Incumbent Labour MP /u/alpine- launched her campaign for re-election in New Plymouth outside the Clock Tower today.

Wielding a handheld loudspeaker, she began to speak...

"People of New Plymouth, good morning! I am alpine-, your local Labour MP.

"In the last term of Parliament, myself and our party have worked hard to improve this country for the better. However, we have a lot more ground to cover and even more plans on how to do so. As I begin my campaign today, I want to acknowledge the room for improvement in our workplaces.

"Labour has a vision for a New Zealand made up of well educated, determined, healthy, and innovative people, with an expanding business programme geared around production, sustainability, regional development, and job growth. Although in Government we have made progress on making this a reality, we know there is more work to be done.

Applause interrupted her as she continued.

"Under Labour, this country has seen the cost of living begin to fall compared to income. However, many families continue to struggle meeting their mortgage payments, pay for electricity, or put dinner on the table for their children. This is a truly disgusting situation, which unfortunately is still present in some areas today. Labour will resolve this by continuing to reward our hardest working, because that is what they deserve.

Cheers escape from the crowd.

"The Taranaki region is the fastest growing per capita nationwide, where labour employment is especially prevalent. Many are on minimum wage, which a Labour-led government will increase to $20 per hour over three years (with tax assistance for employers). Higher paid employees has been proven to increase consumer confidence, that injects more cash into the local economy. It's a positive cycle that we will continue to feed, alongside filling job shortages. Labour will increase the provision of training programmes for New Zealanders in areas of skill shortages, instead of actively recruiting offshore.

"Labour in its last term has provided New Plymouth stable growth, while also supporting the impacts of such growth on local business and infrastructure. It's the only way that makes sense. So, for transparent employment; for worthwhile employment; and for sensible employment, there can only be one choice on your ballot paper this election: two ticks Labour. Thank you!"

alpine- then descended the stairs to a reception of handshakes and a sausage sizzle.