Hipkins has repeatedly deflected questions about Te Pāti Māori, saying he would establish closer to the election which parties Labour could work with. Labour MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel says the party will work with Te Pāti Māori once it sorts out its issues. “When they sort their issues out, we’ll be able to work with them,” Tangaere-Manuel said of Te Pāti Māori. Labour MP Willie Jackson (right) has endorsed the position of his leader Chris Hipkins (left). He later clarified Te Pāti Māori had the freedom to choose its own policies but that some, like those he had mentioned, were not policies Labour would entertain in any future coalition negotiations.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 10, 2026 00:53 UTC