Hipkins calls NZ First deputy unfit for ministry but won't rule out coalition

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he would have sacked Shane Jones as a minister over his "knee pads" comments but has not ruled out working with NZ First after the 2026 election. Hipkins ruled NZ First out before the 2023 election. He told RNZ that was "highly unlikely" to change, but said there were "different permutations now." NZ First has already ruled out working with Labour.