Election 2023 live updates: Hecklers interrupt Act Party campaign launch, Labour and National continue campaigning
Act Party’s campaign launch in Auckland has been overshadowed by hecklers this afternoon.
About 800 people gathered inside the Civic Theatre to listen to David Seymour speak.
A couple of minutes into his speech, Karl Mokaraka, Freedom NZs candidate and serial heckler, stood up and started shouting.
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James Wheeler
"Having a daughter born on women's suffrage day really signifies the policies that we have announced today," Hipkins said.
James Wheeler
Hipkins said the Labour party will be announcing a policy regarding split migrant families in the coming weeks.
James Wheeler
Hipkins says Labour is very proud of the track record they have when it comes to women's issues.
Hipkins speaks from Labour Women's Manifesto launch
James Wheeler
Hipkins, speaking from the campaign trail, said it has been 18 days since National has released their tax plan and they are continuing to refuse to release their secret costings.
Hipkins added there are 15 days left until New Zealanders can vote and thinks it's important that they know what they're voting for.
Seymour fronts after heckler incident
James Wheeler
In a press conference after the Act campaign launch, David Seymour apologised to any members of the media that were impeded or confronted by members of the audience during Mokaraka’s protest.
One camera operator was softly hit on the head with a sign as he got footage of Mokaraka shouting at Seymour on stage.
Seymour said the party would be co-operating with any investigations into the matter, promising that if someone was found guilty of assault, they would be kicked out of the party.
Seymour said he didn’t take responsibility for the actions of those people, saying his party believed in personal responsibility.
The party had taken steps to make the event secure from protesters but Seymour conceded those measures weren’t enough and questions would be asked about what went wrong and whether more security would be needed at future events.
He criticised Mokaraka’s actions, saying they disrupted an otherwise positive event.
On his proposed cuts of 15,000 jobs in the public service, Seymour defended the move while stating thousands of people changed jobs on a regular basis.
Co-governance was a main theme of the party’s launch. Seymour did not believe he was stoking fear and division between Māori and Pākehā.
Another of Act’s policy was to scrap the Māori Health Authority.
National leader Christopher Luxon said earlier today that he would replace it with a “strong Māori health directorate inside the Ministry of Health”.
Asked whether he agreed, Seymour said he could see some value in having a unit within the ministry that could engage directly with Māori health providers but then said a specific directorate was “probably not necessary”. The Act Party opposes providing public services with race as a determining factor.
Act also wanted a referendum on the treaty principles, something National opposed.
Asked if he had lobbied Luxon in one of the pair’s regular catch-ups, Seymour said it was something that had been discussed but any negotiations would be left to after the election if the two parties could form a government.
Luxon on the campaign trail in Palmerston North
James Wheeler
Hamish Fletcher
Hamish Fletcher
Labour would also review how relationship status impacts benefit entitlements so single mothers aren’t disadvantaged when starting a new relationship.
“We will also keep funding KiwiSaver contributions while parents are on paid parental leave, and extend 20 hours free early childhood education to 2-year-olds.
“These changes will mean women and mothers are better financially supported while raising their children.”
The breast cancer screening is expected to cover another 115,000 women and cost about $48 million over four years. Labour says it will be funded from within the $1.43 billion per annum set aside for health sector cost pressures in the Budget
The Women’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship scholarship pilot programme will receive $700,000 a year for funding to the 20 women a year, with administrative support coming from MBIE and Ministry for Women baselines.
Labour extends breast cancer screening
Hamish Fletcher
Labour is promising to extend free breast cancer screening from 69 to 74 - a pledge first proposed by the party in 2017, and which it has faced criticism for not implementing.
The policy is included in the party’s first Women’s Manifesto, launched today by Labour’s spokeswoman for women.
The manifesto includes previously announced policies, including making cervical screening services free between the ages of 25 to 69 years, saving up to $100 in co-payments.
Labour is also pledging to implement a national endometriosis action plan, establish an innovation and entrepreneurship scholarship programme for low-middle income women, “modernise” consent laws and introduce gender pay gap reporting.
“Labour is committed to creating a more equal society for all women,” Tinetti said.
“Every woman should have the opportunity to reach her full potential, regardless of her background or circumstances.”
Seymour announces his top 20
Sophie Ryan
Another woman started screaming and heckling in the Civic Theatre. Seymour didn't let her interrupt his delivery, he increased his volume to drown her out.
She was crying “Party vote Freedoms” as she was escorted from the upper level of the theatre while Seymour is introducing his top 20 candidates on the party’s list.
Simeon Brown says Hipkins' Cabinet turned down proposal to stop gang funding
Sophie Ryan
National's public service spokesman Simeon Brown says Chris Hipkins' Cabinet turned down a proposal to stop government contracts involving funding for gangs in July.
Brown said National understands the then-Justice Minister Kiri Allan lodged a paper for Cabinet on July 17, including a proposal to not engage in or renew any contracts with gangs or persons actively associated with gangs, but the proposal was not agreed to.
“For Kiwis living in communities affected by rising gang membership and the crime, chaos and misery that comes with it, this will be the final straw. In the midst of skyrocketing gang crime, Labour’s Cabinet couldn’t even agree to a proposal that would stop the government funding gangs.
“Gangs are actively campaigning for the Labour Party around the country and specifically telling their members to vote for Labour. Now we know why. Given a choice to stop funding gangs or continuing it, Labour chose the latter.”
"This proposal mirrors National’s own policy of stopping government funding for the criminal enterprises currently causing mayhem in communities up and down the country. If elected, we will enact this sensible change to stop government funding for gangs," said Brown.
Protester ejected from Act's launch
Sophie Ryan
Some Act party supporters were very resistant to media taking photos and videos of Mokaraka, blocking cameras and phones with their party signs. One man with sign in hand objected to a cameraman getting footage and softy hit the cameraman on the head with his cardboard sign. When one supporter was told by a journalist that journalists were just doing their job, he responded “I don’t care”.
Mokaraka has been ejected from the theatre, being roughly pushed out by several members of security. Mokaraka made headlines when he popped up over a fence to question the National leader while he was holding a press conference, which was eventually stopped due to Mokaraka’s disruption.
Seymour’s speech is now back on track as he talks about fixing the economy.
Protester is Vision NZ candidate
Sophie Ryan
The man disrupting the Act Party launch in Auckland today is Karl Mokaraka, Panmure-Otahuhu candidate for the Freedoms NZ party.
Mokaraka recently interrupted a media stand-up held by Christopher Luxon and a walk-about by Chris Hipkins.
Protester at Act Party launch supported by number of people
Sophie Ryan
Security at the Act Party launch are struggling to get the protester to leave the venue.
He has a crowd of media and people around him.
Seymour has continued with his speech, while his supporters have cheered and applauded.
"You go, sir, you will not stop us from making this the country that New Zealanders deserve," Seymour said.
Protester interrupts Act Party launch
Sophie Ryan
The heckler has continued to yell while Seymour continues with his speech.
“I’ve turned up to keep you accountable sir, south Auckland must be remembered,” he said.
Act Party launch interrupted
Sophie Ryan
A protester has interrupted Seymour’s speech. “We've been hoping for protesters for a long time,” Seymour said, welcomed by loud applause.
"For many years protesters have ignored the Act party," Seymour said.
He said the protesters were evidence of how the party has grown and succeeded in growing a wider support base.
Hipkins in west Auckland
Sophie Ryan
Hipkins says he understands immigration was a big issue for the community, especially undocumented migrants. He said Labour will have more to say about it before the election.
He said it was a challenging time. Cost of living has really been biting and families are feeling that. Hipkins attacked National’s proposed tax cuts saying it would lead to thousands of people losing jobs before Christmas.
Hipkins at a community event in west Auckland
Sophie Ryan
Chris Hipkins has begun his Sunday campaign with the Niutao Island Community event in Ranui.
Speaking to about 300 people at the Waitemata Rugby League Club where the community is celebrating 104 years since Christianity was introduced to the island.
Civic Theatre filling up for the Act Party launch
Sophie Ryan
Act Party launch in Auckland
Sophie Ryan
The Civic Theatre in Auckland is filling up ahead of the Act Party’s campaign launch today.
The event has an almost concert feel with music blaring from the speakers with a man playing a saxophone from one of the balconies.
There were a smattering of Freedoms NZ supporters outside the Civic but were making little commotion.
People upon entry were being checked, potentially as a way to limit the possibility of protesters interrupting proceedings as they did at Labour’s campaign launch earlier this month when leader Chris Hipkins had to stop his speech multiple times as he was confronted by protesters who had snuck in.
Luxon visits gurdwara in Palmerston North
Sophie Ryan
Chris Luxon at the Gurudwara Shri Fateh Sahib in Palmerston North.
Luxon on the Warriors
Sophie Ryan
Luxon said the Warriors win last night was very exciting.
"I'm so impressed with that team. The culture that they've built within that team is so impressive. I'm so proud of that team."
Sophie Ryan
Luxon flanked by National Rangitikei candidate Suze Redmayne and Palmerston North candidate Ankit Bansal during his standup.
Luxon on migrant worker abuse
Sophie Ryan
Luxon was passionate when asked about the issue of migrant worker abuse in New Zealand.
He said he had previously taken the issue of modern-day slavery and human trafficking very seriously when he was in business.
He said the rate of auditing from Immigration NZ is too slow given there's been a funding injection to try and stamp out migrant worker abuse.
Luxon on Seymour
Sophie Ryan
Luxon said he and Act Party leader David Seymour are aligned on many of the important issues.
"We're good friends."
Luxon criticises Labour's delivery of co-governance
Sophie Ryan
Luxon criticised Labour for failing to bring the public on board with co-governance.
"They haven't made the case for what they're trying to do by bringing co-governance into the delivery of public services," Luxon said.
He made it clear he supported honouring the Treaty and all settlements.
"You have to make sure you're continually honouring the Treaty after settlements have been made."
Luxon on co-governance
Sophie Ryan
Luxon has been asked about Act's position against co-governance in New Zealand.
He said he supports co-governance in the context of Treaty settlements, but he doesn't support co-governance in public sector.
Luxon takes a swing
Sophie Ryan
Christopher Luxon meets people in Orlando Country
Sophie Ryan
The National Party leader is meeting people in Orlando Country, near Palmerston North.
Beehive Diaries wraps up week on campaign
Sophie Ryan
New Zealand’s immigration records are tumbling ... again!
Sophie Ryan
Welcome to our live coverage
Sophie Ryan
Thanks for joining us live from the election campaign this Sunday. We will have live coverage from Christopher Luxon in Palmerston North, the Act Party campaign launch in Auckland and Chris Hipkins and Labour leader Chris Hipkins campaigning and making an announcement in Auckland.
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Mokaraka carried on shouting for up to 10 minutes until security forced him out of the theatre.
Once Mokaraka left the building a woman stood up at the rear of the theatre to also cause disruption.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is dampening down expectations of increasing annual leave to five weeks, saying the Green Party policy isn’t appropriate in the current economic conditions.
Hipkins said the extension, proposed to be fully introduced by the end of 2025, would threaten the sustainability of small businesses which were currently experiencing cost pressures.
Hipkins is visiting a west Auckland rugby league club today before making an announcement in Mt Albert. Meanwhile, National leader Christopher Luxon is campaigning in Palmerston North. And David Seymour is kicking off the Act Party campaign launch in Auckland. We will have live coverage from the campaign trail today.
Many of his comments to journalists while at E tū union’s campaign launch in Auckland were instead focused on National’s proposed tax plan in an attempt to warn people against a change in government.
He also impressed upon union members and supporters that a National, Act, New Zealand First government would mean “thousands” of public servants would lose their jobs before Christmas through the parties’ proposed cuts to the public service.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson spoke at the campaign launch but oddly didn’t talk about her policy which was announced via press release on Saturday afternoon.
In that release, Davidson said current pressures on workers meant they were unable to spend quality time with their whānau and friends.
“Tens of thousands of people are working two, sometimes three, jobs just to make ends meet.
“This leaves hardly any time in the day for people to rest and enjoy time with the people they love.”
In a short speech at the launch, Davidson said her main message was her desire to keep “the other lot” out of government. She claimed other parties were spreading “lazy, dog-whistling” racism.
“Aotearoa is better than that.”
At a press conference afterwards, Hipkins said the Greens’ policy wasn’t prudent given the cost burden it would pose on businesses.
In his speech at the launch, Hipkins repeated a common line of his that the election was a “very stark choice” while continuing his attack on National’s proposed tax plan.
Speaking of his own policies, Hipkins said he could “explain every one of them” and how much they would cost - a reference to National’s reluctance to release its costings, particularly concerning how it would attract the more than $700 million per year it needed from its proposed foreign buyers’ tax to fund its tax cuts.
“The National Party can’t tell you how they’re going to pay for all the commitments they are making.”
National and Act have proposed cutting the public service in order to reduce government spending. National has repeatedly ruled out cuts to health and education.
Hipkins said a government led by National, Act and NZ First would lead to “thousands” of workers out of work before Christmas.
He also added to Labour’s policies on workers’ rights and wage growth by promising to repeal pay rates below the minimum wage and increasing access to health and safety training.
It built on earlier commitments including progressively extending the living wage (currently $26 per hour) to workers in the education sector and Te Whatu Ora staff and continuing to raise the minimum wage ($22.7) annually.
Labour’s policy statement said the party would “work to increase access to union health and safety training, access for union officials to workplaces for assessment purposes, and issuing of improvement notices”.
Meanwhile, NZ First released its list following Wednesday’s 1News Verian poll that showed the party would return to Parliament with seven MPs.
Party leader Winston Peters is first on the list. He is not running in an electorate and would only return to Parliament if his party received 5 per cent of the vote at the election.
Second was Shane Jones, who was contesting the Northland electorate. Casey Costello, previously of Hobson’s Pledge, was third after being announced as a candidate at the party’s convention this year.
Rounding out the top 10 were Mark Patterson (Taieri), Jenny Marcroft (Kaipara Ki Mahurangi), Jamie Arbuckle (Kaikōura), Andy Foster (Mana), Tanya Unkovich (Epsom), David Wilson (Upper Harbour) and Erika Harvey (Tauranga).
Notable exceptions were Fletcher Tabuteau, who was second on the list in 2020. Also missing from the list was Darroch Ball, who was currently acting as campaign manager. Ball told the Herald the party had asked if he would stand for Parliament again, but he said he preferred to continue working in an advisory role with Peters.
”It was a tough decision, absolutely,” he said.
Ball felt he had “found his strengths” in his current role and hoped to have a similar position in the next term.
Wednesday’s poll was the first one this year that had NZ First at or above the 5 per cent threshold required to enter Parliament.
Adam Pearse is a political reporter in the NZ Herald Press Gallery team, based at Parliament. He has worked for NZME since 2018, covering sport and health for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei before moving to the NZ Herald in Auckland, covering Covid-19 and crime.