This is edition 2024/208 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Welcome to the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
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1. Chris Hipkins’ lackadaisical strategy for Labour
Bryce Edwards
- After Labour’s drastic drop in voter support from 50% to 26.9% last year, expectations were high for a vigorous and reform-focused first conference in opposition.
- 🏛️ Instead, the conference was marked by a lackadaisical atmosphere, dubbed "business as usual" by observers.
- 💼 Key outcomes included the rejection of a wealth tax proposal, ongoing opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill, and the confirmation of Chris Hipkins as Labour's leader for the 2026 election.
- 📉 Despite internal divisions, Labour remains undecided between a capital gains tax (CGT) and a more radical wealth tax (WT) for tax reform in 2026.
- 🔥 The WT proposal faced strong opposition within Labour, particularly from the more moderate factions aligned with Hipkins.
- 💬 Publicly, Hipkins maintains a strong stance on Treaty issues, aligning Labour with co-governance and Māori representation despite electoral setbacks.
- 🗳️ Critics argue Labour's cautious approach risks alienating broader support needed for electoral success, urging a more transformative agenda.
