Goff optimistic ahead of Auckland annual conference
The Labour Party's annual conference starts in Auckland on Friday night, and party leader Phil Goff remains optimistic about Labour's chances in next year's election.
Mr Goff says he is not worried the Chris Carter affair will spoil the conference and he believes party delegates will leave with a renewed sense of enthusiasm.
He says Labour has a chance of assuming government after the next election, despite trailing National in the opinion polls, once support for the Green Party is also taken into account.
Mr Goff says he will signal a new direction for his party at the conference, acknowledging that Labour made mistakes during its time in power.
Radio New Zealand's parliamentary chief reporter says the party will be looking to put the Carter controversy firmly behind it as it prepares for the next election.
Labour's ruling council cut the final ties with its former Te Atatu MP on Monday, expelling him from the party.
MPs say it is time to move on from what's been a difficult situation and focus on how to win the election.
Mr Goff says that after much contemplation, he admits Labour made mistakes during its time in government and this weekend is aimed at signalling a fresh approach.
