Parliament adjourns with leaders trading barbs and pledges ahead of election
In the final debate before the election, party leaders used the adjournment to criticize opponents and tout their own records.
The closing parliamentary debate turned into a showdown of election rhetoric, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defending the three-party coalition and emphasizing a "no new taxes" platform. Labour leader Chris Hipkins countered by citing failures on cost of living and shared anecdotes of struggling citizens. Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick presented headlines to illustrate perceived government shortcomings, while ACT leader David Seymour claimed $14 billion in savings and celebrated the avoidance of new taxes.
New Zealand First chief Winston Peters attacked other parties and defended his group's legislative output, and Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi warned of an "anti-Māori" agenda. The session ended with each side positioning itself for the upcoming November 7 election.
Why it matters
The speeches set the tone for the upcoming election, highlighting each party's key messages and criticisms.
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