On October 19, 2017, the Labour Party of New Zealand and the New Zealand First Party signed a coalition agreement, paving the way for a new government to be formed. The agreement was called „Our Shared Priorities: New Zealand First-Labour Coalition Agreement”.
The agreement was a result of lengthy negotiations between the two parties, after the September 23 general election failed to produce a clear winner. The Labour Party leader, Jacinda Ardern, reached out to the leader of the New Zealand First Party, Winston Peters, to form a coalition government.
The coalition agreement was a comprehensive document, outlining the key policies and priorities of the new government. The document covered a wide range of issues, from economic growth and job creation to social welfare and immigration.
One of the key policy areas covered in the coalition agreement was the economy. The new government promised to focus on creating jobs and boosting economic growth, particularly in the regions. The agreement also called for increased investment in infrastructure, such as roads, rail, and broadband.
Social welfare was another area of focus in the coalition agreement. The new government pledged to increase the minimum wage, introduce a scheme to provide free and low-cost healthcare for children under the age of 14, and invest in mental health services.
Finally, the coalition agreement addressed immigration, which was a key issue in the election campaign. The new government promised to reduce net migration by up to 30,000 people per year, and to implement a range of measures to ensure that immigration is managed in a way that benefits New Zealand and its people.
Overall, the coalition agreement between the Labour Party and the New Zealand First Party was a significant moment in New Zealand`s political history. It represented a new direction for the country, with a focus on job creation, social welfare, and managed immigration. As the new government begins its term in office, it will be interesting to see how these policies are implemented, and how they impact the lives of ordinary New Zealanders.