Labour’s Willie Jackson is sharpening the party’s pitch to Māori voters ahead of the 2026 election, as economic policy, support for Māori businesses and turmoil within the National Party move into the political spotlight.
One of Labour’s most senior Māori MPs, Jackson says the party needs to clearly distinguish itself not only from the National-led Government, but also from other parties Labour may need to work with after the election.
A key issue for Jackson is ensuring Māori businesses have a greater opportunity to benefit from the billions of dollars spent by government agencies every year.
Under the Progressive Procurement policy developed under the previous Labour Government, agencies were given targets for awarding relevant contracts to Māori businesses.
The target was initially set at five percent before being lifted to eight percent, with the policy designed to increase Māori participation in government supply chains and use public spending to deliver wider economic and social benefits.
Jackson sees procurement as an important economic lever for Māori small businesses, particularly when government purchasing decisions can help businesses grow, employ more people and keep money circulating within whānau and communities.
The issue is likely to form part of a wider election debate about the Māori economy and whether government procurement should be judged primarily on price or also used to achieve broader outcomes.
Jackson has also weighed into the political uncertainty surrounding Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, as speculation over National’s leadership triggers an urgent caucus meeting.
Despite sitting on the opposite side of Parliament, Jackson has indicated he would prefer Luxon to remain National leader.
The unfolding leadership situation creates another challenge for Labour as it prepares for the election, with any change at the top of National potentially reshaping the contest and forcing opposition parties to adjust their campaign strategies.
For Jackson and Labour, the road to 2026 will require convincing Māori voters that the party can deliver tangible economic gains, while also showing how its policies differ from both the Government and potential partners on the left.
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