Hipkins’ speech criticised the rising cost of living under the coalition Government and its interest in user-pays charges, which Labour has criticised for loading costs on to consumers. National deputy leader Nicola Willis skewered Hipkins for not presenting any new ideas. Willis labelled the Labour leader “Chris – No Idea – Hipkins”. Peters, the NZ First leader, said: “Chris “softy” Hipkins just delivered one of the most boring State of the Nation speeches in recorded history." But because we haven’t made New Zealand good enough for them.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 23, 2026 02:04 UTC