National and Labour Launch 2026 New Zealand Election Campaigns

The National and Labour parties formally launched their 2026 election campaigns in Auckland on September 27, beginning a six-week race centered on the cost of living, healthcare, and the economy. Christopher Luxon, leader of the National Party, held a launch in central Auckland where he unveiled a pledge card containing ten commitments. These include a promise of no new taxes, a goal to return the budget to surplus, and tougher consequences for crime.

Simultaneously, Labour leader Chris Hipkins launched his campaign in South Auckland. He introduced a policy to forgive 10% of student loan debt for eligible borrowers, a move estimated to cost 583.4 million dollars over four years. While National focused on the risk of new taxes under a Labour government, Labour campaign chairman Kieran McAnulty accused the current government of being out of touch and criticized recent changes to voter enrollment laws as gerrymandering.

Recent polling from the Ipsos Issues Monitor indicates that while Labour is still viewed as the most capable of managing primary national concerns, its lead has narrowed. Conversely, National has seen declines in its perceived ability to handle the economy and the cost of living.