Hipkins pledges to reverse pay equity changes within 100 days

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has committed to reversing changes to the Pay Equity Act within the first 100 days of a Labour government. He made this pledge during a public meeting at Coronation Hall in Spreydon on Monday, 28 September 2026.

Hipkins described the government's decision last year to pass a law under urgency that cancelled pay equity for tens of thousands of women as "probably the most reprehensible thing that I have seen in my time as a member of parliament". He stated that once the change is reversed, care and support workers will be the first to sit down for a settlement.

The meeting in Spreydon was attended by a crowd of more than 200 people, which exceeded the hall's seating capacity of approximately 120. During the event, Hipkins also promised to guarantee every nurse graduate a job within the health system.

The Labour leader's visit to Christchurch included stops at a supermarket in Belfast, Riverside Market, and the University of Canterbury. He also promoted other policies such as the SolarSaver programme, an apprenticeship boost, and reducing student loan debt.

Where reports differ

• One report notes the meeting was held at Coronation Hall, while another refers to it as a community hall

Compiled from reports by The Press, RNZ, NZ Herald and 1News.