Politicians focus on Auckland

Politicians have been relentlessly focused on Auckland this election campaign, heavily weighting their time there during what is still a knife-edge race.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said they didn't do as well in Auckland at the last election as they hoped, but are getting better reception this campaign.

“We didn't do as well here at the last election as we hoped to”

Auckland economic challenges

Auckland has been on the wrong side of the two speed economic recovery and is the poster child for homelessness, unemployment and a property slump.

Mark Knoff-Thomas on Auckland

Newmarket Business Association boss Mark Knoff-Thomas said Auckland is the pumping engine room of the economy but has been neglected by Wellington.

“Auckland is - or has been, and should be - the pumping engine room of the new zealand economy”

Wayne Brown on transport policies

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown said politicians should not interfere with city transport policies as they cannot get a majority to fix the economy.

“It's none of their business, they're supposed to be fixing the economy”

Pam Elgar on vulnerable people

Lifewise chief executive Pam Elgar said politicians don't fully appreciate the pressures faced by homeless and housing deprived people.

“I don't think the majority of politicians do really fully appreciate some of the pressures that our most vulnerable people”

Auckland election strategy

Politicians are targeting Auckland's economic challenges to secure narrow election victory in this knife-edge race.