The review panel set up by Labour after its disastrous 2014 election campaign has stated the obvious, that not much went right for the party and its preparation to govern was inadequate.

Newstalk ZB Political editor Barry Soper said tension around the leadership of David Cunliffe and disunity in caucus undermined the party's ability to be seen as an alternative Government.

"In the policy area the party failed, with the review saying policies should be launched early, which could be a warning to Andrew Little to get on with it."

He added that the fragmented nature of the left vote further harmed Labour's chances of winning the election.

"Labour failed to persuade it's voters of the importance of the party vote, and the party was harmed by the fact that they would have to depend on a range of parties to govern."

Labour's Leader is far from startled by the scathing review.

It's pretty much what Andrew Little was expecting.

"It's pretty unsurprising to me, which is why we've anticipated many of the things in it and we've made the changes already. I think there's nothing in there that would take anyone by surprise."

 Andrew Little said he appreciates the need for complex policies to be announced early.

"Two and a half years is probably too early, but equally doing things six weeks before an election is probably too late. I understand that point and I think we all get it."

Fundraising was also highlighted by the review, with Labour outspent during the campaign by National by a considerable margin.