Labour’s East Cape candidate Jo Luxton officially launched her campaign in Whakatāne on Sunday, surrounded by supporters, volunteers and whānau from across the Eastern Bay of Plenty and East Cape community.

The launch marks the next phase of a campaign that is already building momentum across the electorate, with Luxton spending recent weeks on the ground in Whakatāne, Gisborne and communities throughout the East Cape, listening to locals about the pressures they are facing.

From the cost of living and housing to healthcare, jobs, apprenticeships and the future of the region’s rural communities, Luxton said the message she was hearing was clear: people wanted change.

“This election is about the cost of living, and it is about the kind of future we want for the East Cape.

“Our people deserve good jobs, warm homes, healthcare when they need it and communities where our kids can see a future for themselves,” Luxton said.

“We have an opportunity on November 7 to change the Government, and I’m going to give everything I have to help make that happen.

“The East Cape cannot afford another three years of National.”

Luxton said the campaign would continue to be firmly community-

focused, with volunteers already door-knocking, running stalls, delivering pamphlets and talking directly with people across the electorate.

“This isn’t just my campaign. It belongs to every person who believes the East Cape deserves better.

“We’re building something together, and we’re only getting started.”