The Labour Party has confirmed two of its nominations for safe Labour seats in the upcoming general election.
Deborah Russell and Paul Eagle. Photo: RNZ
Taxation lecturer Deborah Russell has been nominated for New Lynn, while the deputy Wellington mayor, Paul Eagle, will run in Rongotai.
Dr Russell replaces the former leader, David Cunliffe, as Labour's candidate in the Auckland seat, which Mr Cunliffe won with a 4500 majority in 2014.
Mr Cunliffe steps down after 18 years in Parliament.
Dr Russell said she wanted to hear what people had to say and was confident she could build on Labour's majority in the electorate.
"Every time I've knocked on someone's door recently they've talked about housing, it's to do with affordability of housing but also rent prices, just getting a house at all.
"Linked with housing is the issue of transport, it's all very well building lots of houses but you have to be able to get from your home to your job."
Mr Eagle replaces Labour's deputy leader, Annette King, as the Rongotai candidate.
Mr Eagle said housing and transport were priority issues in this year's election.
"We will win back that party vote, I'm confident that I know the local issues.
"I've been to every single neighbourhood across the electorate over the six years and I believe what can happen is we will go and talk about the issues that matter to people most and that will translate into a Labour party vote."
Mrs King has held the seat for 24 years and will contest this year's election as a list-only candidate.
Mrs King won the Rongotai seat with a 9600 majority in 2014.
