# Finance debate: National and Labour agree on renewables, education

> National and Labour both support renewable energy and education but clash on cost of living solutions.
- Title: Finance debate: National and Labour agree on renewables…
- Summary: National and Labour both support renewable energy and education but clash on cost of living solutions. National and Labour agree on renewable energy and…
- Keywords: national, labour, renewable energy, education, cost of living, household finances, election 2026, politics, news, Finance, debate, agree
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1779926/finance-debate-where-national-and-labour-agree-and-where-they-don-t
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-07T01:01:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: national, labour, renewable energy, education, cost of living, household finances, election 2026, politics, news
## Finance debate: National and Labour agree on renewables, education
National and Labour both support renewable energy and education priorities.

> National and Labour's finance spokespeople agree on some things - New Zealand should make the most of its renewable energy, and education is important.
## Cost of living solutions differ
National says households are better off than three years ago; Labour offers price gouging crackdowns and free prescriptions.

> Edmonds said Labour was offering a package of solutions to try to help New Zealanders with the cost of living, including clamping down on price gouging, breaking up the wholesale and retail arms of the supermarkets, offering free prescriptions and three free GP visits
## Public transport funding conflict
National claims Labour uses Land Transport Fund for public transport cap; Labour says National spends too much time attacking numbers.

> Willis argued that Edmonds was having to take money from the National Land Transport Fund to pay for Labour's public transport cap. That money was used to rebuild roads, she said.
## Supermarket price concerns
Butter prices up 71 percent; Labour wants supermarket competition; National focuses on Pak'nSave and New World competition.

> Butter is up by 71 percent. Bread is up by 68 percent. The key thing for Labour is ensuring that there is more competition
## Poverty and education focus
Edmonds shared her struggle street background and emphasized work, housing, and education for children in poverty.

> I was brought up in a benefit household. When I think about the policies we need to focus on to help lift our children out of poverty, having been through it myself, having been brought up in a benefit household there are three things that stick out for me.
## Renewable energy commitment
Both parties support expanding solar and wind farms while keeping gas as alternative to fossil fuels.

> Both parties committed to renewable energy, including encouraging households to put solar power systems on their roofs.
## Housing and inflation debate
Edmonds wants unemployment in Reserve Bank mandate; Willis insists inflation focus only.

> Edmonds said unemployment should be included in the Reserve Bank's mandate because it was just as important as inflation. Willis said the focus should only be on inflation because the country had experienced what could happen when it got out of control.
## Key takeaway

National and Labour agree on renewable energy and education priorities but disagree on household financial support measures.