Labour gathers for Wellington congress
Saturday 05 Jul 2014 7:59a.m.
Work, families and homes
are shaping up as the key themes of Labour's election campaign as the
party rallies its forces in Wellington.
About 400 Labour Party faithful are in the capital this weekend for the party's election year congress.
Recent polls show support for Labour just below 30
percent and how the party will turn that around before the September 20
election is a focus of the gathering.
Labour's deputy leader David Parker told party
faithful today it is Labour's commitment to decent outcomes - good jobs,
higher wages, the ability to buy a home and save for retirement - that
sets it apart from opponents.
"We believe that a rising tide of economic growth should lift all boats, not just the super yachts," he said.
"We believe that it makes sound economic sense for
the rock stars to make sure the roadies are looked after and the fans
get what they paid for."
Mr Parker said Labour will deliver for work, families and homes.
"We'll lift children out of poverty and restore the Kiwi dream of owning your own home," he said to a standing ovation.
Meanwhile, Labour made the first of two education policy announcements.
Leader David Cunliffe says all students from age nine will have access to a tablet or other portable device at school and home.
Parents will be able to pay for the devices in instalments, to ensure no students in years five to 13 are disadvantaged.
This
follows the announcement earlier this week that Labour will put an end
to voluntary school donations by offering schools an annual grant of
$100 per student.
Mr Cunliffe will make his keynote speech tomorrow afternoon outlining the party's priorities and direction.
Labour will also unveil its campaign slogan and accompanying social media hashtag.
Meanwhile,
Mr Cunliffe says it is very unlikely Internet Mana co-leaders Hone
Harawira and Laila Harre would be ministers, inside or outside cabinet,
if Labour's in the position to form a coalition government after
September's election.
Labour's most likely partners are the Green Party and NZ First, he told reporters today.
"They would be the foundation of the incoming government," Mr Cunliffe said.
However, he's not ruling out having post-election understandings with other parties who want to change the Government.
Mr Cunliffe has repeatedly said he won't be making deals with any party before the election.
NZN
Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/Labour-gathers-for-Wellington-congress/tabid/1607/articleID/351508/Default.aspx#ixzz38YogJnYr
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