Labour wants to make New Zealand a better place to live in by providing opportunities for all, jobs, strong public services, quality education, and affordable healthcare. We believe this can be achieved by keeping assets in Kiwi hands, taking care of our environment, and ensuring we get our economy back in the black without compromising the wellbeing of hardworking Kiwis.
What are our values and principles?
In the Labour Party, our principles and values define what we do. They are codified by the Labour Party Constitution:
Principles
Objectives
You can read more about our values and principles in our Constitution and Policy Platform.
You can read more about our history here.
How are we organised?
Labour has a unique structure, designed to meet the needs of its members as well as being an effective part of New Zealand’s vibrant democracy. This structure helps us to develop well-reasoned policy, run efficient campaigns, and represent Kiwis.
General and special branches
Branches represent the interests of members at a local level. Special branches have been established to represent unique groups including, Women’s branches, University branches, Youth branches, Maori branches, Pacific Island branches, Industrial branches and Rainbow branches.
Affiliates
The Labour Party is part of a wider labour movement, which continues to help working Kiwis in New Zealand. We therefore have a relationship with our affiliated trade unions. Generally speaking, members of these unions are also affiliated members of Labour.
Labour Electorate Committees
Labour has an Electorate Committee for each general and Maori electorate in New Zealand. These committees coordinate local electorate events and let elected representatives report back on their work. Branches can send representatives to this body.
Labour Local Body Committees
Labour also has Local Body Committees for local and regional authorities in New Zealand. These coordinate local electorate events and let elected representatives report back on their work. Branches can send representatives to this body.
Labour Regional Councils
Each Electorate Committee is assigned to a Regional Council, for one of Labour’s six regions across the country, where they work together to hold regional events and activities.
The New Zealand Council
This is the Governing body of the Party, operating through the General Secretary and Head Office, with representatives from each region, our affiliates, sectors and the Party’s caucus in Parliament.
Members of NZ Council
President: | Jill Day |
Senior Vice President: | Carol Beaumont |
Māori Senior Vice President: | Tane Phillips |
Affiliates Vice President: | Chris Flatt |
Multicultural Vice President: | Alamelu Badrinarayanan |
Pacific Vice President: | Maria Meredith |
Rural/Regional Vice President: | Angela Roberts |
Seniors' Vice President: | Helen Gaeta |
Women's Vice President: | Nerissa Henry |
Youth Vice President: | Thomas Pope-Kerr |
Policy Council Representative: | Jo Spratt |
Rainbow Representative: | Michael Gibbs |
Te Kaunihera Māori Representatives: | Honey Heemi & Kaye Taylor |
General Secretary: | Rob Salmond |
Parliamentary Leader: | Rt Hon Chris Hipkins MP |
Parliamentary Deputy Leader: | Hon Carmel Sepuloni MP |
Caucus Secretary: | Hon Rachel Brooking MP |
Auckland/Northland Representatives: | Antonia Verstappen, Simon Mitchell & Deborah Misiuepa |
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Representative: | Pare Taikato |
Central North Island Representative: | Tim Easton |
Wellington Representative: | Freddie Dillon |
Northern South Island Representative: | Keir Leslie |
Otago/Southland Representative: | Luke Nickholds |
To get in contact with any member of the NZ Council, please email [email protected]
How do we craft our policy?
The Policy Manifesto from the previous election is used as a basis.
Constitutional bodies of the Party (branches - geographical; special; sector councils; policy committees) submit policy proposals to regional conferences.
Policy proposals are discussed, amended if necessary through amendments proposed by branches or the Regional Council, and voted on at regional conferences for forwarding to Annual Conference.
The policy proposals may be adopted as they are, or referred by the Conference to our Policy Council, or to policy committees and/or sector councils if more development as needed. Draft policies for the next Policy Manifesto will incorporate passed policy proposals in whole or in principle.
Development of broader draft policies for the next Policy Manifesto can involve leadership by the MP tasked with a policy role in the area – working together with the relevant Sector Council and Policy Committee. The draft policy for each policy area should consider the previous policy, passed policy proposals, and the overall direction of the Party.
Individual policies are referred to the Policy Council for consideration and endorsement - and in an election year to the Manifesto Committee for editing in terms of language, format, length and consistency with other policies.
Click here for a visual summary of our policy process.
Updating your details
Are you a member or supporter? To update your details with us click here.
Party documents
New Zealand Labour Party Constitution
New Zealand Labour Party Standing Orders
New Zealand Labour Party Policy Platform
Internal policy documents
Alcohol Policy
Bullying and Harassment Policy
Code of Conduct - Members
Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Events Management Policy
Procedure for investigating alleged misconduct
Policy for Sexual Harm Prevention and Response
Best Practice Doorknocking Guidance