Labour leader Chris Hipkins is not impressed by the Budget.

The party's promising an alternative fiscal plan, but says it will be more than a few weeks away, as Labour goes line by line to criticise the spending.

Hipkins says Kiwis are being hit hard by the cost of living, and this Budget is asking those with the least to make the most sacrifices.

"I certainly wouldn't have prioritised raising rents for state house tenants, because the accommodation supplement - which is where they're putting that money - by in large just flows through to increased rents."

LISTEN ABOVE

Labour leader Chris Hipkins is not impressed by the Budget.
The party's promising an alternative fiscal plan, but says it will be more than a few weeks away, as Labour goes line by line to criticise the spending.
Hipkins says Kiwis are being hit hard by the cost of living, and this Budget is asking those with the least to make the most sacrifices.
"I certainly wouldn't have prioritised raising rents for state house tenants, because the accommodation supplement - which is where they're putting that money - by in large just flows through to increased rents."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Chris Hipkins: Labour leader responds to Budget 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bf4fb8a9-9ac8-416a-8ed3-b4580051ee54/transcript