Hipkins and Labour election campaign 2026

The story so far

Labour leader Chris Hipkins's first public chat was reported under a headline citing heckling, "bitching" and a cat.^{10 Sep} At a public meeting in Strathmore Park, Hipkins rejected claims that Labour is not being bold enough, after an audience member challenged the party's level of ambition.^{22 Sep} Labour kicked off its election campaign in Hamilton with a policy announcement and said it is eyeing wins in "bellwether" seats.^{24 Sep} A later report said Labour would officially launch its campaign on Sunday, and Hipkins commented on the prime minister's absence on the campaign's second day.^{25 Sep} During a campaign visit to the Ōtara markets, Hipkins was confronted by Vision NZ candidate Karl Mokaraka, who questioned him on the definition of a woman and criticised his record in South Auckland.^{26 Sep}

Latest

Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern released a video message supporting Hipkins.^{11 Oct} Ardern, who lives in Australia, used the video to urge people to donate to Labour's 2026 election campaign.^{11 Oct}

Key moments

1. 10 SepHipkins' first public chat is marked by heckling and a cat
2. 22 SepHipkins rejects claims Labour lacks ambition at a Strathmore Park meeting
3. 24 SepLabour kicks off its campaign in Hamilton with a policy announcement
4. 25 SepHipkins comments on the prime minister's absence ahead of Labour's Sunday launch
5. 26 SepVision NZ candidate Karl Mokaraka confronts Hipkins at the Ōtara markets
6. 11 OctDame Jacinda Ardern backs Hipkins and urges donations to Labour

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