Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will deliver the keynote address to the Labour Party's conference this afternoon.
RNZ understands Ardern's speech at 1.30pm will include an announcement that is expected to focus on the cost of living.
Ardern and her government have been under pressure over the cost of living for months.
During a speech marking the opening of the conference, Ardern said her party is making progress, despite the challenges of the day.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson says the government is "always looking" for opportunities to help with the cost of living.
"What I'm looking for are measures that are targeted, that make sure that we support those who are the most affected, and that don't fuel inflation excessively or exacerbate the inflationary trends that we've got.
"So we will always keep looking for those opportunities."
The Labour Party's deputy leader told party faithful they must be courageous in the face of criticism.
Deputy leader Kelvin Davis' speech was originally scheduled as a behind-closed-doors event before it was opened up to media.
Davis told the crowd Labour couldn't let fear stop it acting on tough issues, like climate change.
"We've been criticised for wanting this country and this planet to be liveable for our children's children.
"We have to accept that being criticised for doing what is right is the price we pay for doing what is right."
Hamilton by-election
The prime minister has admitted the Waikato electorate hasn't been well-served by recent political chaos there.
This follows Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma being kicked out of the Labour Party caucus and then resigning which triggered a by-election.
Ardern told TVNZ's Q+A programme she will be on the ground in the lead-up to next month's election.
"We will give it our all. But however, I also factor in that Hamilton West I don't believe has been well served by what's happened recently.
"Our job is to try and make sure that we earn peoples' votes regardless of that."
