Labour Leader David Cunliffe on tour in Tauranga. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN
Labour Leader David Cunliffe on tour in Tauranga. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN
Labour leader David Cunliffe is in Tauranga today. Bay of Plenty Times reporter John Cousins and photographer John Borren are bringing you the latest from the visit.
4.02pm: Mr Cunliffe got a huge reception from the pupils of Merivale School when he arrived to cut the ribbon for their new $64,000 playground.
He was swamped by the boys and girls and even joined them in a game of bullrush.
In a brief speech, he said they were so lucky to have such a beautiful school and he was pleased to be there for the first stampede to try out the playground.
Mr Cunliffe promised that from Year 5 onwards, the Labour Party would provide every pupil with an iPad so they could learn on digital devices that they could take home and teach their parents to use.
There would also be a WiFi connection so the iPad could "talk" to the school.
11.57am: Labour leader David Cunliffe says the party will be making an announcement on power prices later this week and how Labour intends to bring down the price of power.
Mr Cunliffe made the announcement this morning during a walkabout in Greerton in which he spoke to a large number of residents.
Earlier today he spoke to senior pupils at Tauranga Boys College on the importance of them voting.
He also used the meeting to make an early announcement of some of Labours education policies.
Labour promised to introduce a bonded scheme whereby professionals such as medicine graduates spend time in the regions in exchange for having their huge student loans reduced.
The party intended to explore the idea more in government, he said.
He also promised the availability of the student allowance scheme right through to post-graduate study.
Labour Leader David Cunliffe on tour in Tauranga. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN
10.08am: Labour leader David Cunliffe is in Tauranga today as part of his campaign leading up to the election.
The MP visited Tauranga Boys College at 9.30am and will do a public walkabout on Chadwick Rd in Greerton at 10.45am.
He is expected at a public Meeting with Age Concern and Grey Power at 12.30pm at the Tauranga RSA before opening Merivale School's new playground at 2pm.
Labour Leader David Cunliffe on tour in Tauranga. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN
Labour Leader David Cunliffe on tour in Tauranga. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN
Labour Leader David Cunliffe on tour in Tauranga. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN