Labour releases 2026 manifesto, 'What Better Means for New Zealand'
Labour has released its 2026 manifesto, a 101-page document titled "What Better Means for New Zealand" that brings together the policies the party is offering at the election. The manifesto release was published on 29 October 2026.
The document sets out what the party means by "better": lower power bills, affordable healthcare, good jobs, a growing economy, a fair go, and "real action" on the cost of living.
In health, Labour's policy page lists free prescriptions and free maternity scans. The manifesto also highlights a plan to provide three free GP visits a year.
On household costs, the manifesto highlights a plan to cap public transport fares. Labour's policy page gives the cap as $20. The party also plans to remove upfront solar costs, ban price gouging, and cut student loan balances.
On electricity, Labour has promised to begin a review of the structural reform of the electricity market in its first 100 days. It would then introduce legislation to enact that reform within six months.
Labour has also promised to ban total-remuneration contracts, which set out an employee's pay package as a single figure, in its first year. The party says the ban would make employer contributions to KiwiSaver, the national retirement savings scheme, genuinely additional.
On immigration, Labour says it will plan immigration around New Zealand's capacity and protect migrants from exploitation. It also says it will make it easier for Pacific whānau to reconnect, according to the party's immigration page.
