Hi John,

There was a real energy in the room at the annual Labour Party Conference this weekend, where we confirmed we’d rebuild Dunedin hospital, reinstate Smokefree Aotearoa and would repeal the government’s tax break for tobacco companies.

It’s a no brainer, we just need to get on with it and build Dunedin hospital.

We also ruled out joining AUKUS, because we are proud of our independent foreign policy in New Zealand, and proudly nuclear-free.

Labour in Government leads for all New Zealanders. We want to make our country better for our children, working people, and each other. 

Kiwis should be able to get ahead through their own hard work, and the next Labour government will reinstate fair pay agreements and deliver a fairer deal for working people. 

If you didn’t tune into the conference, you can read my speech here.

We also heard excellent contributions from Labour’s deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni, finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds and Labour’s Māori caucus co-chair Willie Jackson.

The message was clear. In 2026 Labour will be ready. This will be a one-term National government.

Together, we can make it happen.

Thank you,
Chris

P.S. You can also watch my speech to the conference here.