NZ Election Campaigns Kick Off Amid Controversy Over Waitangi Tribunal Reform

New Zealand's election campaign is in full swing as National and Labour launch their campaigns over the weekend, while NZ First focuses on reforming the Waitangi Tribunal.

National leader Christopher Luxon unveiled a 10-point pledge card at his Auckland launch, highlighting economic growth and the party's commitment to changing direction now would put those gains at risk.

Luxon stated that New Zealand is turning the corner after years of hard work. He also emphasized the economy, tax, law and order, education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the pledge card.

In contrast, Labour leader Chris Hipkins launched his campaign in South Auckland, focusing on the cost of living. He announced a policy to write off 10 percent of eligible student loan balances for graduates who remain in New Zealand.

Hipkins framed the election as being about the couple who work full-time and still have to check their bank balance before going to the supermarket, emphasizing the need for action on cost-of-living issues.

NZ First leader Winston Peters made headlines by announcing his party would introduce legislation within its first 100 days in government to abolish the Waitangi Tribunal. He claimed that it has become a make-work organization and proposed replacing it with a Treaty of Waitangi Completion Commission.