The Labour Party has officially launched its bid to retain the north Wellington electorate of Mana in next month's by-election.
About 100 people gathered in a small community hall in Porirua to hear Labour's candidate Kris Faafoi , who was party leader Phil Goff's former chief press secretary.
Mr Faafoi is also a former television reporter and is of Tokelau decent, something Labour hopes will resonate with the electorate where Pacific people make up 20%, triple the national average.
Mr Faafoi told the audience families in the electorate are struggling to cope with rising prices.
And he says unemployment, education and health are the issues voters are concerned about.
Mr Goff says despite the seat being a Labour stronghold, the party is taking nothing for granted.
The by-election will be held on 20 November.
