Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on Winston Peters ruling out Labour, KiwiSaver changes, Minister for the South Island

Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald

Labour's yet to rule potential coalition partners in or out.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is refusing to work with Chris Hipkins next election, but has not entirely ruled Labour out.

On social media, Peters posted a Government of Labour, the Greens, and Te Pati Māori would be a "circus" and a "radical woke show".

Hipkins told John MacDonald that they actually ruled out working with Peters before the last election, and he’s said since that that’s unlikely to change.

However, he says potential coalition decisions will be made closer to the election, based on principles and the party’s compatibility, rather than the petty personality vendettas that seem to be occupying Peters’ time.

The Labour Leader is also calling the role of the Minister for the South Island a "PR job."

Rangitata MP James Meager picked up the new portfolio in January, alongside Hunting and Fishing, Youth, and Associate Transport.

The Prime Minister says he will be a critical voice for the South Island.

But Hipkins told MacDonald there would be no need for Meager's role if the Government was actually prioritising the South Island.

He says Meager's not doing anything because he has no budget or decision-making ability, and this is just a way of telling the South Island it hasn't been forgotten.

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