Labour leader Fartoomuchpressure launched his campaign for his Auckland Electorate at the Manukau Event Centre in South Auckland. Deep in safe Labour territory, a large crowd filled the room.

“When I was born not far from here a few short decades ago, New Zealand was a tiny island nation, a relic of the British Empire. Since then we have grown, our national identity has grown and Auckland has become a world class city in a world class country. Auckland is the fourth most diverse city in the world, nearly forty percent of our population was born overseas. Auckland is now the gateway to a wonderful country. Auckland’s population is increasing faster than the rest of New Zealand, around half of New Zealand’s immigrants move to Auckland, where only a third of the population lives. Auckland’s population is expected to exceed two million by 2030 and New Zealand’s population could reach six million in that decade.

“All of this has put significant pressure on our infrastructure. Auckland is now one of the most unaffordable cities in the world and the rest of the country isn’t far behind, cities like Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington are seeing their house prices go up. The problem is not immigration, however. The problem is neglecting our infrastructure and refusing to have a conversation on our future. If we want to grow, we have the space to do it. Our population density is very low. A country such as Germany, twice the area of New Zealand with twenty times the population, does not have the same housing pressures as New Zealand. German cities have kept up with demand and define stability as a measure of success, rather than rapidly inflating house prices. We need to have a conversation on how big we want to be and we need to do something about it. If we do nothing, we will find ourselves with massive problems we will have difficulty fixing. If we plan for the future now, everything will fall into place.

“Auckland needs a plan for the future. We need to invest in housing, public transport and public places. We can be one of the best cities in the world, we just need to act. This is why I am standing to be your MP. As MP for Auckland I will ensure that Auckland’s issues are not ignored. Whether the rest of New Zealand wants to accept it or not, the future of New Zealand depends on the future of Auckland. A future for Auckland is a future for all.”

Fartoomuchpressure also unveiled new Labour party campaign hoardings. The main hoardings feature leader Fartoomuchpressure’s smiling face, along with the Labour party slogan “A Future for All”. Fartoomuchpressure’s campaign launch was followed by the erection of campaign hoardings outside the venue.