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
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."
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.
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.
