# Chris Hipkins plays policy quiz in Palmy

> Labour leader Chris Hipkins answers crowd's policy questions in Palmerston North.
- Title: Chris Hipkins plays policy quiz in Palmy · NZ Herald
- Summary: Labour leader Chris Hipkins answers crowd's policy questions in Palmerston North. chris hipkins, palmerston north, labour · reported by NZ Herald.
- Keywords: chris hipkins, palmerston north, labour, david seymour, treaty of waitangi, environment, cost of living, political donations, university fees, multiculturalism, parliamentary urgency, bootcamps
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-plays-policy-pop-quiz-in-palmy-including-if-david-seymour-is-an-arrogant-prick/TZKH3TN5MVDAVFYTUWIGN5VSGU
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: chris hipkins, palmerston north, labour, david seymour, treaty of waitangi, environment, cost of living, political donations, university fees, multiculturalism, parliamentary urgency, bootcamps
## Labour leader Chris Hipkins
Labour leader Chris Hipkins went through Palmerston North's Plaza shopping mall while out campaigning.
## Policy quiz in Palmy
With two weeks until advance voting begins, Hipkins was quizzed by a near 300-person crowd eager to understand Labour’s position on an array of topics.
## Cost of living policies
Hipkins announced new cost-of-living policies including affordable school uniforms and reduced costs in public transport, supermarkets, air travel and vehicle repairs.
## Crowd engagement
Ashley, holding his 8-month-old daughter after McDonald’s, noted rising homelessness as a tough time for families.
## Student loan write-off
One university student praised Labour’s proposed 10% write-off of student loan debt for those staying in New Zealand for three years after study.
## Retiree concerns
A retiree expressed concern about Labour’s capital gains tax but appeared reassured it would only apply to gains after implementation.
## Security and crowd
Hipkins’ team, including security normally for the Prime Minister, avoided a tense encounter with a Black Power-affiliated man.
## Local candidates
Local candidates Te Pūoho Katene and Karl Severinsen handled most of the legwork with promises of photos with potential future Prime Minister.
## Hipkins’ confidence
Hipkins was so engaged he introduced himself to a young couple he’d met 20 minutes earlier, with the woman calling after him, 'Good luck'.
## Hipkins’ observation
Hipkins observed to candidate Tangi Utikere, 'Very positive in Palmy', noting Utikere’s long history of holding the electorate for half a century.
## Massey University
Hipkins arrived at Massey University’s campus where the fire alarm sounded and everyone needed to evacuate.
## Student union discussion
Hipkins discussed Labour’s jobs guarantee for nurses with Massey’s lecturers and Tertiary Education Union representatives.
## Rainbow community
Hipkins responded genuinely about the need for leadership amid 'ugly and inexcusable attacks' on the rainbow community.
## David Seymour question
A student asked, 'Is David Seymour an arrogant prick?' a callback to Jacinda Ardern’s muttered dig at the Act leader.
## Hipkins’ response
Hipkins said he wasn’t allowed to say that, particularly not when there’s a microphone pointing at him.
## Public meeting
Hipkins held a public meeting at All Saints’ Community Hall where nearly 300 people attended.
## Key takeaway

Labour leader Chris Hipkins answers crowd's policy questions in Palmerston North.