New Zealand's recovery from COVID-19 is at the centre of the Labour Party's second election television commercial.
The advertisement, released on Sunday afternoon, begins with empty shots of a building and playground before transitioning to a business with a 'closed' sign - a reminder of the lockdowns New Zealand has endured.
A roadworker then swings her sign from 'stop' to 'go' - and in a bustle of activity, Labour leader Jacinda Ardern appears in a red blazer.
"There wasn't a playbook for what we've all faced this year. But we responded. We're recovering and together we are rebuilding," she says in a voice-over.
In a series of rapid cuts, we see workers, cafes, classrooms, doctors, sports fields and beaches back and busy.
"Our plan is creating jobs, supporting small businesses and growing the economy. And just like before we all have a role to play," Ardern says. "So now's not the time to slow down."
The ad finishes with Ardern smiling at the camera.
"Together, let's keep moving," she says.
Megan Woods, the party's campaign manager, said in a statement that the ad "highlights New Zealand's successful fight against COVID-19" and "the progress that is at stake in this election".
"With early voting now open, our new ad lays out clearly the choice in this election - do we keep moving in our current direction with a strong, stable Government led by Jacinda Ardern, or do we change course and put New Zealand's recovery at risk?" she asked.
"Our new ad highlights the progress we've made in the fight against COVID-19, and our plan to respond, recover and rebuild our economy.
"We're asking New Zealanders to keep backing Jacinda Ardern and the plan that has worked well for us so far."
National's TV ad
National released its first TV ad midway through September. It features leader Judith Collins warning of the impact COVID-19 has had on our economy and community, and calling for people to vote National.
"New Zealand, let me be straight with you," she says.
"Communities, livelihoods, futures are at stake. Yes, it requires historic debt but more importantly, a team you can trust to manage it.
"It means giving Kiwi businesses confidence, backing Kiwis to retrain or go out on their own, delivering infrastructure, a secure border and a greener, smarter future.
"It is a big job, but with our plan to get New Zealand working you can trust us to get it done."
The ad ends with Collins flanked by her MPs, with the phrase, "Strong team. More jobs. Better economy", on the screen.
The election is scheduled to take place on October 17. Advance voting is already underway.
