Party Information

Labour wants to make New Zealand a better place to live in by providing opportunities for all, jobs, strong public services, quality education, and affordable healthcare. We believe this can be achieved by keeping assets in Kiwi hands, taking care of our environment, and ensuring we get our economy back in the black without compromising the wellbeing of hardworking Kiwis.

What are our values and principles?

In the Labour Party, our principles and values define what we do. They are codified by the Labour Party Constitution:

Principles

• All political authority comes from the people by democratic means including universal suffrage, regular and free elections with a secret ballot.
• The natural resources of New Zealand belong to all the people and these resources, and in particular non-renewable resources, should be managed for the benefit of all, including future generations.
• All people should have equal access to all social, economic, cultural, political and legal spheres, regardless of wealth or social position, and continuing participation in the democratic process.
• Co-operation, rather than competition, should be the main governing factor in economic relations, in order that a greater amount and a just distribution of wealth can be ensured.
• All people are entitled to dignity, self-respect and the opportunity to work.
• All people, either individually or in groups, may own wealth or property for their own use, but in any conflict of interest people are always more important than property and the state must ensure a just distribution of wealth.
• The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of New Zealand and that the Treaty should be honoured in government, society and the family.
• Peace and social justice should be promoted throughout the world by international co-operation and mutual respect.
• The same basic human rights, protected by the State, apply to all people, regardless or race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religious faith, political belief or disability.

Objectives

• To elect competent men and women to Parliament and local authorities through free elections for the purpose of giving effect to Party policy and principles.
• To build and sustain an economy which can attract and retain the intelligence, skills and efforts of all citizens.
• To ensure the just distribution of the production and services of the nation for the benefit of all the people.
• To promote and protect the freedoms and welfare of all New Zealand citizens.
• To educate the public in the principles and objectives of democratic socialism and economic and social co-operation.

You can read more about our values and principles in our Constitution and Policy Platform.

You can read more about our history here.

How are we organised?

Labour has a unique structure, designed to meet the needs of its members as well as being an effective part of New Zealand’s vibrant democracy. This structure helps us to develop well-reasoned policy, run efficient campaigns, and represent Kiwis.

General and special branches

Branches represent the interests of members at a local level. Special branches have been established to represent unique groups including, Women’s branches, University branches, Youth branches, Maori branches, Pacific Island branches, Industrial branches and Rainbow branches.

Affiliates

The Labour Party is part of a wider labour movement, which continues to help working Kiwis in New Zealand. We therefore have a relationship with our affiliated trade unions. Generally speaking, members of these unions are also affiliated members of Labour.

Labour Electorate Committees

Labour has an Electorate Committee for each general and Maori electorate in New Zealand. These committees coordinate local electorate events and let elected representatives report back on their work. Branches can send representatives to this body.

Labour Local Body Committees

Labour also has Local Body Committees for local and regional authorities in New Zealand. These coordinate local electorate events and let elected representatives report back on their work. Branches can send representatives to this body.

Labour Regional Councils

Each Electorate Committee is assigned to a Regional Council, for one of Labour’s six regions across the country, where they work together to hold regional events and activities.

The New Zealand Council

This is the Governing body of the Party, operating through the General Secretary and Head Office, with representatives from each region, our affiliates, sectors and the Party’s caucus in Parliament.

Members of NZ Council

To get in contact with any member of the NZ Council, please email [email protected]

How do we craft our policy?

The Policy Manifesto from the previous election is used as a basis.

Constitutional bodies of the Party (branches - geographical; special; sector councils; policy committees) submit policy proposals to regional conferences.

Policy proposals are discussed, amended if necessary through amendments proposed by branches or the Regional Council, and voted on at regional conferences for forwarding to Annual Conference.

The policy proposals may be adopted as they are, or referred by the Conference to our Policy Council, or to policy committees and/or sector councils if more development as needed. Draft policies for the next Policy Manifesto will incorporate passed policy proposals in whole or in principle.

Development of broader draft policies for the next Policy Manifesto can involve leadership by the MP tasked with a policy role in the area – working together with the relevant Sector Council and Policy Committee. The draft policy for each policy area should consider the previous policy, passed policy proposals, and the overall direction of the Party.

Individual policies are referred to the Policy Council for consideration and endorsement - and in an election year to the Manifesto Committee for editing in terms of language, format, length and consistency with other policies.

Click here for a visual summary of our policy process.

Updating your details

Are you a member or supporter? To update your details with us click here.

Party documents

New Zealand Labour Party Constitution
New Zealand Labour Party Standing Orders
New Zealand Labour Party Policy Platform

Internal policy documents

Alcohol Policy
Bullying and Harassment Policy
Code of Conduct - Members
Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Events Management Policy
Procedure for investigating alleged misconduct
Policy for Sexual Harm Prevention and Response
Best Practice Doorknocking Guidance