Shearer to lead Labour into election

Relevant offers

National News

Bumbling Blues fail to play to bad conditions Scam spread may have snared socialite Vettori not sure how long body can hold up Seriously happy to upset the status quo Paroled killer's 'risky' actions Men jailed after gangland turf shootout near school Pastor visits arsonist who torched church Horrific slaying site to be sold, torn down 'Your heart just skips a beat' No place left to feel safe

Labour leader David Shearer has told the party faithful he will lead them into government in two years' time.

"We are well on our way to victory in 2014,'' he said in his opening remarks to the party's annual conference in Auckland tonight.

Under fire from critics heading into the conference,  he acknowledged there would be "robust debate", but said  he would be Leader of the Opposition "for only two more years" and lead the party to a win in two years time.

Mr Shearer's keynote speech will wrap up the conference on Sunday.

It is expected to focus on housing policy.

All of the  party's 34 MPs are attending the conference, although Shane Jones will tomorrow  fly to former MP Stuart Nash's Hawke's Bay wedding before returning for Mr Shearer's speech on Sunday.

Former prime minister Helen Clark is in Auckland and it is understood she will meet members at a social event but not attend the conference, being held at the Ellerslie Event Centre.

Tomorrow delegates debate constitutional changes including rules governing the election of leaders.

The party leadership today  met more than 100 business representatives behind closed doors.

- © Fairfax NZ News