Political leaders will be out in force from this morning with only five days of campaigning left before voters determine who will be the government for the next three years.
Prime Minister Helen Clark and National Party leader John Key delay giving out details of their next day's schedule until late each day but both will be expected to work hard in Auckland this week.
There are more votes in Auckland than the whole of the South Island, and while both leaders have been campaigning in the South Island, it is the top of the North Island which usually determines the government.
Labour's hold on South Auckland party votes looks to be slipping, with Maori and Polynesian voters appearing to be deserting in droves their long-time party of choice.
National is looking at sweeping some Labour-held electorates into its fold, particularly Otaki, Taupo and Rotorua. Tauranga is likely to stay National, with new candidate Simon Bridges ahead of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.
The problem for National will be whether Mr Key's message of two ticks for National has yet sunk in.
With much interest still focusing on the state of the economy and the ongoing safety of banks registered in New Zealand, both Miss Clark and Mr Key are likely to push their leadership qualifications for dealing with a financial melt-down. Both will also promote their policies for helping workers made redundant during the downturn.
