KEY POINTS:
National Party supporters have clashed with unionists as politicians made last-ditch efforts to win votes in Christchurch today.
Campaigning in central Christchurch's Cathedral Square started calmly enough with Green Party leaders Jeanette Fitzsimons and Russel Norman taking questions from a sedate gathering of the public.
Things soon heated up, however, as a few metres away a group of about eight unionists supporting the left wing parties confronted National Party supporters who were awaiting the arrival of John Key.
Chanting "bring on Mr Flip Flop", the unionists were outnumbered by those bearing National Party signs, but were the most vocal.
As the shouting match continued, those from both sides came face to face in heated exchanges, and at times pushed and jostled each other for position while trying to get their placards in front of their rivals.
National supporters formed a barricade to stop the unionists getting near Key upon his arrival, and one accused National Party candidate Nicky Wagner of pushing him as he tried to get through.
Key said: "It's good to see the Labour supporters having to come and campaign with National Party supporters because no-one else wants to talk to them".
One Labour supporter repeatedly asked Mr Key to "tell the truth" about the changes National would make to the Employment Relations Act.
Eventually Mr Key's frustration boiled over.
"The truth is you're an idiot," he yelled back.
Despite the loud opposition, Mr Key was mobbed by supporters who wanted to shake his hand, chat and get their photo taken.
Mr Key repeated the message he also delivered in Napier and Taupo, calling on New Zealanders to follow the United States' lead and vote for change.
Afterwards a relaxed Mr Key said the loud exchanges were all part of the "clash of ideas" that occurred during an election campaign.
Asked how he would unify the opposing groups, he said: "We won't worry too much. Campaigns are always about a vigorous exchange of ideas".
- with NZPA
