Rt Hon Chris Hipkins

Rt Hon Chris Hipkins is Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party. First elected to Parliament in 2008, he has spent his career working for a New Zealand where everyone can get ahead, wherever they live.

Labour’s priorities are clear: good jobs, healthcare people can rely on, warm and affordable homes, stronger local communities, and real action on the cost of living. Local government has a critical role in delivering many of the things New Zealanders depend on every day – from housing and transport to water, infrastructure and thriving town centres.

Chris believes central and local government work best when they work together: giving communities greater certainty, investing for the long term, and making it easier to get things done. Labour’s focus is on practical partnerships that support growth, strengthen local economies, improve essential services and ensure communities across New Zealand have the infrastructure they need for the future.