One week into the official election campaign and the hyperbole is flying thick and fast.

"That's absolute nonsense" - Labour leader Chris Hipkins

One week into the official election campaign and the hyperbole is flying thick and fast.

Distractions persisted throughout the week, with protesters at the major parties' campaign launches, outrage over advertising, and MPs spreading blatant misinformation.

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Labour's campaign launch debuted its free dental policy for under-30s and National put on a slick made-for-TV affair, with both facing disruption attempts from supporters of fringe political parties.

National cried foul over a union advert calling Christopher Luxon risky and out-of-touch - then had to defend its own attack ads.

Labour meanwhile came under criticism for spreading misinformation after its MPs were caught over-egging their scare campaign as their polling continues to slide.

This week's Focus on Politics is RNZ's first roundtable discussion covering the major happenings of the 2023 election campaign. Political editor Jane Patterson, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch, and political reporter Anneke Smith spoke to Morning Report host Corin Dann about the first official week on the road.

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Listen free to Focus on Politics on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, on iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details