'The Clock Is Ticking' On Luxon As PM, Says Hipkins As Labour Prepares For Election

Thursday, 22 January 2026, 5:35 pm
Article: RNZ

Lillian Hanly, Political reporter

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the odds are against his party this year given the rarity of one-term governments - but he's determined to buck the trend.

"Christopher Luxon has exactly 290 days left as prime minister," Hipkins said on Thursday. "The clock is ticking."

Speaking at a campaign event near Auckland's waterfront, Hipkins vowed to "build the biggest grassroots campaign Labour has ever run."

Hipkins said the election date's announcement "truly" kickstarted the work to change the government, name checking both National and ACT in his speech. Curiously, New Zealand First escaped a mention.

The prime minister confirmed on Wednesday this year's election would be held on 7 November, making the announcement from National's caucus retreat in Christchurch

Hipkins told volunteers that Labour was fighting for a simple idea: "this country should work for everyone."

He said the election would come down to a choice: "A choice between a National government led by Christopher Luxon that looks after the few at the top. Or a Labour government that works for the people who get up and actually do the hard grind every day."

Hipkins said as prime minister, he would be sure to deliver on his promises.

"You deserve a prime minister who answers the questions, who takes responsibility," he said. "Not one who's more interested in what you think of his Spotify playlist than what you're paying for your groceries."

Hipkins said government ministers were out of touch with New Zealanders when they told them "don't take it personally" when they lost their job.

"That's not the New Zealand I believe in, and it's not the New Zealand I'm going to lead."

Hipkins said the odds were are against his party, as New Zealanders don't often "change a government after just one term." But he said New Zealanders "cannot afford to give Christopher Luxon another three years."

Hipkins asked the audience who was "actually feeling" a difference when it came to the economy.

"Are you better off than you were three years ago? Are your groceries cheaper? Is the power bill easier to pay? Is it easier to see the local doctor than it was three years ago?

"Is it easier for your kids to find a job here at home than it was before Christopher Luxon became the prime minister?"

Hipkins said Luxon would ask for "more time... but more time for what?"

"More time for GP visits to hit over $100 dollars? More time for your kids to move to Australia? More time for power bills to keep climbing? More time to cut the public services we call rely on?"

Hipkins described stories he'd heard of people and families doing it tough, laying the blame squarely on the government.

"It's because the system isn't working for them. And that's on this government. National, ACT and all their friends…. They don't want to change the system."

Hipkins concluded his speech by calling on supporters to be part of the campaign, which "won't be won on TV or on billboards."

"It will be won by ordinary New Zealanders talking to their neighbours, their workmates, their families."

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