Luxon Engages Kiwi-Indians as Hipkins Critiques National Party

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made significant efforts to connect with the Indian community through participation in cultural events such as Diwali, Holi, and the Sikh Games. His presence at these gatherings, where he has taken selfies and even engaged in making traditional sweets like jalebis, aims to foster a connection with Kiwi-Indians.

In a recent interview with The Indian Weekender, Labour leader Chris Hipkins commented on Luxon’s outreach, stating that the effectiveness of these efforts is ultimately for the Indian community to assess. Hipkins expressed skepticism about the National Party’s ability to deliver on its commitments to this demographic, saying, “They haven’t fulfilled many of those promises that they made.”

Hipkins highlighted specific areas where he believes the National Party has fallen short. He pointed out that despite promises to address the escalating cost of living, the situation has worsened. “The cost of living is worse. They said they were going to sort everything to do with crime. Actually, many of the retailers, mainly the small businesses that I speak to, say nothing is any better now than it was three years ago,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Hipkins criticized the National Party’s family boost visa policy, claiming it has left many families unable to reunite with relatives in New Zealand. He articulated his vision for the Labour Party during his State of the Nation speech delivered on February 23, 2026, emphasizing priorities such as jobs, health, housing, and addressing the cost of living. Hipkins insisted, “We need to turn the country’s overall fortunes around.”

As the Labour Party prepares for the upcoming 2026 General Election, Hipkins expressed confidence in his party’s position, stating, “Labour’s in a very good position as we move into the next election. We’ve got a re-energised team. There’s some new faces in our line-up.”

Opposition leaders have criticized Hipkins’ speech, with National’s deputy leader describing it as a “lump of jelly” filled with sentiment but lacking concrete plans. Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, called it one of the “most boring State of the Nation speeches in recorded history,” while David Seymour, leader of the ACT Party, referred to it as “featherweight.”

In response to the backlash, Hipkins defended his speech as a “very mature and adult reflection on the state that New Zealand’s in at the moment and some of the things we need to do.” He emphasized that the Labour Party focuses on significant issues and does not engage in divisive politics. “While Winston Peters is too busy attacking migrants, attacking Māori, attacking anybody else that he can… to distract attention from the government’s woeful economic track record,” he stated, adding that similar tactics are employed by Seymour.

Hipkins concluded by reiterating his commitment to addressing pressing issues rather than diverting public attention.