Hi John,

Labour has always been the party that protects and boosts workers’ rights, and today I announced the next steps in our plan to support New Zealanders to get ahead.

A re-elected Labour Government will protect hard-fought workers’ rights and keep the momentum on wage growth to lift incomes for all New Zealanders.

We will progressively move workers across health and education onto at least the living wage. Our health care assistants, caregivers, and school caretakers all play an important role in delivering our public services and should be better supported. My focus will always be on investing in our frontline services and people, not cutting them.

We will also ensure the minimum wage is raised every year, closing the gap between the minimum and living wages. When Labour came into Government, the living wage was $20.20 per hour - almost five dollars an hour more than the minimum wage. Our increases mean the current minimum wage was less than a dollar lower than the 2022/23 living wage.

Lifting the minimum wage will support our lowest income earners and see wage growth continue upwards above the minimum wage too. There’s a lot more in the plan that we announced today, and you can find out more about it here.

There’s a lot at risk this election. Workers' rights are under threat as Christopher Luxon and David Seymour eye up a smorgasbord of cuts.

Only a Labour Government will safeguard fair pay agreements, where applications are currently progressing to improve pay and conditions for bus drivers, hospitality staff, early childhood teachers, port workers, cleaners and security guards.

We have a proven record of delivering for New Zealand workers. It’s one that I’m proud of, and we need to keep building on it.

There’s a clear choice for Kiwis this election. Forward or backwards. The latest numbers show that our economy is turning a corner after a tough global economic cycle. Growth is forecast, inflation is coming down, and wages are growing. And there’s a range of ways that we’re making life more affordable for families, students, workers and seniors – and more cost of living support is at the heart of Labour’s plan.

Now, New Zealanders have the opportunity to keep moving forward and to build on the hard-earned gains of recent years with a progressive plan that will ensure everyone can get ahead.

We believe in moving forward.

I hope you’re with us.

Thanks,
Chris