Prime Minister John Key on Saturday, November 5, officially launched the campaign for National Party candidate Dr Parmjeet Parmar for the Mt Roskill by-elections.
Unlike the Labour Party a week before, when Labour leader Andrew Little announced a $1.3 billion light rail project for the Mt Roskill electorate, there was no major announcement.
Apparently, this reflects National's increasing confidence in their chances of creating a history in winning a seat in a by-election, which no other incumbent government has done so far.
"We have got a once in a lifetime opportunity of putting a National MP here in Mt Roskill," the prime minister said at the launch of the campaign.
"We have a real opportunity in this by-election, which no other incumbent government has ever done and that is to win a seat that it does not hold," further asserted the prime minister to a thunderous applause from the party workers.
In some way, the prime minister’s speech reflected a clever mind game intended to put pressure on the Labour Party ahead of the by-elections by first declaring that Nationals are under no pressure to win this seat; then subsequently stating that the outcome of this by-election would in no way affect the 2017 general elections.
"They [Labour] are worried about Mt Roskill and they should be worried," he said.
Dr Parmar, currently a List MP based in Mt Roskill, outlined her commitment to running a strong campaign focused on the issues that matter to locals.
“I’m out there talking with the community about improving safety on our streets and in our homes and businesses; improving roads, public transport, and parking; creating more affordable housing especially for young people; and supporting our fantastic local businesses," said Dr Parmar.
The Mt Roskill by-election is being held on December 3 and Michael Wood is standing for the Labour. The by-elections were called after incumbent Phil Goff was elected as Auckland’s mayor.