Labour caucus set for Wairarapa

Campaigning in Masterton this month were, from left, Hutt South MP Trevor Mallard, Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson, Rimutaka MP Chris Hipkins and Wairarapa Labour candidate Kieran McAnulty.

The entire Labour Party caucus will descend on Wairarapa on March 31.

All 34 Labour MPs will visit Wairarapa to meet with locals at afternoon venues to discuss development, jobs, health and housing.

Labour leader David Cunliffe describes the event as an "away caucus", to hear the voice of the people first-hand.

He said Wairarapa was chosen as a priority because "the National Government has ignored your region".

"There are serious issues facing the region such as unemployment and low wages, water scarcity and the need for an irrigation scheme, and a shortage of nurses which has led to care rationing.

"I believe government must act with the people, not for the people. That can only be achieved by getting out and about, not sitting behind a desk at Parliament."

Labour candidate Kieran McAnulty said he is delighted to get the support from caucus and the message it sends to the electorate.

"They can't get around all the electorates.

"To highlight Wairarapa, there's a belief that we can do it [win the seat]."

He said he will be facilitating a public meeting on housing.

"We want to make sure that as many people as possible are aware of the opportunity, to give their views."