Party's opening promises

Thousands watched Prime Minister John Key open the $340 million Victoria Park tunnel yesterday. Photo / Janna Dixon

Prime Minister John Key will open the National Party's bid for re-election today by telling voters where he will spend the money he hopes to get from partial asset sales.

The bid is being pitched as a campaign pace-setter, as the electoral race gathers pace.

Labour is also promising to make a big announcement today with pundits expecting it to back Auckland mayor Len Brown's inner-city rail loop.

But it is National which is expected to be in the spotlight with a pomp-filled campaign opening at the Sky City Convention Centre.

It is the same centre used by the party for its annual conferences in Auckland, its last campaign opening and the 2008 victory party.

The Herald on Sunday understands Key's speech will focus on how money raised from partial asset sales will be spent.

NZ First is also launching its campaign today, though leader Winston Peters will not yet tell members which electorate he will stand in. He expects to decide tonight, in time for the Electoral Office deadline this week.

At the Maori Party launch yesterday, co-leader Tariana Turia announced this election would be her last. The party is pledging a minimum wage of $16 an hour.