by Mike Bain, The Daily Examiner.
Winning back Auckland and economic growth is the focus of the Labour party as it gears up in its bid to win back the treasury in the 2026 election.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of his caucus, unveiling a new economic team aimed at addressing New Zealand’s pressing challenges. Barbara Edmonds has been appointed to lead the team, taking on the expanded Finance and Economy portfolio, as well as the newly created Savings and Investment portfolio.
“Economic growth for the sake of it isn’t an economic strategy,” Hipkins stated. “I’ve tasked Barbara with making sure we’re ready to balance the books, increase our savings, expand our investment opportunities, and create the economic conditions for all Kiwis to thrive.”
The reshuffled economic team includes:
– **Barbara Edmonds**: Finance and Economy, Savings and Investment
– **Ginny Andersen**: Jobs and Incomes
– **Peeni Henare**: Economic Development
– **Reuben Davidson**: Science, Innovation and Technology, Broadcasting, Media and Creative Economy
– **Cushla Tangaere-Manuel**: Māori Economy
Hipkins emphasized that this team, alongside spokespeople for energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and industry, would tackle the barriers holding New Zealand back. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with businesses, exporters, tech and science innovators, the creative sector, iwi partners, and regional communities.
However, the reshuffle has drawn mixed reactions. Critics outside the Labour Party have questioned whether the changes will be enough to address the country’s economic challenges. National Party leader Christopher Luxon commented, “Labour’s reshuffle is just a reshuffling of deck chairs. What New Zealand needs is a clear plan for economic growth, not just new titles and portfolios.”
Hipkins also announced a focus on rebuilding public investment, with Kieran McAnulty taking on the new Infrastructure and Public Investment portfolio, alongside his Housing responsibilities. Tangi Utikere will support him in Transport and Local Government. Winning back Auckland remains a priority, with Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni now leading the Auckland portfolio.
“This experienced, united, and formidable team is ready for Government,” Hipkins declared. “We will be working relentlessly over the next 18 months as we finalize policy and prepare to take back power in 2026.”
The reshuffle also saw changes in other key portfolios, with Willow-Jean Prime moving into Education, Willie Jackson into Social Development, and Megan Woods taking on Manufacturing and Industry. Ayesha Verrall remains in Health, while Jan Tinetti transitions to Social Investment and Workplace Relations and Safety.
The reshuffle signals Labour’s intent to position itself as a government-in-waiting, but whether this new team can deliver on its promises remains to be seen.
