Shadow Cabinet of Chris Hipkins
Shadow Cabinet of Chris Hipkins | |
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 Shadow Cabinet of New Zealand | |
| 27 November 2023 – Present | |
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| People and organisations | |
| Charles III | |
| Chris Hipkins | |
Deputy Leader of the Opposition | Carmel Sepuloni |
Member party | |
Status in legislature | Official Opposition |
| History | |
| Legislature term | 54th New Zealand Parliament |
| Predecessor | Shadow Cabinet of Christopher Luxon |
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Ministerial career
General elections |
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The Shadow Cabinet of Chris Hipkins is the official Opposition in the 54th New Zealand Parliament. It comprises the members of the New Zealand Labour Party, which is the largest political party that is not a member of the government.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins announced his shadow cabinet on 30 November 2023, after the formation of the Sixth National Government.
History
Formation
On 7 November 2023 the Labour caucus re-elected Hipkins as leader and elected Carmel Sepuloni deputy leader after Kelvin Davis declined to remain in the role. Labour's senior and junior whips, Tangi Utikere and Camilla Belich respectively, were re-elected. Hipkins deferred announcing portfolio assignments until after the incoming government was formed.[1] On 29 November it was revealed that Grant Robertson and Ayesha Verrall would hold the finance and health portfolios, with the remainder to be announced the following day.[2]
Many former ministers in the Hipkins-led Sixth Labour Government continued in their portfolios, but in opposition. These included Sepuloni in social development, Megan Woods in energy and resources, Willie Jackson in Māori development and broadcasting, Kieran McAnulty in local government and regional development, Ginny Andersen in police, Jan Tinetti in education and women, and Barbara Edmonds in economic development. Duncan Webb picked up the justice portfolio and David Parker became spokesperson for foreign affairs. McAnulty also secured the housing portfolio and was named Shadow Leader of the House. All 34 members of the caucus were assigned at least one portfolio but the highest-ranked member who had not previously served as a minister was senior whip Tangi Utikere, at 21, who was also assigned the transport portfolio.[3]
Subsequent changes
On 15 December 2023, Kelvin Davis (spokesperson for Māori–Crown relations and Treaty of Waitangi negotiations) announced that he would retire from Parliament effective Waitangi Day on 6 February 2024.[4] On 29 January 2024, Rino Tirikatene (spokesperson for corrections and land information) announced that he would retire from Parliament that weekend.[5] The resignations of Tirikatene and Davis, both list MPs, allowed Tracey McLellan and Shanan Halbert to reenter Parliament.[6] On 20 February 2024, Grant Robertson (spokesperson for finance and racing) announced that he would be resigning the following month to take up the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago. Robertson was succeeded as a list MP by Glen Bennett on 25 March 2024.[7]
Hipkins addressed the three resignations in a single reshuffle on the same day as Robertson's resignation. The eleventh-ranked economic development and associate finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds was promoted to the fourth rank and the lead finance portfolio, behind senior MP Megan Woods. The other MPs who gained new portfolios were Damien O'Connor (land information), Tangi Utikere (racing portfolios), Ginny Andersen (Treaty of Waitangi negotiations), Peeni Henare Māori–Crown Relations), Halbert (Auckland and rainbow issues), McLellan (corrections and associate health) and Bennett (economic development and associate energy).[8][6]
In March 2025, Hipkins announced a reshuffle of the Cabinet with a focus on creating a team focused around the economy consisting of Barbara Edmonds, Ginny Andersen, Peeni Henare, Reuben Davidson and Cushla Tangaere-Manuel.[9] Hipkins also gave a state of the nation address focusing on jobs, health and housing at the Auckland Business Chamber, which was attended by Chamber leader Simon Bridges, Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown and several union and business leaders.[9][10] Former chief whip and incoming local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere was promoted to the 12th rank and the whips team of Utikere, Camilla Belich and Arena Williams were succeeded by Glen Bennett, Tracey McLellan and Tangaere-Manuel. In a minor reshuffle following the retirement of David Parker in May 2025, Henare became foreign affairs spokesperson and Vanushi Walters rejoined Parliament as shadow attorney-general.[11]
In March 2026, Hipkins further reshuffled his shadow Cabinet ahead of the 2026 general election and following the retirements of Adrian Rurawhe and Peeni Henare and the signalled retirement of Duncan Webb. Key changes included the appointment of Walters as foreign affairs spokesperson, Prime as social development spokesperson, Andersen as education spokesperson, and Belich as justice spokesperson.[12][13]
2026 election campaigning
During Labour's annual general meeting in late November 2025, Hipkins confirmed that the party would contest all seven Māori electorates at the 2026 New Zealand general election; six of which are held by Te Pāti Māori. The party has sought to exploit growing voter disillusionment with the National-led coalition government's handling of cost of living, health, economic and housing issues as well as infighting within Te Pāti Māori.[14]
On 19 May, the Labour Party declined to release details of its Future Funds policy until after the 2026 general election, including the cost to the New Zealand Crown and which state assets would be merged into the fund. The party's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said the delay was due to several state-owned enterprises having accompanying Treaty of Waitangi obligations.[15]
On 8 June, Labour released its party list for the 2026 election.[16] In response, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers criticised Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, the New Zealand Police's ethnic, iwi and community relations manager, for not earlier disclosing his intention to stand as a Labour candidate. Chambers said that his Labour candidacy posed a conflict of interest, making it untenable for him to continue serving as a senior Police executive.[17] The Police Commissioner also confirmed that the Police would investigate whether Naidoo had shared any sensitive information during the time he was being courted by Labour. In response, Hipkins defended Naidoo's candidacy while Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen accused Police Minister Mark Mitchell of violating the New Zealand Police's independence by instructing Chambers to criticise Naidoo's Labour candidacy.[18]
On 24 August Labour released its election slogan "Better Starts Now," with Hipkins stating that the party would campaign on changing the government. He also said that Labour's campaign would focus on the cost of living, jobs, housing and healthcare.[19]
List of spokespersons
The list of portfolio spokespersons, as of 11 March 2026, is as follows.[20]
| Rank | Spokesperson | Portfolio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rt Hon Chris Hipkins | Leader of the Opposition Spokesperson for Ministerial Services Spokesperson for National Security and Intelligence | |
| 2 | Hon Carmel Sepuloni | Deputy Leader of the Opposition Spokesperson for Auckland Issues Spokesperson for Pacific Peoples Spokesperson for Women | |
| 3 | Hon Barbara Edmonds | Spokesperson for Finance Spokesperson for the Economy, Savings and Investment | |
| 4 | Hon Megan Woods | Spokesperson for Manufacturing and Industry Spokesperson for Energy and Resources Associate Spokesperson for Finance | |
| 5 | Hon Willie Jackson | Spokesperson for Māori Development Spokesperson for Māori Crown Relations Associate Spokesperson for Health (Māori) | |
| 6 | Hon Ayesha Verrall | Spokesperson for Health Spokesperson for Wellington Issues | |
| 7 | Hon Kieran McAnulty | Shadow Leader of the House Spokesperson for Housing Spokesperson for Infrastructure Spokesperson for Public Investment | |
| 8 | Hon Willow-Jean Prime | Spokesperson for Social Development Spokesperson for Children Associate Spokesperson for Education (Māori) | |
| 9 | Hon Ginny Andersen | Spokesperson for Education Spokesperson for Police Spokesperson for Jobs and Income Spokesperson for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations | |
| 10 | Hon Jan Tinetti | Spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety Spokesperson for Social Investment Spokesperson for Early Childhood Education Spokesperson for Child Poverty Reduction | |
| 11 | Tangi Utikere | Deputy Shadow Leader of the House Spokesperson for Transport Spokesperson for Local Government Spokesperson for Racing Spokesperson for State-Owned Enterprises | |
| 12 | Vanushi Walters | Shadow Attorney-General Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for the NZSIS | |
| 13 | Reuben Davidson | Spokesperson for Economic Development Spokesperson for Science, Technology and Innovation Spokesperson for Broadcasting, Media and Creative Economy | |
| 14 | Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan | Spokesperson for Conservation Spokesperson for Disability Issues Spokesperson for ACC | |
| 15 | Hon Jo Luxton | Spokesperson for Agriculture Spokesperson for Biosecurity Spokesperson for Customs | |
| 16 | Hon Deborah Russell | Spokesperson for Revenue Spokesperson for Climate Change Associate Spokesperson for Finance | |
| 17 | Hon Rachel Brooking | Spokesperson for the Environment Spokesperson for Food Safety Spokesperson for Space Spokesperson for RMA Reform | |
| 18 | Hon Damien O'Connor | Spokesperson for Trade and Export Growth Spokesperson for Defence Spokesperson for Land Information Spokesperson for Regional Development | |
| 19 | Camilla Belich | Spokesperson for Justice Spokesperson for Public Service | |
| 20 | Cushla Tangaere-Manuel | Assistant Whip Spokesperson for Emergency Management and Recovery Spokesperson for the Natural Hazards Commission Spokesperson for Sport and Recreation Spokesperson for Forestry Spokesperson for Māori Economy | |
| 21 | Glen Bennett | Chief Whip Spokesperson for Tourism and Hospitality | |
| 22 | Tracey McLellan | Junior Whip Spokesperson for Corrections Spokesperson for Christchurch Issues | |
| 23 | Hon Jenny Salesa | Spokesperson for Ethnic Communities Spokesperson for Customs Associate Spokesperson for Pacific Peoples | |
| 24 | Arena Williams | Spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs Spokesperson for Building and Construction Spokesperson for Youth | |
| 25 | Hon Phil Twyford | Spokesperson for Immigration Spokesperson for Disarmament and Arms Control Associate Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs | |
| 26 | Greg O'Connor | Assistant Speaker of the House of Representatives Spokesperson for Courts Spokesperson for Veterans | |
| 27 | Rachel Boyack | Spokesperson for Oceans and Fisheries Spokesperson for Arts, Culture and Heritage Spokesperson for Animal Welfare | |
| 28 | Shanan Halbert | Spokesperson for Tertiary Education Spokesperson for Whānau Ora | |
| 29 | Helen White | Spokesperson for the Community and Voluntary Sector Spokesperson for Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence | |
| 30 | Ingrid Leary | Spokesperson for Seniors Spokesperson for Mental Health | |
| 31 | Lemauga Lydia Sosene | Spokesperson for Internal Affairs Spokesperson for Statistics | |
| 32 | Georgie Dansey | Spokesperson for Rainbow Issues Spokesperson for Regulation | |
| 33 | Dan Rosewarne | Spokesperson for Rural Communities Spokesperson for Small Business | |
| 34 | Hon Duncan Webb | ||
Policies
Broadcast and media
In mid January 2026, broadcasting and media spokesperson Reuben Davidson announced that a Labour government would propose a streaming levy on foreign streaming companies like Netflix in order to invest in the New Zealand film industry. This proposal was welcomed by Screen Production and Development Association president Irene Gardiner.[21]
Commerce
On 6 August 2026, Hipkins released Labour's small business package which included promising faster invoice payments, tax relief on new equipment and reduced compliance costs.[22]
Defence
In February 2024, Labour reversed its previous support for New Zealand entering the non-nuclear component of the AUKUS, with Associate Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Phil Twyford describing it as an "offensive warfighting alliance against China."[23]
Education
In late April 2026, education spokesperson Ginny Andersen announced that Labour would campaign on reinstating school boards' Treaty of Waitangi obligations during the 2026 New Zealand general election. Other education policies have included reversing the current National-led coalition government's curriculum changes, mandated testing and so-called "politicisation of the education system."[24]
On 28 June 2026, Hipkins said that Labour would campaign on restoring the Apprenticeship Boost training scheme back to two years from 2028 and expanding the programme to include trades such as road construction, water treatment and hairdressing.[25]
Energy
On 8 July 2026, Labour announced that it would introduce subsidies and two new loan schemes to reduce the cost of installing solar technology in homes, including low and middle-income households.[26]
Finance
In mid October 2024, Hipkins and finance spokesperson Edmonds unveiled the party's "NZ Future Fund" policy, which would complement the New Zealand Superannuation Fund established by the Fifth Labour Government. The NZ Future Fund seeks to stimulate economic investment in New Zealand and is modelled after Singapore's Temasek fund.[27]
On 23 August, Labour released its fiscal strategy, which consisted of six policies. These policies included aiming to achieve a surplus by 2029/2030, reducing debt to 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), keeping core Government expenditure and revenue at 33 percent of GDP, establishing an independent Parliamentary Budget Office to scrutinise government spending and election commitments, restoring the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's dual mandate and well-being reporting.[28]
Foreign affairs and trade
In April 2024, Labour called for New Zealand to recognise Palestinian statehood. During the 2023 general election, Labour had campaigned on inviting a Palestinian representative to become an ambassador to New Zealand but had canceled it following the outbreak of the Gaza war on 7 October 2023.[29]
On 23 April 2026, Hipkins confirmed that Labour would support the New Zealand Government's free trade agreement with India; giving the National and ACT parties the numbers in Parliament needed to enact the agreement into law. National's coalition partner New Zealand First has opposed the agreement due to concerns about its impact on immigration settings.[30]
Health
In early November 2025, health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and Hipkins released a policy proposing free cervical cancer screenings for all women aged between 25 and 69 years. This cervical screening scheme is estimated to cost NZ$21.6 million and would be funded through health baselines.[31]
On 30 November 2025, Hipkins announced during Labour's annual general meeting that the party, if elected into government, would offer doctors and nurse practitioners low-interest loans to set up new practices or buy into existing ones.[32]
On 16 June 2026, Labour promised free maternity scans, as part of their Medicard proposals.[33]
Housing
On 24 June 2026, housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty announced that Labour if elected would raise the Crown guarantee for community housing builders' social bonds.[34]
Infrastructure
Taking a bipartisan approach towards investment, Labour has supported the Sixth National Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit, which was held in Auckland on 13 March 2025. Labour's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds gave a speech, titled "Investing in New Zealanders," outlining the party's views on "inclusive and sustainable development" that benefitted New Zealanders.[35] Despite this bipartisan approach to investment, Hipkins has indicated that Labour would not support the privatisation of health and education buildings.[36]
Lawmaking
In mid-November 2025, the Labour announced that it would repeal the contentious Regulatory Standards Act 2025 within its first 100 days of government if it won the 2026 general election.[37]
Modern slavery
In late January 2026, Labour and the governing National Party agreed to co-sponsor new legislation targeting modern slavery despite opposition from the ACT party.[38]
Taxation
In late October 2025, Hipkins announced that a future Labour government would introduce a capital gains tax to subsidise three free doctors' visits a year. The proposed capital gains tax would tax 28% of property transactions excluding the family home and farms. Hipkins also ruled out the idea of a wealth tax. In addition, Labour also announced plans to introduce tax subsidies for the domestic video game industry. In response, ACT leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour dismissed the idea of a capital gains tax as divisive and unnecessary.[39]
Transportation
On 10 June 2026, Labour pledged to cap public transport fees in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch at $20 per week from July 2027, while a $10 cap would be rolled out in other regions and centres.[40] While Labour estimated that its proposed public fares subsidy would cost $65 million a year, the economists Sam Warburton and Brad Olsen estimated that the programme would cost between $91 million and $112 million.[41]
References
- ↑ Coughlan, Thomas; Pearse, Adam (7 November 2023). "Chris Hipkins stays as Labour leader, Carmel Sepuloni takes over deputy from Kelvin Davis". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ↑ "Christopher Luxon's lack of control of Winston Peters 'does not bode well for future' - Hipkins". Radio New Zealand. 29 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ↑ "Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins reveals new shadow Cabinet". Radio New Zealand. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ↑ "Labour MP Kelvin Davis' message to National as he leaves politics: 'Back to the bad old times'". Radio New Zealand. 15 December 2023. Archived from the original on 3 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- ↑ "Labour's Rino Tirikatene retires from politics". Radio New Zealand. 29 January 2024. Archived from the original on 3 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- 1 2 "Labour reshuffle: Edmonds moves up as Finance spokesperson". Radio New Zealand. 20 February 2024. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- ↑ Rilkoff, Matthew (19 February 2024). "Former New Plymouth Labour MP Glen Bennett back in Parliament". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 February 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ↑ "Grant Robertson retires from politics, appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago". The New Zealand Herald. 20 February 2024. Archived from the original on 19 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- 1 2 "Hipkins sets up new Labour 'economic team' in reshuffle". Otago Daily Times. 7 March 2025. Archived from the original on 8 March 2025. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ↑ "Chris Hipkins' State Of The Nation Address". The Daily Blog. 7 March 2025. Archived from the original on 8 March 2025. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ↑ "Peeni Henare Takes Over Foreign Affairs". Scoop News. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ↑ Dexter, Giles (11 March 2026). "Labour reshuffle: Willow-Jean Prime loses education portfolio". RNZ. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ↑ Ricketts, Emma (11 March 2026). "Hipkins reshuffles Labour portfolios as Henare departs, and plan hatched for Maori seats". Stuff. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Smith, Anneke (28 November 2025). "Labour gathers for AGM as it shifts into campaign mode". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
- ↑ Coughlan, Thomas (22 May 2026). "Labour admits it will not release 'cornerstone' policy costings and job modelling until after the election, citing Treaty of Waitangi concerns". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
- ↑ Palmer, Russell (8 June 2026). "Who's in, who's out? Labour unveils list for November election". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 7 June 2026.
- ↑ Palmer, Russell (8 June 2026). "'Untenable' for Labour's new candidate to continue as superintendent - Police Commissioner". RNZ. Archived from the original on 8 June 2026. Retrieved 8 June 2026.
- ↑ Pearse, Adam (10 June 2026). "Labour police candidate stoush deepens as Police Minister accused of instructing Police Commissioner". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Labour reveals its 2026 election campaign slogan". 1News. 24 August 2026. Archived from the original on 24 August 2026. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
- ↑ "Our Team". New Zealand Labour Party. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ↑ "Election 2026: Labour proposes 'game-changing' streaming levy to fund local productions". RNZ. 15 January 2026. Archived from the original on 15 January 2026. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
- ↑ "Labour unveils small business package promising faster repayments, tax relief". 1News. 6 August 2026. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ Pennington, Phil (12 February 2024). "AUKUS a military pact designed to contain China, says Labour". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ↑ McCallum, Hannah (28 April 2026). "Labour vows to reinstate school boards' Treaty obligations". Newsroom. Archived from the original on 28 April 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
- ↑ Dexter, Giles (28 June 2026). "Election '26: Labour proposes Apprenticeship Boost Expansion". RNZ. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
- ↑ Dexter, Giles (8 July 2026). "Labour promises subsidies, new loan schemes for installing solar". RNZ. Retrieved 9 July 2026.
- ↑ Day, Tom (20 October 2025). "'NZ Future Fund': Labour reveals first major policy for next election". 1News. Archived from the original on 21 October 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ↑ Natanahira, Tuwhenuaroa (23 August 2026). "Labour releases fiscal strategy, promises to slash debt". RNZ. Retrieved 23 August 2026.
- ↑ Manch, Thomas (22 April 2024). "Labour calls for the Government to recognise Palestine". The Post. Archived from the original on 23 April 2024. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ↑ McCulloch, Craig (23 April 2026). "Chris Hipkins announces Labour will back India free trade bill". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ↑ Gabel, Julia (6 November 2025). "Labour Party's latest election policy makes cervical screening free for all women aged 25-69". RNZ. Archived from the original on 7 November 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ Smith, Anneke (30 November 2025). "Labour announces low-interest loans for family GP practices". RNZ. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ↑ "Labour promises free maternity scans if elected". Radio New Zealand. 16 June 2026. Archived from the original on 16 June 2026. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
- ↑ Dexter, Giles (24 June 2026). "Labour hopes new community underwrite scheme will incentivise more housing". RNZ. Archived from the original on 26 June 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ Coughlan, Thomas (13 March 2025). "New Zealand investors flock to Auckland for infrastructure summit". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 13 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
- ↑ Dexter, Giles (13 March 2025). "What's on the table at the government's infrastructure summit". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 12 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
- ↑ Palmer, Russell (13 November 2025). "Controversial Regulatory Standards Bill passes third reading". RNZ. Archived from the original on 13 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
- ↑ "Watch: National and Labour MPs team up to get slavery bill heard after ACT objects". RNZ. 29 January 2026. Archived from the original on 29 January 2026. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ↑ McCulloch, Craig (28 October 2025). "Labour to campaign on narrow capital gains tax, no wealth tax". RNZ. Archived from the original on 29 October 2025. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
- ↑ Ricketts, Emma; McConnell, Glenn (10 June 2026). "Labour reveals public transport fare cap in long-awaited election policy". Stuff. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ McCulloch, Craig; Hanly, Lillian (16 June 2026). "'Material' miscalculation - economists identify apparent errors in Labour's transport policy". RNZ. Retrieved 21 June 2026.
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1965–present |
Prime Minister of New Zealand (2023) • Leader of the Labour Party (2023–present) • Member of Parliament for Remutaka (2008–present) | ||
| Premiership | .jpg) | |
| Electoral history | ||
| Other | ||