Labour leader Jacinda Ardern visits Rotorua

Jacindamania has reached Rotorua as supporters young and old turned out to see the new Labour leader at the city's central mall.

About 100 people came to hear Jacinda Ardern speak at the meet and greet this morning, after her announcement at Red Stag Timber that Labour wants to set up a new forestry service in Rotorua.

The crowd cheered as Ms Ardern arrived, crowding tightly around her as she made a short speech outside the mall, then staying for selfies and chats afterward.

"Gee, she's beautiful in person aye," one woman said to the

Rotorua Daily Post

unprompted.

Jacinda Ardern with John Paul College students Alex Sharples, (left) Fisher Wang and Mikusha Newdick. Photo/Stephen Parker

Local resident Marie Hazeldine Barber is dying of lung cancer and is the sole carer for her intellectually disabled adult son.

She came out to see Ms Ardern because she thinks she has the power to change the Government and would "definitely" be voting Labour.

"There has to be a shake-up."

Ms Hazeldine Barber thought the Government had the means to deliver good services, but a culture change was needed among those on the front lines of departments like Work and Income, and health departments.

She had experienced bullying and difficulties with both in trying to access services for herself and her son, she said.

"Labour with the leadership of Jacinda there's a hope of humanity," she said.

"Hope for people who are dying, people with special needs."

Image 1 of 8: Jacinda Ardern meets Maureen Rogers. Photo/Stephen Parker

Ilene Jack-Kino came to see Ms Ardern so she could take a photo to show her nephew, who has an intellectual disability.

His disability means he is non-verbal, but can connect to people through music.

He loved Ms Ardern after seeing video footage of her DJ-ing, Ms Jack-Kino said.

"I think she's got a lot to give. She has something that's really appealing.

"When she talks I understand what she's saying more compared to other politicians."

Rotorua mum Talia Tupou brought her baby boy with her to see Ms Ardern talk today.

"Jacinda is a leader of the future, for him," she said, looking at the 1-year-old in her arms.

If Ms Ardern was Prime Minister Ms Tupou thought she'd have a big impact, and would be casting her vote for Labour because of their policies for ending child poverty and on mental health.

Angela Jensen with her son Xavier Bruce, 1. Photo/Stephen Parker

Retiree Jim Tancock thought Ms Ardern was handling the sudden pressure of being leader well.

"She's very relaxed with it."

John Paul College Year 12 students Fisher Wang, Alexandra Sharples and Mikusha Newdick thought Ms Ardern seemed to genuinely care about New Zealand's people.

""She's very inspirational," Fisher, 16, said.

"I think she brings hope to New Zealand."

#LIVE: Labour leader Jacinda Ardern is meeting locals at Rotorua's Columbus Coffee.

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Wednesday, 6 September 2017

Alexandra, 17, agreed.

"She sees what she thinks is wrong with the country and does what she thinks is best for the people, not just a specific group of people."

Mikusha, 17, thought everything Ms Ardern stood for seemed selfless and that she was a good politician to represent New Zealand.

Ms Ardern was joined by local Labour Rotorua and Waiariki candidates Ben Sandford and Tamati Coffey.