Labour and Greens vow to fight Govt

Labour and the Greens have come out fighting, starting the 2013 political year by vowing to tackle the Government on every issue.

Leaders David Shearer and Metiria Turei each delivered their major speeches for the year to their respective party faithful yesterday.

Mr Shearer's speech to a crowd in Wainuiomata was boisterous, well received and full of promises.

But while he vowed to make jobs his number one priority, the speech lacked any new policies.

In Auckland, Ms Turei launched the "I'm in - for the future" campaign, which aims to give people a political voice without having to join a party.

She says the Government knows next year's election will be close, so it's digging in now to deliver as many hard-line policies as possible.

"National has become much more right wing in the last 12 months, much more toxic to the environment and much less compassionate about the plight of kids in poverty and so many New Zealanders can see that attitude and they don't like it."

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has criticised both speeches, saying it's a poor start to the year from the opposition.

Photo: Getty Images