Hipkins stamps his mark on campaign

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

Labour is banking on a new election slogan, “In it for you”, as the general election edges nearer and it works to reverse sagging poll numbers.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says the slogan reflects Labour’s basic philosophy and he hopes New Zealanders know he is in it for them and understands the challenges they are facing.

While he has only been in the job for six months, he believes his upbringing in the Hutt Valley makes him grounded in the reality of working families with big aspirations.

He is asking New Zealanders for a full term and his own mandate to deliver the change they want to see.

The slogan and announcement reflects his back-to-basics approach for government, seen last week with his statement there would not be a wealth tax or capital gains tax under his watch because many people were struggling with the cost of living, and it was “simply not the time” for big changes to the tax system.

National leader Christopher Luxon was quick to respond saying he does not think New Zealanders need slogans but real, substantive answers to their challenges and problems.

National has produced a back-to-basics stroke of its own by announcing a dedicated pothole fund which would make an extra $500 million available for state highways and local road repairs — something that would have a big appeal for this district.

There was also good news for locals in the announcement by Hipkins that East Coast MP Kiri Allan would return to resume her place in Cabinet from this week. He added a rider that he expected his ministers to treat their staff, and those they had to deal with, with respect.

Kiri Allan has just gone through a difficult period in her life, book- ended by year-old allegations from anonymous sources.

Fair-minded people would wish her the chance to resume her political career, which had begun so well, while offering quiet advice to make sure she treats those she deals with in a professional manner.

Last week ended on a happy note with commanding wins for the All Blacks and New Zealand Warriors and the safe return of two children lost in the Southland bush, while an epic  Wimbledon men’s final saw Carlos Alcaraz (20) beat Novak Djokovic.

The focus moves to the round ball game on Thursday with the start of the Women’s Football World Cup — one of, if not the biggest, sports event ever held here.

In one of the world’s most fanatical rugby countries, the White Ferns are up against it in more than one sense but they will do the best they can, and know that they have their nation behind them.