You might have seen that Labour’s leader Chris Hipkins gave his state of the nation speech Monday.

It was remarkable only for its total lack of a plan for New Zealand.

Labour is two years into Opposition and devoid of any new ideas to take the country forward. In March 2024, Chris Hipkins promised details of how they would deliver on key issues including future tax policy.

His speech contained no new ideas, no plan.

Hipkins’ only policy so far is a reheated proposal for a capital gains tax which proves that Labour is set to repeat the same formula of ‘spend more, tax more, borrow more’ that wrecked our economy and pushed up the cost of living.

It has taken National two years of careful economic management to start undoing the damage Labour did to the economy, put it into recovery and get more money into Kiwis’ pockets.

National has reduced taxes, stopped wasteful spending, got inflation under control and delivered an average mortgage holder savings of around $10,000 each year. There is much more work to do to create more jobs and lift wages and help Kiwis get ahead.

The last thing New Zealand needs is an economic wrecking ball in the form of a Labour-Greens-Te Pati Māori Government that spends uncontrollably and sends interest rates back to record highs, pushing up costs for Kiwis, and increasing debt for future generations.

National has a plan to fix the basics and build the future that will mean a more stable and prosperous future for Kiwis and their children.

Nicola Willis

National Party Finance spokesperson