Wigram Megan Woods and Ilam MP Hamish Campbell have clashed over electricity prices, looming strikes and New Zealand’s position on Palestine in a wide ranging interview.

Power bills and energy strategy

The debate began with the Government’s new energy strategy. Campbell rejected criticism that it was a “fizzer,” insisting it would eventually deliver cheaper power.

“The electricity market is complicated,” Campbell said. “We have a lot of renewables coming online, but that is variable power. We need our base load generators and we need firming power that can fill the gaps. At the moment that means imported coal, but we are overturning the gas exploration ban to get more affordable supply. That is what will reduce volatility and put downward pressure on prices.”

Asked if households would see relief by next winter, Campbell said, “That is the goal. The most expensive way to generate electricity is coal. If we can replace that with cheaper, firming power, it will drive prices down.”

Woods accused the Government of avoiding bold action.

“They have only adopted two recommendations from their own review,” she said. “They threw out any work on storage and ditched the real solutions. All they are doing is tinkering around the edges. The only people celebrating this are the gentailers, because it suits them. New Zealanders will not see cheaper power bills from this.”

She also said Christopher Luxon’s Government had missed opportunities. “We could have put out a tender this week for all the electricity government buys to underwrite new generation. We could be rolling out solar on schools and homes right now. Instead, they are sitting on their hands.”

Super strike looming

The MPs were pressed on the mass strike action set to involve more than 11,500 allied health workers and thousands of teachers.

“Nobody goes on strike lightly,” Woods said. “When you lose a day’s pay, it hurts. These workers are being offered pay cuts in real terms, once you factor in inflation. They are telling us they are undervalued and under resourced. I believe them.”

Campbell said unions should return to talks. “Everyone has the right to strike, but these strikes will have a huge impact on healthcare and education. We have offered a pay deal. We are putting more money into health and employing more nurses. But we need good faith negotiation, not political games.”

Woods shot back: “They have been at the table multiple times. Simply dragging them back without a better offer achieves nothing. Meanwhile this government has found money for pay rises for directors of Crown companies but not for the frontline.”

Campbell countered that inflation was largely the result of Labour’s record in government. “The accumulative effect of inflation under Labour was a 25 percent increase in prices. People are doing it tough because of that. We are trying to fix the mess we inherited.”

Divisions on Palestine

On foreign policy, the two MPs sharply disagreed on whether New Zealand should recognise Palestine as a state.

“This is a very sensitive issue,” Campbell said. “We are appalled at the loss of life in the Middle East. But recognition would be symbolic only. We need a pragmatic way forward. Both sides must agree to each other’s existence, and Hamas does not. We do not want to embolden terrorists. Our focus is on aid and lasting peace.”

Woods said symbolism mattered. “If symbolism gets people to the table, then it matters. Everyone talks about a two state solution, but you need two states to achieve that. At the moment only Israel is recognised. New Zealand is on the wrong side of history by refusing to recognise Palestine.”

She also criticised the Government’s handling of three New Zealanders reportedly detained by Israeli forces off Gaza. “This Government has failed to show leadership. The Prime Minister should have been at the United Nations. He should be standing up and telling Israel it is not acceptable for New Zealanders to be taken in this way.”

Campbell said New Zealanders had been warned not to travel into a war zone. “MFAT’s advice has been very clear. It is not responsible to ignore that advice. Our concern has to be about finding a pathway to peace, not symbolism that changes nothing on the ground.”

Woods responded: “We are seeing famine in Gaza. Aid is not getting through. People are scrambling for food. This Government says it cares but is doing nothing to solve the problem.”