KEY POINTS:
John Key's log: 20-10-2008
I started the weekend getting my hands dirty on Saturday morning taking part in a makeover at Tamaki Primary School.
It was good to get some exercise, given that the pressures of an intense election campaign do not allow me much time to get any.
In the afternoon I went to a colourful Diwali celebration at the Viaduct Harbour. The Indian community were out in force and I got a great reception. Helen Clark, John Banks and myself were presented with hats - pictures of which appeared in at least one Sunday newspaper.
Then yesterday I flew to Nelson for a family BBQ day out organised by local National MP Nick Smith.
It was a chance for families to enjoy the fine weather and entertainment including children's face-painting and a sausage sizzle raising money for the local hospice. A few weeks ago I announced extra funding for hospices, which do a vital job for communities.
After the Nelson visit, I went to Wellington for a press conference in the National Party Caucus room at Parliament about our banking system.
I announced our intention to approach the issue of wholesale banking deposit guarantees in a constructive and bipartisan way. We should be moving towards such a guarantee, given we do not want to risk seeing banks having to tighten credit.
Tomorrow, I'm spending most of the day campaigning in Auckland.
John Key
Helen Clark's log: 20-10-2008
The election campaign doesn't stop for the weekend so I spent Saturday and Sunday meeting hundreds of New Zealanders at various events.
First up on Saturday was a walkabout at Botany shopping centre followed by the great colour, sights and smells of the Diwali celebrations at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. I love curries so I made sure I left the celebrations with a really tasty selection.
Then yesterday morning I spent an hour or so checking out the stalls at Otahuhu markets with people from all of Auckland's diverse ethnic communities.
But amid all the fun, excitement and support at these events I also got the message loud and clear that the economy is beginning to worry Kiwis.
The people I met over the weekend are very concerned about the international financial crisis and the impact it will have here.
As I told the large and enthusiastic audience at a rally at Te Papa yesterday, the world is experiencing the worst financial crisis since the 1930s. I believe this has turned the campaign on its head.
New Zealanders are looking to experienced leadership to take a hands-on approach to dealing with the economy.
My total focus is now on working on Labour's economic stimulus package and taking New Zealand through these testing times.
What to watch out for today: Cabinet meets in Wellington.
Helen Clark
