Labour Party members in Waikato heard from the two candidates vying for the position of leader of the party at a meeting on Monday.
More than 100 people attended the meeting in Hamilton, which was the first in a series of party gatherings around the country before Caucus votes next Tuesday.
New Lynn MP David Cunliffe and Mount Albert MP David Shearer are vying for the leadership vacated by Phil Goff after the party's election defeat.
Initially three MPs were seeking the job but David Parker withdrew.
The party says while MPs make the final decision, the meetings are a chance for members to hear from the candidates and to provide feedback to their local MPs.
Robertson declares
Labour MP Grant Roberston says he would like to be deputy in a team led by Mr Shearer but says they are not running on a formal ticket.
Mr Cunliffe is running on a ticket with the MP Nanaia Mahuta as his deputy.
Labour MPs will have one vote for the leader and one for the deputy.
