The three Labour MPs seeking the party leadership have faced their biggest crowd yet as they work to woo the party faithful in Auckland.
Shane Jones, David Cunliffe and Grant Robertson have been speaking at Western Springs College to about 500 Labour Party supporters.
All three candidates were given warm welcomes and rousing support with none appearing to be the crowd favourite, although Auckland-based Mr Cunliffe had a large, organised support base present.
All three were careful not to attack one another in their speeches.
Mr Cunliffe and Mr Robertson reiterated their support for a living wage and slammed National's employment law policies.
David Cunliffe. Photo: RNZ
Grant Robertson. Photo: RNZ
Shane Jones. Photo: LABOUR PARTY
MrJones focussed more on his ability to unify the party and rally new voters.
Mr Cunliffe also promised he would repeal National's controversial labour reforms within his first 100 days in office.
Mr Robertson attacked John Key as a lightweight and says he also wants to change low wages and poor employment conditions.
Several people leaving the hall said they had changed their mind about who to vote for after hearing the men.
Earlier, the two main contenders for the leadership both made pledges about a 'living wage'.
Living wage campaigners argue the minimum wage of $13.75 an hour is not enough to live on and say a realistic level is $18.40.
The Labour Party has generally sounded positive about the idea but has not been specific.
However, Mr Robertson made a definite pledge to supporters in Levin on Saturday during the first of a series of leadership campaign meetings around the country.
"A Labour Government I lead will set a timetable for ensuring that all government workers and all contracts led by the Government will pay a living wage," he said.
Mr Cunliffe made a similar promise, calling for an immediate rise in the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
"We're going to be working for a living wage for all New Zealanders," said Mr Cunliffe.
