Labour Party to launch election campaign on Sunday

The Labour Party is set to officially launch its election campaign this Sunday. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to media in Auckland on Friday following a morning spent in his Remutaka electorate.

Hipkins criticised Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, claiming the Prime Minister has been "missing in action" during the second day of the campaign. He suggested Luxon has failed to defend the Minister of Education or explain the pause in local government reform.

National campaign chair Simeon Brown denied the Prime Minister was laying low, stating Luxon has completed a 20-stop public meeting tour with 8,000 attendees since May. Brown also accused Hipkins of avoiding the public for three years to focus on policy with other parties.

On Friday, Christopher Luxon travelled to Dunedin to attend the Class Act Awards and an interview with the Otago Daily Times. His visit included a breakfast at The Dunedin Club and a sold-out fundraiser lunch.

Where reports differ

• Hipkins claims the Prime Minister is missing in action, while National campaign chair Simeon Brown maintains Luxon is actively meeting New Zealanders

Compiled from reports by 1News and Stuff.