Relaunched Alliance Party Announces First Auckland Public Meeting, Backed by Maritime Union and Former Cabinet Minister

The Alliance Party will hold its first official public meeting in Auckland since its recent relaunch, signalling a bold return to the New Zealand political landscape.

Hosted by the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) at their Auckland headquarters at the Okahu Bay Sports Club, the meeting will feature addresses from Alliance Party Leader Victor Billot and former Alliance Cabinet Minister Hon. Matt Robson, on Tuesday 7 July at 7pm.

Alliance Party Leader Victor Billot says the relaunch of the Alliance marks the revival of a crucial voice in New Zealand politics, with traditional left-wing principles focused on economic justice, public ownership, and strong worker protections.

“As political and economic pressures grow on regular New Zealanders, the Alliance is challenging the status quo and offering an unapologetic, principles-first alternative to the mainstream parties.”

Mr Billot says that the venue and the new partnership with the Maritime Union hold a strong symbolism.

“We are incredibly proud to hold our Auckland public meeting at the home of the Maritime Union, New Zealand’s oldest trade union with its nearly 150 years of struggle for the working class.”

“The Alliance is back because working people in New Zealand are being pushed to the brink. With its policies for proper funding of public health care, public ownership of key assets, and a major shift in tax policy to help the majority, the Alliance offers a plan, a path forward and hope.”

Mr Billot says the Alliance is building a genuine political alternative that puts people, public services, and workers’ rights back where they belong: as the top priorities.

Joining Billot on the stage is Hon. Matt Robson, whose previous tenure as a Minister in the 1999 Labour–Alliance coalition government brought vital progressive reforms to the justice system and international aid, as well as an important role in delivering paid parental leave and the establishment of Kiwibank.

His support for the relaunched Alliance represents a bridge between the party’s historic legacy and its future trajectory.

“The issues that brought the Alliance together originally have not gone away, in fact, they have intensified,” says Mr Robson.

“New Zealanders are looking for a political movement that stands for the democratic socialist values that built so much of value in our nation’s history. I am standing with Victor and the relaunched Alliance because we have a proven track record of achievements in this country, and it is time to do it again.”

All members of the public, community advocates, and media are warmly invited to attend.

Event details

• What: The Alliance Party: First Relaunch Public Meeting
• Speakers: Alliance Party Leader Victor Billot and former Cabinet Minister Hon. Matt Robson
• When: Tuesday 7 July 2026, 7pm
• Where: Okahu Bay Sports Club (MUNZ Auckland headquarters), 40 Reihana Street, Orakei, Auckland
• Admission: Free, all welcome

For more information contact Alliance Party Leader Victor Billot on 022 479 1786 or Hon. Matt Robson on 021 909 936.