New Zealand Labour Party
A clear guide to the New Zealand Labour Party: its history, its centre-left ideology, where it stands on the economy and social issues, and its position in opposition under Chris Hipkins.
Overview
- Country
- New Zealand
- Founded
- 1916
- Position
- Centre-left
- Leader
- Chris Hipkins
- Headquarters
- Wellington
The New Zealand Labour Party is one of the country's two largest parties and the main force on the centre-left. It grew out of the labour movement and supports an active government role in the economy, public services, and workers' rights. After leading the government from 2017, it returned to opposition following the 2023 election and is led by Chris Hipkins.
Labour has alternated in power with National for most of the past century and built much of New Zealand's welfare state.
History
The party was founded in 1916 and formed its first government in 1935, creating a comprehensive welfare state and public housing programme that shaped modern New Zealand. It governed at key moments through the century, including a period of sweeping market reforms in the 1980s that divided the party.
Under Jacinda Ardern from 2017 the party led a government known internationally for its handling of major crises, and it won an outright majority in 2020. After Ardern resigned in early 2023, Chris Hipkins became leader, and Labour lost the 2023 election to National.
Economic Policy
Labour supports a market economy guided by an active government. It favours investment in health, education, and housing, stronger workers' rights, and a role for government in reducing inequality and the cost of living. It generally supports a more expansive public sector than National.
Foreign Policy
Labour supports New Zealand's independent foreign policy, including the nuclear-free stance, and emphasises trade, multilateralism, and engagement with the Pacific. It balances traditional partnerships with an emphasis on regional relationships and climate diplomacy.
Where They Stand
- Supports a market economy with active government investment
- Backs investment in health, education, and housing
- Supports stronger workers' rights and reducing inequality
- Supports climate action and Treaty of Waitangi settlements
- More liberal than National on social questions
- Maintains New Zealand's independent, nuclear-free foreign policy
Electoral Record
Labour has formed many governments since 1935. It won a rare outright majority in 2020 under Jacinda Ardern before losing power at the 2023 election. It now sits in opposition ahead of the November 2026 general election.
Position on the Political Compass
New Zealand Labour Party sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Michael Joseph Savage
Prime Minister, 1935 to 1940
Led New Zealand's first Labour government and built the welfare state, remaining one of the country's most revered political figures.
Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister, 2017 to 2023
Led the party to an outright majority in 2020 and gained international attention for her handling of major national crises before resigning in 2023.
Chris Hipkins
Leader of the Opposition
Became prime minister after Ardern's resignation in 2023 and now leads Labour in opposition.
Sources and Further Reading
- New Zealand Labour Party (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitelabour.org.nz
- 2026 New Zealand general election (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion New Zealand political test to see how your views compare with New Zealand Labour Party and the other parties.
Take the New Zealand Test
Social Policy
The party is broadly progressive. It supports action on climate change, the rights and settlements owed to Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi, LGBT equality, and a welcoming approach to diversity. It generally takes more liberal positions than National on social and environmental questions.