Up Close & Personal With David Cunliffe

Mall Day with the Labour Leader

Malls, it seems, have replaced school halls as the place for candidates to engage with voters in the week leading up to the election. On Saturday, Westfield Albany was the place to meet David Cunliffe and Labour Party candidates Claire Szabo, Greg Milner-White, and Kelvin Davis.

A chance for a photo with David Cunliffe and a chance to photo bomb for Greg

David proved there was more than one selfie-king in this election as he moved about the mall, meeting, greeting and shaking hands. Any criticism he is not personable was certainly dispelled. Hundreds of people flocked to meet the man many hope will be the next Prime Minister come election day.      

 

    

David Cunliffe and Claire Szabo in the Albany Mall food court.

Throughout his visit, David was confident and easy going.  He effortlessly engaged with everybody he came in contact with.  People from all walks of life seemed genuinely thrilled to meet with him, chat with him and, of course pose with him.

Greg Milner-White and two supporters

Selfie time with Kelvin Davis

Fortunately, David wasn't the only one willing to pose for photos and take time to chat.  Greg Milner-White, candidate for East Coast Bays; and Kelvin Davis candidate for Te Tai Tokerau both took time out from campaigning to be at the Albany mall maul.  

However, to say everybody was pleased to meet David, is not quite true. Tucked away at the far end of the mall was a small group of people wearing blue.  Not to be perturbed, David strode up to them, warmly greeting National MP Paula Bennett, much to her dismay. It was in the midst of this potentially confrontational situation, that David Cunliffe, the leader, shone through.  He was polite yet assertive, embodying the 'vote positive' message he has upheld throughout this election campaign.  Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Paula Bennett and her team, who were not as gracious.  

David Cunliffe holding the attention of National party supporters

For many, the opportunity to meet David Cunliffe was a chance to see not only the leader of the Labour Party, but to see David Cunliffe, the person.  He won many friends but will it be enough to change the government for a better New Zealand on election day.

#votepositive #forabetterNZ