Labour Pledges $21 Million for Māori-led Trades Training at National Campaign Launch

The Labour Party has officially launched its bid for the Māori electorates at Wainuiomata Marae, unveiling a cornerstone 2026 election policy focused on Māori economic development. Party leader Chris Hipkins and Māori campaign chair Willie Jackson announced a proposal to invest $21 million per year into Māori-led trades and employment training. As reported by Newsroom, 1News, and RNZ, the initiative aims to provide pathways into skilled work for up to 3,000 people annually through local Māori organisations. The proposal centers on the establishment of a contestable, grant-based fund accessible to iwi and Māori trusts, marae, training providers, and employers. Hipkins argues that this decentralized approach recognizes that local organisations are best equipped to understand the specific barriers facing whānau in regional labour markets. The initiative seeks to connect workers with growth sectors such as construction, infrastructure, and housing, but Jackson noted the scope is broad, covering everything from electrical trades to hairdressing. While the policy is aimed at supporting rangatahi, Jackson emphasized that the fund would also provide opportunities for older individuals who may have previously missed out on qualifications. The programme is intended to complement existing schemes like the Apprenticeship Boost. The launch event on Saturday, 29 August 2026, gathered supporters and candidates to contest all seven Māori seats. MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel described the atmosphere as a high-energy rally, bringing together five of the party’s seven candidates including senior MP Willow-Jean Prime and Te Tai Hauāuru candidate Te Pūoho Katene. Lower Hutt deputy mayor Keri Brown introduced the candidates at a location significant for its intersection of the Te Tai Tonga, Te Tai Hauāuru, and Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorates. During the proceedings, Hipkins advocated for a "two-ticks" approach and signaled that while the party remains committed to Māori health outcomes, a future Labour government would not reinstate Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, in its previous form. Willie Jackson explained that a similar programme had operated under previous Labour leadership but was reduced under the current coalition government. He stated the party intends to reintroduce the full scale of the programme due to its track record of being "incredibly supportive" of Māori learners. Success will be measured by the number of participants who transition into long-term, well-paid roles.