Professional speaker Tony Christiansen, at the Bonneville Salt Falts
Kiwi Party has launched leader and Tauranga electorate candidate Larry Baldock's campaign.
Almost 350 people were at the launch to hear from professional speaker Tony Christiansen, back from the United States where he attempted to break the 200mph land speed record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats, and Tony Wellington, a finalist in Stars in Their Eyes.
Mr Baldock told the crowd he believed the "battle for the seat of Tauranga" would have "major implications" on the future of New Zealand.
He made reference to former Tauranga MP Winston Peters, saying he had "lost his way and forgotten what his original mission was".
"It is time now for Tauranga to continue its legacy and elect another to carry out this vital task of waging a campaign against injustice and those who perpetrate it.
"Between 2002 and 2005 I served as the defacto MP for the city, and worked in partnership with local politicians and business leaders and did my best to meet the genuine needs of the area," Mr Baldock said.