Outgoing prime minister Chris Hipkins said the new government’s policies are a “confused and contradictory grab bag” which will "take New Zealand backwards".
Speaking to media this afternoon, Hipkins congratulated National, ACT and New Zealand First on reaching an agreement – and will work on making the transition of power as smooth as possible.
But he was quick to label the incoming government's policies as flawed, and said the government has "at least a $3 billion" hole in their tax plan with the proposed foreign buyers tax being scrapped.
"They have decided to prioritise landlords over renters, the oil and gas industry over New Zealand's international reputation and environment, and the tobacco lobby over the health of all New Zealanders."
He said inflation and interest rates will also "stay higher for longer" seeing the incoming government is "silent" on how they will pay for the proposed tax cuts, meaning there will be "more borrowing" from government.
Outgoing prime minister Chris Hipkins said the new government's policies will "take New Zealand backwards". (Source: 1News)
"It's good Christopher Luxon is moving into a round office, given the circles Winston Peters and David Seymour are running around him and no doubt will for the next three years."
Labour's plan for opposition
Hipkins said his plan for opposition involves three main points.
The first he said is making sure they hold the new government to account, which means "scrutinising what they’re doing".
“The second is to be proactive, so to make sure we are offering up different ideas and better ideas.
"The third, of course will be to put ourselves in a position to win in three years’ time."
Green Party will provide 'strong opposition' - Davidson
Meanwhile, the Green Party said it will be a "strong opposition to divisive government" after coalition details were announced between National, ACT and New Zealand First.
The left-bloc party, which will have a record 15 MPs in the coming Parliamentary term, said it would make sure all voices "are heard loud and clear in the halls of Parliament and beyond".
"We are going to do everything in our power to make this a one-term government," co-leader Marama Davidson said.
"It won't be easy. National, ACT, and New Zealand First have shown their willingness to do and say anything to get into power.
"The plan to allow state schools to transition to partnership schools and make it easier for people to access guns, is completely out of touch with what New Zealand needs.
"While the new government agreement will be worrying to many thousands of people, we are ready, we are strong, and we will be loud.
"It is an immense honour to stand alongside James Shaw leading a caucus with such a strong group of Māori and Pasifika voices, all of whom bring with them a vast range of experiences, knowledge and skills.
"Te Tiriti must be honoured and any steps to redefine our founding document will be divisive."
Shaw added that the next government needs "to be taking bold action to build a cleaner, fairer climate friendly future where everyone can afford a warm home and food on the table".
"Now more than ever, we need to be taking bold action to build a cleaner, fairer climate friendly future where everyone can afford a warm home and food on the table," he said.
On Instagram, Te Pāti Māori reposted an Instagram story by 2023 list candidate Eru Kapa-Kingi encouraging protests against the coalition's plan to proceed with policy addressing principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, including the introduction of a Treaty Principles Bill.
"Start making up our signs now! PROTESTS ARE COMING," Kapa-Kingi wrote.
The policy was adopted from ACT but doesn't include the party's proposed Treaty referendum.
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