’re committing to action if they’re re-elected.

Now, while the blue team’s launch may have lacked energy, it made up for it in sheer production value.

No doubt they had a bigger budget than Labour to pull off their event, and it showed.

They hosted theirs at the fancy International Convention Centre in central Auckland, showed off their flash new ad, and hammered home the message of fixing the basics and building the future.

So future-focused, yet still nostalgic for the past, given Sir John Key was brought on stage to deliver a few words to the party faithful.

A reminder, perhaps, of the period of government National wants voters to remember.

But there was a touching moment amidst all the campaigning.

Christopher Luxon, getting emotional during his speech while reflecting on the sacrifices his parents made in order for him to succeed.

Listen to Will's Word below.

Now that's a story that transcends political colours, stripes and allegiances.

And that’s more of what I want to see from the National Party leader.

So, after seeing both launches, what am I left with?

On one side, Labour had the energy, the emotion and the new policy.

On the other, National had the polish, the production and the promise of continuity.

And despite all the gusto from Labour and the slick, almost military-like precision of National’s event, I’m still left with that inevitable question that’s plagued me for much of this year.

Are either of these parties worth my vote?