The National Party candidate for the Mount Albert by-election says she is putting any political setbacks behind her, with the official start to her campaign.
Melissa Lee launched her campaign in front of about 80 party supporters on Saturday but the media were not invited to cover the event.
Ms Lee described the launch as internal, a chance to thank the volunteers working on the campaign and an opportunity to refocus.
On Thursday she apologised for suggesting a new motorway in Mount Albert will keep south Auckland criminals out.
Ms Lee says she believes voters will recognise she has apologised and is refocusing on the issues which are important to the people of Mount Albert.
Voting in the by-election will take place on June the 13th.