The Labour Party has officially launched its election campaign in Auckland this afternoon, packing the Town Hall and filling overflow rooms - including in the neighbouring Q Theatre. Unofficial numbers suggest 2200 people are in attendance. 

Party faithful and personalities were out in force for the event, emceed by comedian Michelle A'Court. 

Musician Hollie Smith performed first, followed by guest speaker Don McGlashan who introduced Party leader Jacinda Ardern. 

Mr McGlashan said he trusts "Jacinda Ardern and her team" and said New Zealanders had to decide who they could trust to lead them.

In her speech, Ms Ardern promised to lead a Government that listens, cares and leads - rather than follows. 

She said she will never stop believing politics is a place where people can do good, and said she wants to build a confidence and caring nation where we include everybody, in each region and town. 

Ms Ardern thanked her supporters, saying she has never felt alone or without support since taking over the party's leadership three weeks ago. 

"It has been your energy that has been a constant motivation and it is your passion that will help us win."

Sir Colin Meads also received a tribute from the Labour Leader, after he died this morning aged 81. 

"Sir Colin will go down in history as an absolute legend, and all of our thoughts are with his family," Ms Ardern said.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is also in attendance, and will be speaking at the event. It's her first appearance at a party election event since her defeat in the 2008 election. 

Ms Clark, in attendance with her husband Peter Davis, received a standing ovation when she entered the Hall.

Andrew Little, who Ms Ardern took over for, was also mentioned. Ms Ardern thanked him for giving everything to leading the team, and said he made "one of the hardest calls I have seen someone make in politics"

She also promised to uphold his legacy. 

Other surprise guests are expected to attend, with Ms Ardern having strong links to Auckland's creative community.

The Party have much to celebrate at their launch, with recent polls showing a dramatic surge which was moved them close behind National, and put Ms Ardern on equal footing for preferred Prime Minister.

Supporters were loudly chanting Labour's election slogan "let's do this" as they waited for speeches to start.