Labour Manifesto Targets 30% Power Bill Increase With New Cost of Living Plans
The 101-page document outlines specific policy commitments on housing, healthcare, and energy as the party prepares for the upcoming election.
By Jabari Long ·
New Zealanders face rising costs for food, fuel, and medical care. In response, Labour has released its official 2026 manifesto titled What Better Means for New Zealand. The 101-page document consolidates the party's policy positions for the current election cycle.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins identified the cost of living as the central issue of the contest. He noted that power bills have risen by nearly 30% and general practice fees have increased by 21%. Hipkins stated that Christopher Luxon promised to fix these issues but failed to do so. He described the situation as one where people are working hard yet still going backwards.
The manifesto lists specific commitments to lower everyday expenses. The party plans to cap public transport fares and remove upfront costs for solar installations. It also proposes a ban on price gouging and a cut to student loan balances. Labour will provide three free general practice visits per year to patients.
Healthcare reforms are detailed in a dedicated section of the document. Labour intends to end the current hiring freeze in the health sector. The party will require the Pharmaceutical Management Agency to proactively seek out medicines that New Zealanders need. These measures aim to improve access and manage long-term costs for families.
Energy policy changes are scheduled for the first year of a potential Labour government. The party will begin a review of structural reforms in the electricity market within the first 100 days. It plans to introduce legislation to enact these reforms within six months. The document also includes a promise to reinstate the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration.
Labor market rules will see the restoration of the gateway test to distinguish between employees and contractors. Labour will ban total remuneration contracts in its first year to ensure employer KiwiSaver contributions are genuinely additional. The party also aims to work towards eliminating homelessness and set a clear goal to reduce rough sleeping.
Education policies focus on pausing curriculum changes that have not yet been implemented. This pause is intended to give schools time to assess what should proceed. Labour also aims to move away from excessive standardization and high-stakes testing while lifting achievement in English and maths.
The final sections cover immigration, climate, and foreign affairs. Labour requires immigrants to spend four years in New Zealand before qualifying for permanent residence. It promises to maintain strong relationships with the United States and China while introducing economic sanctions on Israel. Hipkins concluded that every commitment in the plan is costed and funded within the same budget allowances as the National party.
