Bill Engish was in Rotorua this morning talking to supporters at the iSITE on Fenton St.
National leader Bill English has just paid a visit to Rotorua, where he was met with a haka from Rotorua Boys High students.
Just one of the students could vote, and he told English he was leaning towards Labour.
English gave the student his 30-second pitch, which is basically thatpeople leaving school now have the best opportunities in a generation thanks to his party's economic management. It was enough - the young man said he would vote blue tomorrow.
Conversations like this are increasingly rare on the campaign trail, which are now dominated by photographs and near-wordless engagements with MPs.
But there was another interesting encounter in Rotorua. Justin Nichols, a painter, told English that Labour were looking after the bottom end of society and National the top.
"Who is looking after the middle class?" he asked.
Bill English and Paula Bennett get stuck into a bacon buttie with The Hits Paul Hickey in Rotorua. Photo/Ben Fraser
Nichols said he earned $1000 a week and his wife worked, but he couldn't afford a house. English reminded him of National's first home grants of up to $30,000, which he might be eligible for.
Nichols said he had voted Labour in the past when he was an employee, but was voting National now that he owned a business. National was "looking after the top" and "I'd rather aim for the top", he said.
English also stopped for selfies with locals and enjoyed a bacon sandwich as part of World Car Free Day.
English and his wife Mary visited Rotorua last Saturday but this time they brought with them their son Xavier, Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett, National campaign chairman Steven Joyce and a bus full of supporters.
As they arrived at Rotorua iSite they were greeted by a crowd of National fans and a powhiri from students at Rotorua Boys High School
They then shared a hongi with each of the boys, posed for photos and made there way through the crowds talking to locals.
Mrs Bennett said this was the last big push.
"We're thrilled to be here and the welcome from the kapa haka group was just really fierce and really powerful and a wonderful way to start the morning.
Bill English talks to supporters outside the iSITE in Rotorua. Photo/Ben Fraser
"We're loving that so many people are out and we're feeling really great positive energy."
Members of the public began chanting National as she posed for photographs with them.
