Chris Hipkins and Barbara Edmonds are making the strongest case against a coalition losing its way

OPINION: As the next general election approaches, New Zealand voters are watching a coalition government that promised discipline and delivery but has too often become bogged down.

That is why Chris Hipkins and Barbara Edmonds have increasingly become my choice for Labour’s leadership team heading into the next election.

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One of clearest strengths both have shown in opposition is their willingness to hold the government to account on decisions affecting ordinary hard working New Zealanders.

Image: Chris Hipkins speaks at the Labour Conference 2025 event in Auckland. (Supplied / Labour)

Hipkins has consistently targeted the government’s public service cuts, warning they would come at a cost to frontline services and communities.

When the government announced plans to reduce thousands of public sector roles, Hipkins argued the impact would be felt by families, workers and the services New Zealanders rely on every day.

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Those criticisms kept pressure on government ministers to justify the scale of their spending reductions.

Image: Barbara Edmonds speaks at the Labour Conference 2025 event outlining her focus on disciplined investment and everyday priorities. (Supplied)

Edmonds has emerged as one of Parliament’s most effective economic voices. As Labour’s finance spokesperson, she has repeatedly challenged the government’s Budget priorities, arguing government ministers have failed to do enough for households struggling with the cost of living. She has criticised rising debt forecasts, questioned government borrowing levels and attacked decisions that placed political priorities ahead of practical support for families.

Edmonds has also drawn attention to Budget choices that funded tax relief and landlord policies while failing to deliver in other areas Labour argues should have been prioritised. Her post-Budget speeches and parliamentary scrutiny have shown a detailed grasp of economic policy and fiscal management.

Hipkins brings experience as a former prime minister and has settled into opposition with increasing confidence, not budging despite a failed smear attack against his personal life. Edmonds brings fresh energy and credibility on economic issues. Both have focused much of their attention on challenging government decisions around spending cuts, cost-of-living pressures and economic management.

Voters will ultimately decide whether it is convincing.

Both figures in Parliament have been effective at forcing government ministers to defend their choices. That is why they have my support heading into the next election.

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*This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the author and are not presented as statements of fact on behalf of any political party, candidate or campaign.

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