Election 2023 live updates: Government talks drag as parties wait for special votes, Labour caucus to farewell MPs and discuss Chris Hipkins’ leadership
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has affirmed his commitment to the party, but will discuss whether he stays on as leader with caucus today.
A number of Labour MPs today backed Hipkins to stay on as leader.
NZ First is looking to spook National into making early concessions before special votes have been counted but National leader Christoper Luxon has signalled he might be ready to call the party’s bluff and wait for the final results on November 3.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER LIVEBLOG
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That's a wrap people - but only for today! Thanks for joining us for our post-election news.
Join us early tomorrow morning for the latest updates on our post-election coverage.
Labour MP Helen White says she 'did really, really well'
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Behind the scenes negotiations begin
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The negotiations are ongoing behind the scenes - but what could a National, Act and potentially NZ First coalition look like?
The Front Page today breaks down what happens next, and what the next government could look like.
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The first part of Labours meeting today focused on saying goodbye to members and looking at their caucus.
"As Prime Minister I still have some responsibility... so you'll still hear from me with the day-to-day business of governing."
Hipkins said he would have loved a longer run-up for his election campaign, but accepted this was the nature of politics.
Jacinda Ardern sent a message to Hipkins on the election night saying "lots of love."
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"My focus right until I got home on Friday night was getting as many votes as possible," Hipkins said.
Andrew Little has an enormous amount of humility, Hipkins said in appreciation of the work he had done for the party.
Hipkins still leading Labour party
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"I'm certainly still the leader of the Labour party," Chris Hipkins said.
Hipkins said he's comfortable in his leadership, and the team has reflected on what they are proud of and what they can work on.
Hipkins confirmed that Kelvin Davis is still deputy leader.
“I’ve still got a bit of fight left in me. I am absolutely committed to supporting Labour into opposition,” Hipkins said.
"Look I think, emotions have been running on a little today," Hipkins said of Damien O'Connor swearing earlier.
"It's been a difficult day."
"Obviously we're not negotiating to form a government," Hipkins said.
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This is a transcript of Audrey Young’s subscriber-only Premium Politics newsletter.
Duncan Grieve: National leader should make a deal fast
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"It will now be for Māori, if they want a Māori Health Authority, they'll have to take that fight to the new government," he said.
"The journey is never a straight line. Stick with what you believe in, stick with those principles. Being in government is a huge honour and privilege.
"If you can leave here feeling that you've made the country a better place due to your efforts, that's a good basis to leave, and that's the place I am in when I leave."
He said stories of being having bad experiences in the health system had weighed on him as minister.
"None of that stuff gets fixed overnight.
"To have got here, to be a Member of Parliament, to be minister - it's an incredibly rewarding experience.
He remembered getting a card from Nick Smith the day before he was sworn in as minister.
"This feels pretty real to me.
He said he and his wife had booked a trip to Rarotonga for next week.
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He spoke of Pike River, saying progress being made now was "a great thing".
"I live in hope [the families of victims] will see justice one day.
He said seeing through health reforms was another highlight for him.
"Immigration has been challenging, but I think we've given enough signals to Immigration New Zealand about our expectations," he said.
Little speaks to media
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Andrew Little has spoken about his decision to retire from politics and treaty settlement processes under National.
He said he didn't have any plans for his future except for going back to law.
"I want to practice on my own account. It will take a couple of months,' Little said. (edited)
"The one thing I regret we didn't finish was the national security
"We just didn't get the progress we wanted
"The thing I'm most looking forward to is getting my Sundays back.
He said Act's policy platform was "worrying".
"The Treaty of Waitangi is a fact of our history. It is the start of our nation state.
"That has been recognised. That's not up for debate or discussion. That's where the Act Party has got it wrong.
"I've loved every minute of the things I've done in this building, especially on the tiles.
He said the most challenging moment for him was as health minister during Covid-19.
"The winter of '22 was an extremely challenging and difficult time. I cancelled my time off in the middle of the year I usually get to work through that challenging time.
"That was the first time I felt the impact of prolonged stress.
Nelson's Labour MP hopeful in retaining seat
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Rachel Boyack, who was currently trailing in Nelson but waiting for the special votes, said it was “too close to call and I don’t want to speculate”, however she remained hopeful.
In the meantime, she was focused on keeping her office open and reconnecting with her family after a busy campaign.
She said it was unlikely she would get in on the list if she didn’t win the Nelson seat.
Asked whether it was appropriate to swear at journalists, she said “no”.
Willie Jackson has been among those comforting the outgoing MPs outside the caucus room.
“Proud of you mate,” he said to Tāmati Coffey, who lost East Coast to National’s Dana Kirkpatrick.
Peeni Henare was asked whether it was appropriate for a senior politician to swear at journalists.
He said: “I don’t think it is, I’ve never been a fan of that kind of language anyway.”
Pike River Reference Group thanks Little
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Pike River Reference Group members want to thank Andrew Little for his work and support as Pike River Minister.
Anna Osborne says Little’s dedication to the families and their pursuit of truth and justice spoke to his values.
“Andrew has travelled on this journey with us and he’s fought our corner and the corner of all working people as long as we’ve known him.
“The way we were able to work with Andrew helped us figure out what we needed in the public service standard for working with survivors.
He worked with us as equals and with respect, he was always up front even when the news was bad, and he made sure that everyone worked together.”
Sonya Rockhouse thanks Little for his contribution.
“Andrew’s help to get us into the drift and to get the evidence we need to see justice done will never be forgotten.
“I can understand why he is retiring from parliament, but it’s still a loss to see a decent bloke like him go.”
Rowdy Durbridge agrees.
“We’ll be expecting to see a bit more of him now he's got time.
He better join us for a beer next time he’s down our way.”
Robertson: 'Incredibly sad' on Little's retirement
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Grant Robertson said it was “incredibly sad” that Andrew Little was retiring, saying he had made a massive contribution to Labour.
“I’ll be very sad to see him go.
“It’s been an emotional day.
Lots of tears and lots of laughter.”
Asked about O’Connor’s swearing, Robertson said: “I’ll leave that to you, I have no comment on that.”
Chris Hipkins said he’d had a conversation over the weekend with Little so his resignation wasn’t a surprise.
He acknowledged Little’s humility for putting the interests of the Labour team first.
He said it was “admirable” that he had decided to move on and create space for someone else.
Hipkins described the mood as “bittersweet” and said there was a “certain law of gravity” with election results.
“Good people’s lives get affected by that and we’ve fare-welled some incredible colleagues this morning.”
He accepted emotions were running high.
“Everyone will accept that it’s a difficult time, election defeats are never easy.”
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It’s understood the current Labour caucus meeting centres around farewelling outgoing MPs. Afterwards, there would be a meeting of the new caucus, during which leadership would be discussed.
Labour MPs can be seen hugging Andrew Little in the caucus room.
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Little's decision not to take up the list slot will mean Shanan Halbert can return - next on Labour's list.
Halbert lost his Northcote seat at the election.
Andrew Little to retire
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Labour’s Andrew Little is retiring from politics.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities my country and party have given me to serve the community,” Andrew Little said.
He won't take up his list spot with the Labour party in Opposition.
“Labour stands for the fundamental values of millions of New Zealanders: a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, opportunities for the many not just the few, and respect for all people and communities.
“There are no words to adequately thank my wife and son, and the many others who have given unwavering support throughout my time in politics."
He said he'll be returning to law.
O'Connor lets rip at journalists
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Asked if Chris Hipkins was still the Labour leader, Labour’s Damien O’Connor said “f*** off,” as he went towards the bathroom.
“What are you doing here,” O’Connor said to journalists as he emerged from the bathroom and went back into the caucus room.
Inflation cooling
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In some positive economic news... Annual inflation fell slightly in late winter and spring - and that could mean no more Reserve Bank rate hikes.
Tidying up the vege garden
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In one of the biggest election upsets, Michael Wood trailed Carlos Cheung by 1429 votes on Saturday’s preliminary count. Wood won the seat in 2020 with a majority of 13,853 votes.
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Other Labour MPs weigh in
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Peeni Henare said he was not in the frame of mind regarding whether he would contest the leadership.
He said he was focused on the Tāmaki Makaurau seat
“He still has my support,” Henare said of Hipkins.
Discussions about the future of the Labour Party would happen in the coming days, Henare said.
Andrew Little said Hipkins had held the party together despite it being a tough gig.
Little said Auckland had been heavily disrupted by Covid which contributed to Labour’s loss.
Adrian Rurawhe said he really enjoyed his time as Speaker.
He said he hadn’t been offered to continue the role by National, but added he wasn’t sure if he would accept if it was offered.
He said he wanted to be a part of rebuilding Labour’s Māori caucus and give that his full focus.
Willie Jackson backs Hipkins
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Willie Jackson said there was still a strong Māori Labour caucus.
“People are saying it’s all doom and gloom but I’m pretty comfortable.”
He wasn’t sure if he would stay on until 2026, but said that he would stay around for a while.
He predicted there would be an “attack on Māori” given the change of government.
Jackson supported Hipkins 100 per cent and didn’t see the need for a refresh.
Jackson did not have leadership aspirations. He was unsure whether Hipkins had the support of the whole caucus but said most supported him.
He believed there were one or two people within the party who had leadership aspirations.
He said “not right now” when asked whether Labour could do with a Māori leader
Jackson said “phones have been ringing” in recent days within the caucus. Asked whether leadership was discussed, Jackson said everything was discussed.
A number had people had asked Jackson to stay on with Labour. He didn’t say who.
Robertson 'incredibly supportive of Chris'
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Grant Robertson said his job at the moment was to make sure the party was a strong "opposition."
"We've got to do a very important job today to thank and farewell today," Robertson said.
"I owe everything to the Labour party," Robertson said.
"I strongly believe in what we stand for."
"I'm incredibly supportive of Chris," Robertson said.
Robertson said it was a new phenomenon for people to expect leaders to resign after their party loses.
Hipkins on his new relationship
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Hipkins confirmed his partner Toni is 'Toni with an I' and they are in fact a woman.
"It's not an easy job in which to have a new relationship, and I made that decision to not have it public until after the election."
He said the couple had discussed his public message of thanks to her on election night, and that they were old friends who had reconnected earlier this year.
Hipkins still committed to politics
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"As new opposition, you have to take some time to listen," Hipkins said.
He committed to staying on for his constituents.
Hipkins to talk to caucus about his future
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Labour's Chris Hipkins said he wouldn't be discussing his future as the leader of the party until he's spoken to the caucus.
Hipkins said his focus was making sure Labour would be a formidable opponent, and there would be a smooth transition between parties leading government.
He said he was still wanting to stay in politics.
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David Parker walked through without answering any questions, saying it was “ridiculous.”
Parker didn’t speculate whether Hipkins should stay as leader or not.
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Kieran McAnulty said Hipkins should stay on as leader, saying he would back him if he wanted it.
"Hes a good bloke and he works hard," McAnulty said of Hipkins.
On whether he personally had what it takes to be leader, McAnulty said "probably not."
He continued to back away from questions about whether he would want the leadership, saying “probably not” when asked if he thought he had the necessary skills.
“I think Chippy could do it,” McAnulty said regarding Labour’s chance to get back into government in 2026.
“That job meant a lot to me,” he said when accepting it was gutting to lose the Wairarapa seat.
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Mt Albert’s Helen White insists she did “really, really well” given she was up against a two ticks campaign from Green Party.
She said she was proud of what she had done, and pointed out some of her colleagues had lost their safe seats.
Asked whether Hipkins should resign, White said that was a discussion for caucus.
Govt gives $5 million to humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza, West Bank
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The New Zealand Government is providing $5 million in funding following appeals to address urgent humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
An initial contribution of $2.5 million will be given to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help meet humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
And $2.5 million will be given to the World Food Programme (WFP) under the umbrella of the United Nations appeal.
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Christopher Luxon enters National's caucus room to a round of applause.
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Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis join National's caucus for first time since election win.
'More diverse thinking'
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"I want to say to all of our new 23 MPs, we are so proud of you," Luxon said.
"You're going to add something different to our team, more diverse thinking.
"Very few people get this kind of privilege.
"It's not about this place, it's about what we do for the people outside of this place."
'Great political comeback'
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“This has been a bit of an empty room the last three years. I hope we’ve got enough chairs for everybody,” Luxon said.
"We deal with the highs, we deal with the lows, and we've done that incredibly well.
"We came together as a group, we said we can do better than this.
“I think it’ll be one of the great political comebacks in New Zealand’s political history,” Luxon said
Round of applause as caucus welcomes leaders
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Luxon and Willis have entered the caucus room to cheers and whistles from their party.
Inside National's caucus room
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The National Party caucus room inside parliament is now being streamed.
Lots of big smiles on the National MP's faces and the room is standing-room only.
The room includes all incoming and outgoing MPs including Todd Muller. The former MPs will be presented with silver trays and then leave the caucus meeting.
Luxon again commits to tax relief
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When asked about whether conducting the negotiations away from the media was in the best interest of the public, Luxon said he thought the best thing for the public was for him to form a government and for National to have time to build the relationships necessary with the minor parties.
Tax relief will happen for lower-middle income New Zealanders, Luxon promised.
There are climate protesters outside parliament today.
Luxon said in response to the protests that he is committed to Net Zero 2050.
Luxon abruptly ended the discussion after a tense back and forth with media.
Peters wasn't offered role of speaker - Luxon
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A news report of Winston Peters being offered the role of speaker of the house was incorrect, Luxon said.
Negotiations won't be shared with media
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Luxon said he understands the media's role in democracy, but he's adamant the negotiations with NZ First and Act won't be conducted through the media.
Luxon said he was unimpressed with how previous negotiations were done in regard to coalitions and deals between parties in the past.
He said he will not be giving media a "blow-by-blow" every day on each day of coalition agreements.
Luxon unsure about taking a portfolio for himself
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Luxon agreed he wanted to take more of an "umbrella CEO" role than specific portfolios.
The first 100 days of the National Party's plans will begin when they actually form a government, Luxon said.
"I will keep championing for more diversity in our party review," Luxon said.
Too early to discuss portfolios - Luxon
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National Party leader Christopher Luxon and deputy leader Nicola Willis are speaking to media from Parliament this morning.
Luxon said it was too premature for him to discuss his strategy for selecting portfolios for MPs.
The only two people locked in their roles were Luxon as PM and Willis as finance minister
Listen to The Front Page
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The National Party campaigned hard on giving New Zealanders tax cuts - but getting those across the line could prove more challenging than expected.
Auckland is changing, but Labour is not keeping up - Simon Wilson
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It's another busy day in Wellington as the National party continues negotiations with Act and NZ First. Meanwhile, the Labour caucus is meeting for the first time after their disappointing election result.
We'll have live coverage of all the events unfolding in Parliament today.
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The incoming Prime Minister yesterday welcomed 23 new National MPs to Parliament following Saturday’s landslide victory.
And as work to stitch together a coalition deal begins, he batted away suggestions he could be prepared to offer Winston Peters the Speaker’s role in return for NZ First support.
Parliament’s forecourt was busy with traffic on Monday as a crop of new MPs showed up for their induction.
The Parliament precinct, largely deserted since the last sitting day of the last Parliament in August, felt like a university orientation week as new MPs got themselves used to the building, its responsibilities and perks.
Parliament’s Grand Hall was lined with tables where staff taught MPs how to use their new technology, set a strong password, and book parliamentary travel. Later on in the induction, MPs will even get to play at mock question time.
Negotiations to form the new Government are still at an early stage.
New Zealand First is looking to spook National into making early concessions, playing on the party’s fear they will have to come crawling back to the negotiating table after special votes are tallied and the final vote announced on November 3. Currently National and Act have a one-seat majority but the party expects to lose at least one seat once specials are counted.
National leader Christopher Luxon is saying little apart from repeating he’s “not going to be negotiating... through the media”.
That said, National appears to be downplaying the notion that NZ First could force the party to a deal, with Luxon restating National’s campaign position that it would prefer a two-party arrangement with Act.
“That’s what we’ve said is our preference, we said that during the campaign we would prefer to work in a simple two-party arrangement,” Luxon said.
Luxon also publicly mused that the special votes, when counted, might not erode National’s majority as they historically tend to do - a signal to NZ First that National may be ready to call the party’s bluff.
“I think there’s a number of dynamics at play. I think, when I’ve spoken with overseas voters in particular, there’s an immense frustration around MIQ and that may have changed the way that people would historically vote,” Luxon said.
“Normally, we see a huge proportion of renters that are out of electorates and typically they might vote green, or, or left, but this time it might be slightly different.”
One theory going around the National Party relates to this. The thinking is that the students, renters and other left-wing voters who tend to cast special votes might have not bothered to vote at all this election, mirroring an overall decline in turnout.
If that is the case, National could find itself wondering whether it can survive with a narrow one-seat majority.
Luxon said he wanted to build relationships respectfully with the other side, and to try to build good “chemistry and good relationships at the core of this Government”.
He revealed that an emissary from National’s team had been sent to NZ First to sound things out.
That emissary was Todd McClay, who was directed to Winston Peters and former MP Darroch Ball, who has been the party’s campaign director.
One possible formulation is a repeat of the 2005 deal struck with the Helen Clark Government, which saw Peters become a minister outside of the Government. National would keep NZ First in the tent, allowing it to call on its votes, but it would remain distant from the Government. Whether this would satisfy Act is another question.
NZ First’s number two, Shane Jones, arriving at Wellington Airport, said NZ First’s caucus would need to meet before the party began formal negotiations.
Jones noted that while himself, Peters, Mark Patterson and Jenny Marcroft have parliamentary experience, the caucus has four first-term MPs. As yet, the party has no Wellington base or staffing. Peters was not yet in Wellington himself, unlike the leaders of the two other negotiating parties, National and Act.
Jones would not discuss negotiations but said it was “a little like making a hangi. Get the stones red-hot before you cook the tucker”.
He also urged patience, and to wait for special votes to be counted.
“We need to understand what’s the full nature of the special votes,” Jones said.
Some policy positions are appearing to firm up. National appears not to be keen on giving in to Act’s request for a referendum to define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in statute.
“We spoke about that on the campaign,” Luxon said. “We just don’t think the referendum is constructive. It is divisive for New Zealand, that’s our position.”
Meanwhile NZ First’s Jones restated his party’s position that the age of eligibility for superannuation stay at 65.
“I’d encourage everyone to look at our manifesto, obviously, those issues have been very important to the party since its inception, but these matters will all be teased through when the caucus speaks,” Jones said.
The caretaker Cabinet met yesterday. Luxon said the incoming and outgoing chiefs of staff were in contact, keeping the new Government abreast of Cabinet decisions as per the caretaker convention.
Luxon said that one thing he had been briefed on was the deteriorating situation in the Middle East with one million Palestinians being forced to evacuate northern parts of the Gaza Strip, ahead of a likely Israeli ground invasion.
Decisions relating to this and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region would be taken by the caretaker Government in consultation with him, Luxon said.
“The Labour Government is in power at the moment. I’m consulted.”
Meanwhile, Labour’s caucus will meet today to farewell outgoing MPs and discuss how to go forward.
Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will make some remarks ahead of caucus, his first since Saturday night. Hipkins will then do a round of media on Wednesday morning where he will discuss anything that emerged from Tuesday’s caucus meeting.
Thomas Coughlan is Deputy Political Editor and covers politics from Parliament. He has worked for the Herald since 2021 and has worked in the press gallery since 2018.