Labour pledges to restore Section 7AA and protect Māori wards in 2026 manifesto

On Thursday, 29 October 2026, the Labour Party released its official election manifesto, titled "What Better Means for New Zealand," outlining a series of policy commitments aimed at Māori opportunity and social equity. The 101-page document, launched ahead of the upcoming election, places a significant focus on restoring legislative protections that ensure tamariki and rangatahi Māori remain connected to their whānau and whakapapa. According to RNZ Political Reporter Lillian Hanly, a key feature of the manifesto is the promise to reinstate Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The party stated this move is essential so that Māori children in the care system maintain a strong connection to their identity and heritage. This commitment aligns with a broader focus on Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations within the public sector. In the local government space, Labour announced it would place Māori wards on the same footing as other council wards, removing specific hurdles to their establishment. Additionally, the manifesto includes a requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as part of a wider education strategy that aims to lift achievement while moving away from high-stakes testing. Leader Chris Hipkins noted that the party’s number one priority remains the cost of living, promising three free GP visits a year and a review of the electricity market. The manifesto also outlines a commitment to work toward eliminating homelessness and reducing rough sleeping through regulated property management. On the international stage, the party proposed introducing economic sanctions on Israel and intervening in support of South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice. Hipkins stated that every commitment in the plan is fully costed and funded, operating within the same budget allowances as the current administration but prioritizing different outcomes for families.