National party leader Christopher Luxon spoke at a public meeting in Alexandra yesterday (Friday May 26) together with deputy Nicola Willis and Member of Parliament (MP) for Southland Joseph Mooney.

The meeting was part of the ‘get New Zealand back on track’ campaign of public meetings visiting across the country. 

Approximately 450 people attended the meeting at Alexandra Memorial Hall from 11.30 -12.30pm. 

A spokesperson for Southland MP Joseph Mooney’s office said the meeting was busy and the speakers were pleased with attendance numbers. 

"It was a very engaged meeting, standing room only, and a great crowd. Many topics were covered, including health, immigration and education."

The campaign kicked off this week with a public meeting in Northcote, followed by visits to Queenstown, Whanganui and New Plymouth, as well as Alexandra. 

One local man said he was attending and interested to hear what the opposition had to say on key policies such as health and tax.

In a media statement Christopher said his party would fix the economy by stopping wasteful spending, providing tax relief and delivering the skills, infrastructure and innovation New Zealand needs to thrive.

“A strong economy will let us deal with the cost-of-living crisis, lift incomes and afford the public services Kiwis deserve…

“Labour is continuing to borrow and spend excessively and, as a result, inflation and interest rates will stay higher for longer, meaning no reprieve for Kiwis at the supermarket, at the petrol pump and in their mortgages.

“National will be disciplined, making every taxpayer dollar count, and will get inflation under control. Every family will benefit.”

With the general election on October 14, Central residents will hear more from political parties in the coming months as campaigning begins in earnest.