Labour MP and tertiary education spokesperson Shanan Halbert joins Radio Waatea’s Matthew Tukaki to discuss Labour’s latest student loan policy, the polls and some of the electorate contests shaping up ahead of Election 2026.
Labour has announced it would cut eligible student loan balances by 10 percent, with New Zealand-based borrowers who have already finished studying set to receive the reduction from April 2027. Current and future students would qualify after remaining in New Zealand for three years following their studies, while eligible balances of $2,000 or less would be wiped completely.
Halbert talks with Tukaki about the thinking behind the policy, including Labour’s aim of encouraging more graduates to remain in Aotearoa and build their careers and futures here.
The conversation also turns to the election campaign, the latest polling and the battle for individual electorates as parties compete for every vote.
Among the races under discussion are Mt Albert in Auckland and Tukituki in Hawke’s Bay, two contests being closely watched as the campaign heads towards its final stretch.
From student debt and the future of young New Zealanders to polling and electorate battles, Halbert and Tukaki unpack the issues likely to dominate the weeks ahead.
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