As it happened: Election campaign 4 October
New Zealand's 2026 election campaign has intensified as major parties clash over fiscal plans and policy promises. Labour and National are trading accusations regarding budget deficits while smaller parties focus on specific voter demographics and tax reforms.
Why it matters
The fiscal debate between the two major parties sets the economic agenda for the upcoming national election and impacts voter sentiment.
Election 2026 heated up on Sunday, when Labour released its long-awaited fiscal plan and National immediately claimed it fell billions of dollars short, which would be made up in more borrowing and taxes.
Among the promises from Labour leader Chris Hipkins was a pay rise for 65,000 care and support workers, costing $2.5b over four years, while also re-implementing pay-equity legislation.
National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis accused Labour of lying to the country, claiming an $8.5b hole in its policy.
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Meanwhile, National leader Christopher Luxon visited the Takanini Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Sikh Temple, which has hosted several previous prime ministers.
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