At last night’s debate, Christopher Luxon showed how completely out of touch he is with the realities of New Zealand’s health system.

“Christopher Luxon continues to deny what his own Health Minister said in Parliament: this Government has hired just 54 new nurses. Meanwhile, patients are dying in emergency department toilets and children receiving chemotherapy are being treated in waiting rooms,” Labour Campaign Chair Kieran McAnulty said.

“Luxon has shown his true colours in his attempt to shirk responsibility for the health system saying it’s not a political issue. He has no idea of the devastating consequences his poor leadership is having for real people.

“How dare he tell parents of children with cancer not to be passionate about the care their kids receive. Of course they're passionate. They have every right to demand better from the Government responsible for our health system.

“Luxon couldn't even look Chris Hipkins in the eye when confronted with the reality of what families are experiencing. That says a lot about a Prime Minister who would rather deflect than take responsibility.

“You cannot fix a crisis you refuse to acknowledge. Luxon is so determined to deny the extent of the damage that he cannot offer the leadership or solutions New Zealand needs.

“New Zealand cannot afford another three years of Christopher Luxon. He has had his chance, and three debates have only reinforced why it's time for a change.

“Labour will focus on what matters to people: lower bills, good jobs and a fairer deal for families. New Zealanders deserve a Government that listens, takes responsibility and gets things done,” Kieran McAnulty said