Climate change has been put at the centre of the Labour Party's agenda as leader Jacinda Ardern kicked off the party's election campaign at a packed event in Auckland this afternoon. 

Stepping firmly on the Greens' patch, Ms Ardern told the more than 2000 attendees that a Government led by her will take climate change seriously, and be driven by principle - not expediency. 

"It is a transition that can and must be made and it is a transition that can and must be just," she said.

"This is my generation's nuclear free moment, and I am determined we will tackle it head-on."

On the economy, Ms Ardern said that economic success will be judged differently under her leadership than how it is today. 

"A successful economy is one that serves its people, not the other way around... GDP rates and numbers on a sheet of paper don't always tell you much about the well-being of the people working to keep our economy going."

While light on policy, Ms Ardern's speech touched on a number of other issues the Labour Party is passionate about, including fixing the housing crisis and tackling poverty.

She said her Government would ensure everyone has a roof over their head, ending the misery that many are confronting today.

"I've seen kids who sleep stacked underneath each other on beds and bunk beds because there is just no room in the house. That is our housing situation at its worst, but this is not a reality we have to accept."

Ms Ardern's address was received rapturously by those in the room, which included former Prime Minister Helen Clark.