National holds election campaign launch in Auckland, doubles down on "no new taxes"

What happened

National is holding its official election campaign launch today at the International Convention Centre in Auckland, ahead of the November 7 election. The party is centring its campaign on a "no new taxes" message.

Campaign chairman Simeon Brown told Newstalk ZB the party expects a large turnout at the launch and a "very clear message" on tax, which he called one of the big issues of this year's election. Brown said National is positioning itself against what he described as a "coalition of four parties", Labour, the Greens, Te Pati Maori and The Opportunities Party, who he says all want to introduce more taxes.

National has argued that Labour leader Chris Hipkins would need the extra revenue from taxes proposed by potential post-election partners to fund Labour's spending promises. Hipkins has said Labour would only introduce a capital gains tax if elected, and has ruled out the other taxes being campaigned on by minor parties.

The launch is expected to feature speeches from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, senior National ministers and party figure Sir John Key. There is a chance National will also release a set of core campaign commitments, following a format it used in 2023 when it published a pledge card of eight promises.

Key facts

• National's official campaign launch is being held today at the International Convention Centre in Auckland
• The general election is on November 7, 2026
• Campaign chairman Simeon Brown says the party's core message is "no new taxes"
• National is contrasting itself with Labour, the Greens, Te Pati Maori and The Opportunities Party, who it says support new or increased taxes
• Labour leader Chris Hipkins has said Labour would only introduce a capital gains tax if elected, ruling out other taxes proposed by minor parties
• The launch is expected to include speeches from Christopher Luxon, senior National ministers and Sir John Key

What happens next

National is expected to continue pushing its "no new taxes" message through the campaign, while Labour has also launched its own campaign, according to reports of the day's events.

Still to be confirmed

• Whether National will release a new pledge card or set of core commitments at the launch, as it did in 2023
• The specific content of any speeches given at today's launch
• Details of Labour's own campaign launch, held around the same time