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Labour

New Zealand Labour Party
Opposition Founded 1916
Chris Hipkins
Leader of the Opposition
Chris Hipkins

Centre-left party and principal opposition to the current government

34
Seats
27.6% of 123

Overview

The New Zealand Labour Party is the country's principal centre-left party, founded by the trade union movement in 1916. Labour governed New Zealand from 2017 to 2023 under Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins, and now serves as the largest opposition party in the 54th Parliament.

History

Labour has been at the heart of New Zealand's progressive tradition since its founding. The first Labour government (1935–1949) introduced the welfare state, free healthcare, and state housing. Modern Labour governments have continued this tradition through Working for Families, KiwiSaver, and major public service investments under the Ardern–Hipkins government.

Founded in 1916, one of New Zealand's oldest political parties

Core values

Fair wages, workers' rights and strong unions
Accessible public healthcare and mental health services
Affordable housing for all New Zealanders
Climate action and environmental protection
Reducing child poverty and inequality
Free and high-quality public education

Key policy areas

Policy topics most associated with Labour. Tap any topic to compare every party's position side by side.

Legislative record this term

54th Parliament · as at 24 June 2026

As an opposition party, Labour doesn’t lead government bills (only ministers can). Its MPs advance policy through members’ bills — drawn from a ballot, so getting one passed is uncommon.

4
Members’ bills passed into law
23
Members’ bills in the ballot
Passed into law
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill
Companies (Address Information) Amendment Bill
Evidence (Giving Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings) Amendment Bill
Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill
Leadership
Chris Hipkins
Chris Hipkins
Leader of the Opposition
At a glance
Total seats34
Electorate seats20
List seats14
Share of House27.6%
Founded1916

Caucus

Labour holds 34 seats in the 54th Parliament.

Chris Hipkins
Chris Hipkins
View profile

Full caucus list will appear here once the Parliament API integration is complete.

Sources

Seat counts from the 2023 General Election (Electoral Commission). Party background from parliament.nz and official party records. Leadership details pending Parliament API verification.