MPs engage in heated final debate before election campaign

Members of Parliament held their final debate of the 54th Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. The session served as the last sitting day before the upcoming election campaign.

National leader Christopher Luxon opened the adjournment debate by praising his coalition partners for delivering a strong government. He led a call-and-response with his caucus regarding various tax proposals, concluding with National MPs shouting “no new taxes!”. Luxon stated that the coalition improved health, education, and law and order while reducing government spending.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticised the three-way coalition, claiming they failed to fix the cost of living or unemployment. He remarked, “They promised to fix the health system and Kiwis are dying in hospital waiting rooms”. Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick argued the Government focused on the wrong issues, including the environment and the Treaty. Swarbrick also targeted Winston Peters, describing him as “living proof that Māori never ceded sovereignty”.

ACT leader David Seymour emphasised the need to unlock the country's potential by making government smaller and more efficient. He noted that the new Ministry of Regulation saved at least $250 million this term through red tape reduction.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, The Post and Stuff.