Prime Minister Bill English and Labour leader Jacinda Ardern battled it out tonight in the first leader's debate, clearly indicating the election was about the two major parties.
Mr English called the election a "drag race'', clearly seeing his major threat being the momentum created by Ms Ardern's recent elevation.
Ms Ardern came across as someone with high political values, and used words such as transparency and openness - someone carrying the hopes and aspirations of a younger generation.
Mr English was surprisingly animated in his answers, having the minutiae of detail at his fingertips, not surprising for a former finance minister and long-time MP.
Ms Ardern edged slightly ahead in the debate until it came to the water tax questions put to her by moderator Mike Hosking.
She could not adequately explain how the tax would affect commercial users, such as farmers, vineyards and water bottlers.
Mr English had trouble answering the question on medical cannabis, eventually getting the answer out of wanting more information before making it readily available to people like cancer sufferers.
The election will be held on September 23.
