KEY POINTS:
Family values and trust were at the centre of United Future's campaign launch this afternoon, led by an energised Peter Dunne .
The United Future leader told about 150 people the party was the only one which could be trusted to keep the next government honest, and was the only one committed to supporting families.
With the party polling consistently less than 2 percent, United Future is dependent on Peter Dunne winning his seat of Ohariu for its political survival.
Mr Dunne, looking relaxed with no tie or jacket, launched his campaign at a cafe in Onehunga in front of the party faithful.
With a microphone attached to his shirt, Mr Dunne spoke from the middle of the room without any notes, in scenes which at times resembled more of a parent support group, complete with creche, than a political campaign launch.
Mr Dunne said the cafe was where "real families" hung out, not in convention centres, a poke at where Labour and National held their launches today.
United Future had never been more relevant in politics than now, and the party was recognised as being the best at keeping government honest, he said.
"Who do you trust to keep the next government on track?"
Mr Dunne said no other political party shared United Future's commitment to New Zealand families.
"We support parents and families for one simple reason -- whatever their shape or size, they are all the building blocks of our communities."
He criticised National for running down government and privatising assets, while Labour went to the other extreme by relying on centralisation for solutions.
Mr Dunne said United Future's campaign would focus on cutting tax rates, extending paid parental leave, free tertiary education and introducing income splitting for parents with dependent children.
- NZPA
