New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and National's Tauranga candidate, Bob Clarkson, steered clear of the mudslinging that characterised the last week of their campaign at a candidates meeting last night.
Mr Peters made no mention of a historical sexual harassment allegation against Mr Clarkson that he revealed during the week, instead focusing on his rival's promise not to toll the city's harbour bridge.
The NZ First leader said National's transport plans involved public-private partnerships.
"Did you know what that means?" he asked an audience of about 300 who gathered at Bethlehem College to hear from the nine electoral candidates.
"Tolls," several in the audience replied.
Mr Clarkson also avoided personal references to his rival, instead launching a scathing attack on Labour's social policy.
"A man, woman and some children is the family unit. The Labour Government is hell-bent on destroying this family union."
He made a slight dig at Mr Peters for raising the sexual allegations, which died down on Wednesday after Mr Clarkson and the woman who made them agreed not to speak about them again.
Mr Clarkson's closing words implied Mr Peters had engaged in gutter politics. "We'll be fighting the street, fighting the beaches, but we won't be fighting in the drains."
Tauranga combatants call truce
Winston Peters
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