Labour’s refusal to commit to passing a rates cap shows it is paving the way to ditch it after the election, National’s Campaign Chair Simeon Brown says.
“If Labour genuinely believes Kiwis need protection from staggering rates increases, it should have no hesitation in guaranteeing it will pass a rates cap into law after the election.
“Given Labour’s previous opposition to a rates cap, supporting it to first reading is utterly meaningless without a commitment to actually passing it.
“Unless they make that commitment, Labour is signalling it will vote it down at the first opportunity after the election.
“Kiwis already know that Labour cannot be trusted.
“Just months ago, Labour’s Local Government spokesperson was categorical that Labour would not support a rates cap and would vote against it.
“What’s changed, apart from the fact that an election is approaching?
“Chris Hipkins needs to stop playing political games and give Kiwis a straight answer - will a Labour Government pass a rates cap into law, yes or no?
“Kiwis are already staring down the barrel of nine new taxes under Labour. They deserve to know whether they can also expect Labour to let their rates keep rising unchecked.”
Labour MPs offering different positions on rates cap support:
- 26 Aug 2026: On Morning Report, Barbara Edmonds says “we support the legislation to first reading.”
- 26 Aug 2026: That same morning on Newstalk ZB, Ginny Andersen says “we are taking it to caucus. We are talking about it now. So I’m not going to take a position.”
- 1 Dec 2025: Tangi Utikere is categorical that Labour will not support rates cap: “We've made it very clear that we won't expect local government to continue to work and take on additional responsibilities without the funding. So we don't support this rates cap”