"We represent from Waikato down to Taranaki and the delegates are then selected by the membership of each electorate."
He was pleased to have the conference back in Rotorua and to host his colleagues and supporters.
"This is the opportunity to discuss policies and the start of a process towards the election again in 2020.
"The numbers are up for how many people and certainly when you are in opposition that's not always the case."
As part of his speech McClay invited local tourism leader Bruce Thomasen.
McClay said for him it was an opportunity to engage a lot more in policy development with the delegates.
"Tourism is a really good fit for me here in Rotorua."
He also held a smaller breakout session on Saturday afternoon to discuss his other portfolio, foreign affairs and trade.
Today, National Party leader Simon Bridges gave a leader's address.
He said Rotorua was a great place to hold the Central North Island Conference because it was so central, had great facilities, and McClay was a great host.
Bridges said he set out some views on the budget coming out this week.
He said the new Government did some over-promising at the last election and would have to decide how it would prioritise.
Bridges said he also talked about things the new Government was doing to slow down the economy - things like the changes to employment law, immigration and taxing more for fewer roads in our region.
He also touched on what National could do for the next election, including going out and listening to New Zealanders of all walks of life.
Over the course of the weekend delegates also had the chance to discuss economy, infrastructure and social development.
- Additional reporting by Shauni James
