Chris Hipkins pledges to continue Nelson infrastructure projects

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has promised that his party will not cancel, defer, or re-scope infrastructure projects where work is already underway if elected. This commitment includes the Hope Bypass and the first stage of the Nelson Hospital redevelopment. Hipkins stated that Labour intends to continue with the current government's scaled-down first stage of the hospital project rather than returning to a previous $1.1 billion plan.

During a public meeting at the Headingly Centre in Richmond, Hipkins addressed various issues including healthcare, education, and economic development. He argued that political parties should move away from campaigning on individual projects in favour of establishing a long-term pipeline of work for roads, schools, and hospitals. Regarding the hospital, Hipkins noted that further discussions would be required concerning the timing and funding for stage two.

The meeting followed a day in Nelson that included a visit to Pic's Peanut Butter World in Stoke. Hipkins also discussed the hospice pay-equity framework, pledging to reinstate it without requiring existing live claims to restart from the beginning. Local hospice nurse Donna Burnett expressed concern over service cutbacks and the sustainability of Nelson Tasman Hospice, which costs approximately $9 million annually to operate.

Hipkins noted that the regional South Island has been 'really forgotten' due to its smaller share of funding from sources like the National Land Transport Fund. He declined to commit to a specific completion timeframe for the Hope Bypass and Rocks Road projects.

Where reports differ

• One report mentions Hipkins was joined by Rachel Boyack and Mananui Ramsden, while the other does not

Compiled from reports by RNZ and The Press.