Hide calls on past tactics

Rodney Hide

Rodney Hide is using the same zealous tactics that saw him unexpectedly claim the Epsom electorate seat in last year's election to attract Dancing with the Stars votes.

The Act leader, who is one of the contestants in the ballroom dancing programme, has had 12,000 glossy leaflets printed urging people to vote for him and his dance partner Krystal Stuart. Mr Hide said he had personally paid for the leaflets. St John - which will receive money for votes Mr Hide attracts - agreed to its logo being printed on the leaflets.

TVNZ spokeswoman Amy Todd said Mr Hide's leaflets were within the rules as contestants were allowed to promote themselves.

Mr Hide admitted to being "a bit disappointed" after the judges gave him the lowest score in Sunday night's opening show, but said it had made him work harder.

The first couple will be eliminated on Sunday.