He pointed to policies Labour has already announced for three free doctors’ visits yearly, free prescriptions, public transport fare caps and the party’s SolarSaver support.
“All of these things will have a particular impact,” he said.
Hipkins said housing availability was another big issue in Northland, with many people sleeping rough.
“In the evening, I went for a walk through the [Whangārei] CBD and saw the number of people living rough on the streets in Northland.
“Homes continue to be an issue.”
With the region having higher than average unemployment, jobs were also a key focus in Northland, Hipkins said.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins (centre left) meets with NorthChamber chairman Tim Robinson (from left), Northland NZ chief executive Paul Linton and Labour’s Whangārei candidate Dr Gary Payinda.
Northland had opportunities to boost its economy through the likes of becoming a renewable energy hub, agritech, high-value primary exports and being home to digital technology workers, he said.
Hipkins said access to healthcare was another key issue for the region, which had high health needs.
Hipkins said Labour’s Whangārei candidate Dr Gary Payinda – an ED doctor – had been giving him insight into some of the issues.
Hipkins, Payinda and Labour’s Northland candidate Ashleigh Latimer visited Kensington Pharmacy on Thursday, to find out more about how community pharmacies can help keep communities healthy.
Labour had already promised a return to free prescriptions but local pharmacies could enable more medicines to be accessible, Hipkins said.
Labour candidates Dr Gary Payinda (left) and Ashleigh Latimer learned what local pharmacies can offer at Kensington Pharmacy.
While the Roads of National Significance initiative was National’s 2023 election promise, Hipkins said he wanted work on the Northland Expressway to continue.
“We don’t want to continue with the stop-start approach when it comes to major infrastructure,” he said.
This week, the coalition Government revealed a new phased timeline for major transport projects, with construction of the Warkworth to Te Hana section due to start this year, and route protection for the Brynderwyns replacement also progressing.
Hipkins said Labour was still analysing the phased timeline announcement but he strongly supported long-term planning for major roading infrastructure.
“With Warkworth to Te Hana, if that’s underway then we do want to keep it going.
“I do think the biggest gap is the Brynderwyns – we need to look closely at how we put more resilience into that route.
“If every major weather event will cut Northland off, there’s a major economic cost to that.”
Hipkins said he got a fair hearing at the NorthChamber breakfast, helping create an important relationship with businesses if Labour forms the next Government.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.