Cunliffe traverses the malls and markets

Cunliffe and Labour supporters at Westfield Glenfield.

There was cheering, dancing, and a personal gift of $50 to an Internet-Mana voter as Labour leader David Cunliffe traversed the diverse markets and malls of Auckland today.

At Westfield Glenfield, he came across the plight of beneficiary Amelia David, from the North Shore, who told him that she needed some urgent medicine and a pharmacy had declined to let her pay for it next week.

Mr Cunliffe opened his wallet, fumbled some notes and then gave her $50, even though she said she only needed $25 for her medicine.

"That was real kind and thoughtful of him. Thumbs up to him all the way," she said afterwards.

She had never met him before.

"I just asked for his help. I didn't ask him for any money."

She said she had voted for Internet-Mana three days ago, but if she had a second chance, she would vote Labour.

Mr Cunliffe said he didn't know how she had voted.

"I was just trying to help her out."

He said normally he would refer her to the sitting MP.

"I just didn't have time so I thought, 'What the hell?' I just helped her out. And I said to her explicitly that I'm not expecting anything in return."

Earlier in the day, there was a party atmosphere on the streets on Mangere at the Saturday morning market.

Mr Cunliffe arrived to dance beats and rowdy chants of "follow the Labour, follow the leader" - the most enthusiastic reception he has seen so far on his campaign.

He then went to Westfield Albany, where he ran into many young families that had appeased their children with bright blue National Party balloons.

"The balloons are just decorative!" he exclaimed when some of them told him they had already voted Labour.

He moved through the mall and eventually ended up at rival National minister Paula Bennett's stall, and her trusted staff of TeamKeyers, all clad in blue.

They exchanged a handshake and made friendly comments about the rights to hold differing points of view and the virtues of an open democracy, before making bold statements on who would be on the winning team after next Saturday's vote count.

At Glenfield mall, a small trickle of red t-shirts soon became a rushing stream, as local candidates including Te Tai Tokerau hopeful Kevin Davis joined Mr Cunliffe for a quick tour.

Mr Cunliffe's grin never wavered, even in the face of National supporters, or the disinterested or apathetic. He shook hands. He smiled and waved. He lead "Labour" chants and told elderly people about Labour's plan to give free healthcare and doctor's visits to over 65s.

He even opened his wallet and relieved himself of $50.