The Labour Party has unveiled its full list of candidates for the election and it includes one of the key voices advising the government during the Covid-19 crisis.

Dr Ayesha Verrall, an infectious diseases specialist who grew up in Te Anau, is ranked number 18 - well above many of the party's sitting MPs.

The Labour Party this afternoon unveiled its full line-up of candidates with the first 17 slots occupied by the party's Cabinet ministers and Speaker Trevor Mallard.

Dr Verrall is ranked next at number 18, meaning she is almost certain to make into Parliament after September's election.

Dr Verrall was vocal in her concerns about the country's initial preparedness when it came to contact tracing. She was brought in by the Ministry of Health to review the programme and make recommendations.

Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Dr Verrall said she'd put her name forward to join the list on May 5 - the day before nominations closed.

"It was a scramble to put my nomination in in the week before," she said. "I was very busy in April."

She rejected any suggestion of a conflict of interest in her role as a commentator or advisor.

"I have always sought for that work to be highly transparent," Dr Verrall said.

"The report that I've written has been made publicly available. It's been reviewed by other experts and, last week, I was asked to join the WHO in sharing it as an example of best practice."

Asked whether she hoped to be health minister, Dr Verrall said that was a decision for the prime minister.

"I'm determined to use my skills and experience in health to make sure New Zealanders get the best healthcare that they deserve in any capacity I can.

"I'm focussed on campaigning for the party vote for Labour in the next three months."

The Party's president Claire Szabó said she was thrilled Dr Verrall was joining the Labour Party's "very impressive line-up".

"Covid-19 has changed everyone's plans... Covid-19 has changed the nature of our economy. It's changed the nature of our politics.

"And it's changed the minds of lots and lots of voters ... so it isn't unusual that somebody who has been working alongside and watching the government's health response has been inspired to join us."

Other newcomers include human rights lawyer and senior manager at the Human Rights Commission Vanushi Walters, employment lawyer Camilla Belich, Naisi Chen who is the director of a business consultancy firm, unionist and community advocate Ibrahim Omer, and lawyer Rachel Brooking.

Republished by arrangement