Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Photo: RNZLabour leader Chris Hipkins has come out swinging at the government in his first speech of election year, saying it is responsible for the situation New Zealand is in. Hipkins took aim at the Prime Minister's State of the Nation speech, saying New Zealanders got "another litany of blame and excuses" from Christopher Luxon on Monday when what they wanted was a "plan for the future." There was no leadership from this government, Hipkins said, and referenced comments Luxon had made in the past about New Zealanders. Hipkins closed his speech by saying Labour was "fired up and excited for election year".

Source: Otago Daily Times January 21, 2026 07:02 UTC