KEY POINTS:
19.58: Clark is now talking about possible coalition partners. She talks to her record of forming coalition governments. Key says he'll form a Government with Act, United Future and Maori if they can reach agreement. But he rejects any notion of forming a Government with Winston Peters. And
Key rules Roger Douglas out of any arrangement.
And that's it, the debate is over.
19.48: Both leaders are fighting over who was responsible for pushing through the anti smacking law. The discussion turns to Labour's treatment of NZ as 'a nanny state'. Clark says it's an urban myth, and that she's a free spirit and wants maximum freedom for herself and other Kiwis.
Key says the Government is barging "through the front door". And there it is... we're back on the shower issue. Clark tells the debate Labour were never going to reduce the water pressure in showers to save water. Key disagrees...and the two leaders get into it again. Campbell throws to an ad break.
19.40: Clark is on the front foot now, promoting her record with Pacific Islanders who she says had 14 per cent unemployment when she became PM, a figure she says has been reduced to six per cent.
Key responds that they simply took advantage of a boom in global prosperity which positively affected most world economies until recently.
19.37: Campbell describes National's possible front bench "as fresh as an old snapper". Key rejects this saying he has put a new stamp on the party, which he says is reflected in Michael Jones and 'Inga the Winger' coming out in support of him and the National Party in Auckland today.
19.32: Campbell suggests to Clark that after nine years her stint as PM is almost over but Clark says under MMP an electoral tenure can naturally be longer. She also backs her record over nine years, on Kiwi Saver, Working for Families and other examples.
Key responds that record numbers of Kiwis are also heading for overseas.
19.27: Helen Clark is asked who she would vote for in the US election but won't answer because, she says, she is the PM. Key agrees, saying he couldn't take sides but says their would be something "truly inspirational" about Obama being elected.
19.18: We're on to the Maori seats and Clark says she won't axe them but Key says he wants an even playing field, although he admits abolishing the Maori seats is not a "bottom line" for the Nats.
19.11: The two leaders are debating the economy and tax but the discussion turns into a virtual fight and Campbell calls it "preposterous" and throws to an ad brake, telling both candidates to take a deep breath.
19.10: Key responds that shoring up bank liquidity and putting in place "transitional support" for redundant workers will be National's priority.
19.07: The debate is underway and Campbell asks Clark for details on her December 'mini budget'. She says it will be focused on job creation but gives few other details away.
19.05: Welcome to the TV3 leaders debate moderated by host John Campbell, featuring Prime Minister Helen Clark and National leader John Key.
