From NZ Herald · · 3m
Luxon and Hipkins clash over health crisis in leaders' debate
National and Labour leaders clash over healthcare crisis and coalition plans after final election debate.
In brief
National and Labour leaders clash over healthcare crisis and coalition plans after final election debate. National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins argued over healthcare system pressures and coalition negotiations during their final leaders' debate ahead of the November 7 election. Originally…
Healthcare crisis debate
National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins clashed over who was responsible for New Zealand's healthcare crisis during their final leaders' debate ahead of the November 7 election.
“We inherited a crisis, but it is very challenging. It was incredibly difficult.”
Health system pressures
Hipkins accused Luxon of denying the extent of the healthcare crisis, stating the system has never been under more pressure than it is now.
“The health system has never been under more pressure than that.”
Luxon's emergency department plan
Luxon stated his goal was to end emergency patients being treated in corridors by investing in emergency department infrastructure.
“Yes, Paddy, that’s the goal.”
Coalition negotiations
Luxon ruled out working with Opportunity due to its support for a land tax, while Hipkins thought Luxon wouldn't talk to them after the election.
“We are a party that instinctively believes that New Zealanders should keep more of their own money.”
Mongrel Mob controversy
Hipkins ruled out Greens and Te Pāti Māori from holding police and corrections portfolios after MPs from those parties met with Mongrel Mob members.
“No, I don’t condone it. I think it was a bad judgment.”
Luxon's criticism
Luxon accused Hipkins of having 'a new coalition member today, it’s the Mongrel Mob' and criticized Labour's approach to law and order.
“Just imagine what a Cabinet table looks like with those characters around a Cabinet table with him there.”
Poll results
The 1News-Verian poll showed National at 32%, Labour at 27%, Greens at 16%, Act at 11%, NZ First at 8%, Opportunity at 7%, and Te Pāti Māori at 0.7%.
“National on 32%, Labour on 27%, the Green Party on 16%, Act on 11%, NZ First on 8%, Opportunity on 7% and Te Pāti Māori on 0.7%.”
Second poll results
The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll with Infrastructure NZ showed Labour at 28.7%, National at 27.6%, Greens at 14.3%, NZ First at 11.8%, Act at 9%, Opportunity at 5.4%, and Te Pāti Māori at 2%.
“Labour on 28.7%, National on 27.6%, the Green Party on 14.3%, NZ First on 11.8%, Act on 9%, Opportunity on 5.4% and Te Pāti Māori on 2%.”
Luxon's coalition stance
Luxon stated he would not resign as leader over coalition negotiations with Opportunity, emphasizing the choice between Labour-led coalition with four parties and six leaders.
“It’s not a consideration. I’m serious about making sure I get New Zealanders to understand the choice between a Labour-led coalition with four parties and six leaders.”
Hipkins' coalition stance
Hipkins reiterated that Te Pāti Māori would not hold law-and-order portfolios in a future government, while Luxon called it 'a bad judgment' to include them.
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
Previous debate context
The debate followed two prior clashes between the leaders over the last fortnight, including last week's debate where Hipkins ruled out Greens and Te Pāti Māori from police and corrections roles.
“Last week’s debate, hosted by the Herald, featured Hipkins ruling out the Greens or Te Pāti Māori from holding the Police and Corrections portfolios in a future Government after MPs from those parties posed for photos with Mongrel Mob members.”
Health system response
Hipkins stated Labour's healthcare workers coped remarkably well with pandemic pressures, while Luxon blamed the previous government for failing to address healthcare system pressures.
“And all you have done as a Prime Minister is attack them.”
Mongrel Mob allegations
Hipkins accused Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters of making racist comments about Indians, while Luxon interrupted to say Hipkins had partners that want to be in coalition with the Mongrel Mob.
“You’ve got partners that want to be in coalition with the Mongrel Mob, my friend.”
Healthcare crisis impact
Both leaders acknowledged the healthcare system was under significant pressure, with staffing shortages and emergency department challenges.
“The health system has never been under more pressure than that.”
Election timeline
The election is scheduled for November 7, with the leaders' debate occurring ahead of the election.
“The National and Labour leaders fronted the final leaders’ debate tonight ahead of the November 7 election.”
The takeaway
National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins argued over healthcare system pressures and coalition negotiations during their final leaders' debate ahead of the November 7 election.
