The Labour Party has been forced to stop sending out brochures in an Auckland electorate after a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority.

The Labour branded brochure promotes Shanan Halbert as the party’s candidate for the Northcote electorate.

Under the heading “I love this place” a list of achievements includes the statement: “We’ve built over 600 houses for our growing Northcote family.” – But that’s false.

The complaint said the claim that 600 houses had been built is incorrect and misleading to potential voters.

“This is unacceptable before an election.”

Kāinga Ora said “from 1 November 2017 to 31 July 2020, Kāinga Ora built 74 new homes.

Of these, 67 were part of redevelopments on land already owned by Kāinga Ora, and 7 were new builds.

The Advertising Standards Authority Chair acknowledged the complainant’s concern the claim in the advertisement about the number of houses built in Northcote is misleading.

Responding the the complaint, the party said “we very much regret this error.”

“In response, our local team in Northcote has agreed to remove any remaining stock of this flyer from their election stalls.”

“They’ve also agreed to change the copy for their upcoming direct mail, and for any reprints of this flyer, so that it is accurate. We have also made our fact-checking team aware of the error, and asked them to redouble their efforts to be vigilant in reviewing draft materials.”