Despite this being the umpteenth interview he has given today (one of which included an incident with a cow suit for the show Campus Otago weekly (COW TV)) during his trip in Dunedin, Gareth Hughes remains perky.
He's on a tight schedule, which is only to be expected after becoming Parliament's youngest MP.
He entered Parliament by virtue of his high place on the party's list when co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons stood down.
Because of his age, Hughes believes he is in a great position to get the views of young people.
"Many of young people's interests aren't being represented, and they need to have a voice. I'm really keen to have a chat [with them].
"Politicians shouldn't be on a pedestal."
Hughes (28), of Gisborne, believes the Greens' tertiary polices would greatly benefit students.
Probably the most appealing one is the movement towards a universal student allowance.
"Student debt is becoming a massive issue in New Zealand. It's too big to simply wipe it, but [a universal student allowance] should help all students manage it better."
He advocates the Greens' strong stance against VSM (Voluntary Student Membership) and the 90-day Working Bill, as he sees student unemployment to be another issue for New Zealand that needs to be addressed.
He also wants to get student flats "warmer, dryer and healthier", noting the "big gaps" in quality.
All this seems like a very tall order, and this is on top of the other things Hughes wants to achieve.
"I don't want to be the token naïve young person in parliament. I need to be pragmatic. But I am really optimistic."
He congratulates students, believing many of them to be "really politically active"
"The 350 campaign was really successful, with 350 different events happening around the country, and many of them were organized by students."
As the interview wraps up I ask Hughes if he has a message for students.
"There is a cool, growing Green movement happening. And it's happening in places you can access like Facebook and Twitter.
"It's something you can be part of."
• Emily Menkes is a second-year student who writes for the ODT. She is also a member of Campus Greens.