A New Generation for Labour to Win

The Labour Party must reconnect with New Zealanders through a new generation of leadership that looks forwards and outwards, Labour Leadership contender Grant Robertson said today.

"The core values of the Labour Party of fairness, opportunity and our shared responsibility stand strong, but we have to be honest that many New Zealanders have lost their connection to Labour and struggle to know what we are about."

"We need a new generation of leadership to inspire confidence in New Zealanders that Labour is on their side. Under my leadership we will listen, we will back workers, small businesses and entrepreneurs as the heart of our economy and we will focus on the core issues that give people the best shot at life- education, health and housing."

"We will also show to New Zealanders that Labour is once again ready to lead not only New Zealand but the world in addressing the big issues of our time, like the changing nature of work, climate change and reducing the gap between the rich and the rest."

"Today I am announcing that the person I will be recommending to the Labour Caucus as my Deputy if I am successful in this contest will be Jacinda Ardern. Jacinda represents the new generation of leadership we need. She connects with a broad range of New Zealanders, lives and breathes our values and has driven bold and new policy for children. I would be proud to serve with her."

"We must harness all the talents of the Labour team to win in 2017. As a Caucus and Party we need to come together around clear and direct policies that are true to our values. We can not expect New Zealanders to back a party that is not unified and clear in our purpose. We must leave behind our differences and earn the trust of our people by our actions from here."

"My commitment is that under my leadership Labour will once again be the vehicle for the hopes and aspirations of a broad range of New Zealanders and that we will face the future with pride and confidence." Grant Robertson said.

Full text of Grants speech can be found at http://www.grantrobertson.co.nz/campaign_launch_speech

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