Labour pledges $21 million for Māori trades training at campaign launch

Labour has officially launched its bid for the Māori electorates at Wainuiomata Marae in Wellington on Saturday, 29 August 2026. The event, which gathered candidates and supporters to contest all seven Māori seats, focused on a vision for increased investment in Māori vocational development and community representation. During the launch, Labour MP Willie Jackson, who serves as the chair for the Māori campaign, announced a pledge to invest $21 million annually into new Māori trades training programmes. Jackson highlighted the importance of these initiatives for building economic opportunities for whānau, contrasting the party's proposed investment with current government funding levels. MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel described the atmosphere at the marae as boisterous and energetic, likening the enthusiasm of the whānau present to a high-energy rally. The event brought together five of the party’s seven candidates, including senior MP Willow-Jean Prime and Te Pūoho Katene, the candidate for Te Tai Hauāuru. Te Tai Tonga MP Tangaere-Manuel emphasized the party's focus on long-term welfare and stability for Māori communities as a central pillar of their platform. Party leader Chris Hipkins also addressed the gathering, advocating for a straightforward "two ticks" approach in the upcoming election. The launch location was significant as it sits at the intersection of three major Māori electorates: Te Tai Tonga, Te Tai Hauāuru, and Ikaroa-Rāwhiti. Lower Hutt deputy mayor Keri Brown provided the introduction for the candidates, who are now set to begin their full-scale efforts to represent Māori interests in Parliament.