A sea of blue

Photo c/o RMO

I was invited to attend the NZ National Party Campaign Launch yesterday at the Trust Arena in Henderson, Auckland.  It was literally a sea of blue, which is the party colors.  The cold, windy and dreary weather didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the attendees.  There was even a huge Indian delegation that had drummers adding to the fiesta atmosphere.  I noticed that there was also a huge Chinese crowd, chanting and revving up the crowd, right outside the arena.  I was there upon the invitation of Paulo Garcia who is running for the New Lynn seat.

I overheard one media person covering the event, mention never having seen so much high-value cars and vehicles in the parking lot.  There were also attendees who came on chartered buses, from all points of Auckland.  It was a very festive atmosphere, seeing heaps of people dancing by the side of the huge stage, while the band was playing.  I recall watching John Key on TV nearly three years ago on election night when he uttered in jubilation : "three more years."  Will Bill English say the same line a couple of weeks from now?

Now, I'm waiting for my invitation to cover the looming red tide!