Students show love for PM in Dunedin

A large crowd was an enthusiastic audience for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the University of Otago this afternoon.

Ms Ardern is in the city for a day of campaigning today.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was mobbed by students following her speech at the University of...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was mobbed by students following her speech at the University of Otago today. Photo: Craig Baxtrer
She started with a visit to precision engineering business United Machinists where she, with several Southern Labour candidates, spent some time talking to staff before heading to the Octagon.

At the university the Prime Minister talked about her party's commitment to climate change, and drew applause when she mentioned first year fees free tertiary study.

As soon as she finished her speech, Ms Ardern was mobbed by the crowd. Hundreds of people, mostly students, crowded around the Labour leader as they waited to get selfies. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visits precision engineering business United Machinists in Dunedin....
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visits precision engineering business United Machinists in Dunedin. Photo: Greogr Richardson

At United Machinists earlier, chief executive Sarah Ramsay told Ms Ardern about the importance of apprenticeships.

“You really can’t replace getting them in here,” she said.

She also said a lot of work that would have gone offshore was coming to Dunedin due to Covid.

Ms Ardern was then greeted by Labour supporters she arrived to walk around the Octagon. 

There were plenty of toots of support as Ms Ardern walked around the city centre, while other supporters yelled out from nearby buildings.

She visited Granny Annie’s sweet shop in George St, where she was gifted a pack of her favourite peaches and cream lollies.

At Hungry Hobos, she continued the time-honoured tradition of grabbing a cheese roll in the South, ordering seven for her and fellow MPs.

The Prime Minister poses for a photo with Dunedin councillor Christine Garey. Photo: Daisy Hudson
The Prime Minister poses for a photo with Dunedin councillor Christine Garey. Photo: Daisy Hudson

Comments

It feels like we are turning into a nice version of North Korea.

Hilarious contrast with Crusher Collins' efforts to mingle with the people in Auckland! She had set-up supporters carefully located to "bump" into her - and no crowds. The difference with Jacinda says it all. I bet they didn't have to ship in supporters from elsewhere!!!

The visit was poorly received by ousa students, according to newstalk zb/nzme, 5.40am.