29 Aug 2016

Labour to boost Auckland presence

10:32 pm on 29 August 2016

The Labour Party is setting up a new office in Auckland to boost its presence in the city.

Matt McCarten.

Labour Party leader Andrew Little's chief of staff Matt McCarten is to head up the new office. Photo: RNZ

Labour said it was part of leader Andrew Little's 12-month plan to focus on outreach.

Labour currently has no base in Auckland, apart from its MPs' electorate offices.

Mr Little's chief of staff, Matt McCarten, who has strong networks in the city, will be redeployed to head the new office.

"The intention is for Matt to head this up, subject to details being finalised. Matt is very keen to take on this project and Andrew is keen to have a key lieutenant in this role," Labour said in a statement.

The move would leave Mr Little with neither a chief of staff nor a chief press secretary, as Sarah Stuart left in May.

Labour will formally announce the plan on Wednesday night.