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"Take the politics out of it" Hipkins on Infrastructure Commission's National Plan

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 18 Feb 2026, 12:54pm
Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to Newstalk ZB Wellington host Nick Mills. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to Newstalk ZB Wellington host Nick Mills. Photo / Mark Mitchell

"Take the politics out of it" Hipkins on Infrastructure Commission's National Plan

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 18 Feb 2026, 12:54pm

Chris Hipkins says we need to take the politics out of the Infrastructure Commissions National Infrastructure Plan.

The Leader of the Opposition told John MacDonald that he thinks the Commission has done a "really good job" on their recent report, and we need to focus on the basics.

"They've pointed out we have an over reliance on shiny new things, and we haven't done the basic maintenance of the things we've already got."

"We need to take the politics out of it and focus on a long-term plan."

On the rise of Winson Peters and NZ First in the polls, he said that Peter's lifetime in politics has given some unique political skills of reinvention.

"At the moment, he's trying to be an opposition MP while also trying to be the third highest ranking minster in the current government."

When asked if he has considered working with Peters to form the next government, Hipkins said that's something they will look at closer to election day. 

"We'll set out closer to the election where we've got common ground with other parties."

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