Episode description
Humiliated and humbled in last year's election, Labour has spent its first months back in opposition licking its wounds. At the party's caucus retreat this week - a gathering of its MPs at a remote location to strategise for the year ahead - it promised a comeback. In this week's Focus on Politics RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes a look at the difficulties and dilemmas facing Labour as it readjusts to life in opposition.
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"We're looking forwards rather than backwards" - Chris Hipkins
Humiliated and humbled in last year's election, Labour has spent its first months back in opposition licking its wounds.
At the party's caucus retreat this week - a gathering of its MPs at a remote location to strategise for the year ahead - it promised a comeback.
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Labour's shift in status is underscored by the retreat's change in venue, back at the Brackenridge Country Retreat in Martinborough they had used until the 2020 election swelled their ranks beyond its capacity.
It was also delayed from its usual slot in January or early February, in part due to a shorter summer break and to allow more time for reflection.
Leader Chris Hipkins' speech welcoming his MPs signalled optimism the coalition government would be its own undoing, and set out his three priorities for the rest of the term: being a good opposition; fully preparing policies with costings, timings and implementation plans; and rebuilding the movement with fundraising, recruiting, and connecting with communities.
As a mainstream party, Labour must also present as economically credible - and internal disagreements over tax policy will need to be ironed out ahead of the next election.
Read more:
Tax question hangs over Labour as Hipkins looks to rebuild
'Unambitious' Luxon vs 'irrelevant' Hipkins: Leaders trade barbs from the regions
Labour caucus retreat very different from a year ago
Labour gains, Hipkins plummets in latest poll
The refocus also comes at a dynamic time in the political landscape: the three-headed coalition facing three parties in opposition, each competing for a slice of the electoral pie.
Te Pāti Māori has increasingly stolen the headlines with its often extreme rhetoric, while the Greens have made no bones about their aspiration to become the dominant opposition voice - underlined by Chlöe Swarbrick as she ascended to the co-leadership last weekend. It is a lofty and perhaps unlikely ambition, but one Labour should be aware of as it repositions…