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Labour's Carmel Sepuloni

Our weekly catch-up with Deputy Leader of the opposition, Carmel Sepuloni, every Thursday on The Wire.

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The Western Springs Speedway Association court battle against Auckland Council, buying storm-affected properties w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 April, 2025

 The Western Springs Speedway Association court battle against Auckland Council, buying storm-affected properties w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 April, 2025 The Western Springs Speedway Association court battle against Auckland Council, buying storm-affected properties w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 April, 2025, 13.27 MB
Thu 10 Apr 2025

The government released its second quarterly action plan for 2025 this week, outlining their targets across a range of sectors. Included in the plan is legislation around free speech at universities. When pitching this legislation previously, ACT leader David Seymour said the change would protect academics and individual freedom of speech, while disallowing universities from deplatforming speakers with controversial or offensive views. Seymour sez the bill will ensure universities remain neutral on non-operational issues. 

The action plan was joined by the new 2025 defence capability plan, which includes 9 billion dollars of new funding for the defence sector. Included in this 9 billion is 450 million dollars for killer drones, a first for New Zealand’s defence force. 

The past few weeks have also seen economic instability in the US following a series of tariffs introduced by president Donald Trump. While New Zealand is only affected by the lowest 10 per cent tariff rate, the consequences remain uncertain for our still recovering economy. 

In our weekly catchup with the Labour Party, Thursday Wire host Caeden spoke to MP Shanan Halbert about each of these issues, beginning with free speech at universities.

Tamatha Paul’s comments on the police and the government’s announcement on the supermarket duopoly w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 April, 2025

 Tamatha Paul’s comments on the police and the government’s announcement on the supermarket duopoly w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 April, 2025 Tamatha Paul’s comments on the police and the government’s announcement on the supermarket duopoly w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 April, 2025, 8.39 MB
Thu 3 Apr 2025

Last week, Green Party MP Tamatha Paul made comments about the police and the expansion of beat patrols in Wellington, saying they make a lot of people feel “less safe.”

The comments have been criticised by MPs across National, Act, New Zealand First, as well as Labour. 

And Finance Minister Nicola Willis is seeking specialist external advice on what ways the supermarket duopoly could be restructured.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about these issues.

NZ First’s “war on woke”, proposed RMA reforms, and New Zealand’s support for Palestine w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 March, 2025

 NZ First’s “war on woke”, proposed RMA reforms, and New Zealand’s support for Palestine w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 March, 2025 NZ First’s “war on woke”, proposed RMA reforms, and New Zealand’s support for Palestine w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 March, 2025, 8.99 MB
Thu 27 Mar 2025

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters gave a “State of the Nation” speech last weekend where he strongly criticised Labour and announced his party was declaring a “war on woke.”

The government has announced a new replacement for the Resource Management Act, looking to pass it before the next election.

And Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Parker has criticised the government for not condemning Israel in the context of recent military action and the blocking of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics. 

Labour’s caucus reshuffle and recent polling w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 13 March, 2025

 Labour’s caucus reshuffle and recent polling w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 13 March, 2025 Labour’s caucus reshuffle and recent polling w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 13 March, 2025, 6.38 MB
Thu 13 Mar 2025

Labour has announced a caucus reshuffle, giving the Auckland portfolio to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni.

The party has outlined its intention to focus on winning Auckland back in 2026 after a blue wave swept the city in the 2023 election, unseating several Labour MPs in what were thought to be safe seats.

A recent Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll has put Labour up 2.8 points and would mean the centre-right bloc would not be able to form government.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader and new Auckland spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni about these topics.

The issue-ridden school lunch programme and 4 year parliamentary terms w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 6 March, 2025

 The issue-ridden school lunch programme and 4 year parliamentary terms w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 6 March, 2025 The issue-ridden school lunch programme and 4 year parliamentary terms w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 6 March, 2025, 7.35 MB
Thu 6 Mar 2025

Earlier this week, an investigation was launched into the school lunch programme after baked-in plastic was found in several lunches. 

However, principals say the programme has already had various issues since Associate Education Minister David Seymour switched providers as a cost-saving measure last year.

And the coalition government is set to introduce legislation that would give the option of 4 year parliamentary terms.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy LeaderCarmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.

New research on child poverty numbers, the government’s proposed new response to retail crime, and the protests at Lake Rotokākahi w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 February, 2025

 New research on child poverty numbers, the government’s proposed new response to retail crime, and the protests at Lake Rotokākahi w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 February, 2025 New research on child poverty numbers, the government’s proposed new response to retail crime, and the protests at Lake Rotokākahi w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 February, 2025, 10.67 MB
Thu 27 Feb 2025

StatsNZ has released new data showing the government has missed all its child poverty targets, and that the number of children in material hardship has risen from 144,100 to 156,600.

The government’s proposal to expand citizen arrest laws has been met with a mixed response. The proposal has been criticised by business groups, First Union, and the Labour Party, largely for the risk to workers.

And protestors against a sewerage pipeline being installed through the tapu Lake Rotokākahu have committed to staying at the site after facing off with police.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.

Destiny Church’s Pride Protest and the new “Everyone must go!” tourism campaign w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 20 February, 2025

 Destiny Church’s Pride Protest and the new “Everyone must go!” tourism campaign w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 20 February, 2025 Destiny Church’s Pride Protest and the new “Everyone must go!” tourism campaign w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 20 February, 2025, 12.94 MB
Thu 20 Feb 2025

A family-friendly Auckland Pride Event was stormed by about 50 protestors in Te Atutū on Saturday.

The event, involving a Drag King talking to children about the science of Rainbows, was invaded by members of Destiny’s Church. Later the same day Destiny’s Church intimidated attendees at Auckland’s Rainbow Parade.

And the government has launched a new tourism ad campaign with the tagline “Everyone Must Go!”

The tagline has had a mixed reception, however, it aims to boost Australian tourism numbers, which haven’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

For our weekly catch-up with Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni, Wire host Caeden asks about both of these topics.

Waitangi Day and the Salvation Army’s latest ‘State of the Nation’ report w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 13 February, 2025

 Waitangi Day and the Salvation Army’s latest ‘State of the Nation’ report w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 13 February, 2025 Waitangi Day and the Salvation Army’s latest ‘State of the Nation’ report w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 13 February, 2025, 11.5 MB
Thu 13 Feb 2025

Last week's Waitangi Day had a notable absence, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Instead, he chose to spend the day with Kāi Tahu. The move drew some criticism, particularly as all other political leaders were present at Waitangi.

It comes after National Minister Tama Potaka overhauled the Waitangi Tribunal earlier this year. Eight members of the tribunal were replaced with controversial new appointments.

And the Salvation Army has released their latest State of the Nation report. The report showed an increase in families struggling with the cost of living, forcing them onto the benefit in record numbers.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.

The First Political Poll of the Year and National’s Cabinet Reshuffle w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 23 January, 2025

 The First Political Poll of the Year and National’s Cabinet Reshuffle w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 23 January, 2025 The First Political Poll of the Year and National’s Cabinet Reshuffle w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 23 January, 2025, 7.36 MB
Thu 23 Jan 2025

The first major political poll of the year, the Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll, has Labour ahead of National for the first time in almost two years.

The poll comes as the political year kicks off, with Labour and National both hosting caucus retreats this week.

It also comes after a cabinet reshuffle of National Ministers which Hipkins described as “a futile attempt to turn around a failing government.”

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden speaks to Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.

The new ferry announcement and nearly a quarter of beneficiaries being paid incorrectly w/ Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni: 12 December, 2024

 The new ferry announcement and nearly a quarter of beneficiaries being paid incorrectly w/ Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni: 12 December, 2024 The new ferry announcement and nearly a quarter of beneficiaries being paid incorrectly w/ Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni: 12 December, 2024, 17.71 MB
Thu 12 Dec 2024

The government as announced their plan for the Cook Strait ferry a year after they scrapped Labour’s plan, including cancelling the ferries the Labour government had ordered.

And a new report from the Ministry of Social Development has revealed nearly a quarter of beneficiaries are not receiving their correct entitlements.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.