# Labour releases fiscal plan amid National backlash

> Labour unveils fiscal plan as National claims $8.5b shortfall.
- Title: Labour releases fiscal plan amid National backlash · RNZ
- Summary: Labour unveils fiscal plan as National claims $8.5b shortfall. Labour released its fiscal plan promising $2.5b for care workers and tax cuts on KiwiSaver…
- Keywords: labour, national, kiwisaver, fiscal plan, election 2026, tax policy, sikh temple, south auckland, mill road, te pāti māori, politics, news
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1710400/election-2026-live-labour-releases-its-fiscal-plan-act-vows-to-scrap-tax-on-kiwisaver-earnings
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-04T04:41:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: labour, national, kiwisaver, fiscal plan, election 2026, tax policy, sikh temple, south auckland, mill road, te pāti māori, politics, news
## Labour releases fiscal plan
Labour leader Chris Hipkins announced a $2.5b pay rise for 65,000 care and support workers over four years and re-implementing pay-equity legislation.
## National claims $8.5b shortfall
National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis accused Labour of lying, claiming an $8.5b hole in its policy that would require more borrowing and taxes.
## National's blue campaign bus
National launched its blue campaign bus and pledged $1.75b to build South Auckland's Mill Road, which NZ First leader Winston Peters claimed was first announced in July.
## Te Pāti Māori announces list
Te Pāti Māori announced its one-person party list with general secretary Lance Norman as the only extra candidate.
## National leader visits temple
National leader Christopher Luxon visited the Takanini Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Sikh Temple, which has hosted several previous prime ministers.
## Green Party pledges free transport
The Green Party pledged to make public transport free for eligible groups and cap bus and train fares at $2 for everyone else.
## Key takeaway

Labour released its fiscal plan promising $2.5b for care workers and tax cuts on KiwiSaver earnings, while National accused it of an $8.5b hole in policy.