National Party leader Bill English
makes a campaign stop in Whanganui
It was Bill English's turn to whip up some election week enthusiasm as the National Party leader made a frantic half hour stop in Whanganui on Thursday.
The Prime Minister stepped off the National Party bus at Maria Place at 2pm and strode past a handful of protesters - "Don't drink the water, Bill" - on his way to greet about 100 supporters who had gathered outside the office of retiring Whanganui MP Chester Borrows.
Inside Mr English chatted to students from Whanganui's New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy and signed Mr Borrows' office wall, finding space among the markings of a raft of visiting MPs over the last decade.
National Party leader Bill English, pictured with Whanganui candidate Harete Hipango, added his signature to the wall of outgoing MP Chester Borrows' Whanganui office. Photo/ Stuart Munro
A pause for a photo with National's Whanganui candidate Harete Hipango.
"Dozen's of celebrities have stood here taking this pic," he said.
Then it was then back out onto Victoria Ave among the blue placards, t-shirts and supporters who had taken shelter under the awnings as downpour past over Whanganui.
In the Crucci Magic store next door Mr English talked with a knit and chat group.
"It's quite hard," Mr English said of his skills with yarn. "Shearing's easier than spinning."
Bill English spinning a yarn at Crucci Magic on his election week stop off in Whanganui. Photo/ Stuart Munro
Making his way along the Avenue Mr English was approached by shopkeepers wishing him luck before it was back on the bus and away.
But not before the campaign bus became momentarily stuck as it negotiated the roundabout.
Someone stepped in to twist a give way sign to allow it trough and it continued it's journey up the North Island.
Ms Hipango said Mr English's visit had been stimulating, just two days out from the election and was happy with the support that had turned out.
"Every time we have the opportunity for the Prime Minister to come to town it puts Whanganui there in the spotlight," she said.
"I'm feeling really good."
National's Whanganui candidate Harete Hipango and party leader Bill English on the campaign trail in Whanganui on Thursday. Photo/ Stuart Munro
Ms Hipango wasn't prepared to say if she thought be Whanganui's new MP come Sunday morning.
"I'm confident of a good result," she said. "Open to interpretation."
Earlier in the day the expected visit of Defence Minister Mark Mitchell was cancelled with the fuel shortage a Auckland Airport disrupting his planned flights.
Ms Hipango instead spoke members at the RSA where he was due to speak.
