Jonathan Ayling: Labour shouldn't simply rely on 'the vibe' to return it to power

PremiumOpinionOpinion byJonathan AylingColumnist·NZ Herald·27 May, 2026 05:00 PM5 mins to readJonathan Ayling is a strategy consultant and professional director. ‌Labour leader Chris Hipkins could campaign on a strategy of simply not being the current Government, but he risks encountering problems similar to those of his British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer, Jonathan Ayling writes. Photo / Anna HeathToday’s Budget is a reminder that elections have consequences.The coalition Government is enacting the platform it put before voters. New Zealanders may approve or disapprove, but those choices can at least be measured against the mandate it sought.

The Labour Party is pursuing a different path. The public is