Labour will back New Zealanders to get ahead, grow the economy and make life more affordable, with every promise we have made fully costed and paid for.

“Hard work should get you somewhere. If you work hard and do your bit, you should be able to get ahead and build a good life here in New Zealand,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

“Too many New Zealanders are falling behind under National. Household budgets are stretched, small businesses are under pressure and the public services people rely on are struggling.

“National promised to grow the economy and get the books in order. It has done neither. 171,000 New Zealanders are unemployed, growth is weaker and debt has continued to rise. They have cut jobs and services, and New Zealanders have been left to pay the price.

“The choice is clear: more cuts and decline under National, or a Labour Government that will balance the books without shrinking the economy, get costs under control and back the people and businesses doing the work.

"Labour will build a country that is better today and better tomorrow,” Chris Hipkins said.

“Every election commitment Labour has made is fully costed and fully funded. The numbers add up and we have left room to confidently respond to whatever comes next,” Labour Finance and Economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“We will keep operating allowances at the $2.4 billion set at Budget 2026. Our announced capital commitments fit comfortably within the $12 billion of future capital allowances. We also have almost $10.5 billion of future operating allowances unallocated. We can deliver what we have promised without increasing those allowances.

“We will return the books to surplus in 2028/29 and bring net debt down below 20 percent of GDP over time. We can do that because we have made better choices about where public money goes and will make every dollar work harder.

“New Zealanders deserve a government that looks after their money and backs them to get ahead. Labour has a responsible plan to do both and build a stronger future for New Zealand,” Barbara Edmonds said.