The images are the opposite of the Greens previous campaign "For a richer NZ", which had idyllic images of natural landscapes and smiling kids.
Mrs Turei did not think there was a danger of the billboards being misinterpreted.
"There is a conflict in the billboards. It does make you think, and that's what we want voters to do.
"It's the opposite of being cynical. It's about being real, about what voters are really thinking about ... We know many New Zealanders are really concerned about children not having shoes, and not having lunch.
"Some people might read it differently, but the majority of New Zealanders will see this for what it is, which is reflection of poverty that children today are facing."
Campaign Director Ben Youden said voters thought that a campaign that used rosy images more suitable for tourism ads was not viable.
Metiria Turei holds up one of the billboards.
"Painting a picture of too bright a future at this moment in time was seen as lacking credibility, or politically naive."
Mrs Turei said she was initially nervous about the billboards.
"Which is why we did the testing, to make sure it was going to be the right direction."
She emphasised that the Greens would push major issues and not be distracted by sideshows or personality politics, a reference to National's heavy use of images of John Key in its campaign.
"This is not a Mr New Zealand competition. This is an election," Mrs Turei said.
"One could argue that #TeamKey is internally contradictory," Dr Norman added.
Metiria Turei and Russel Norman with one of the billboards.
The party's research showed that voters considered the Greens a party of integrity and values.
"They need to see that we know what's wrong with the country," Mrs Turei said.
The billboards are meant to push the core messages of a cleaner environment, a fairer society, and a smarter economy.
