Judith Collins says she will break her 'no-alcohol while campaigning' rule this weekend

National leader Judith Collins with Newstalk ZB's Chris Lynch. Photo: NZH
National leader Judith Collins with Newstalk ZB's Chris Lynch. Photo: NZH
Judith Collins says she will break her routine of having no alcohol while campaigning this weekend.

On Chris Lynch's Newstalk ZB Christchurch show on Monday morning, the National leader said she will probably have to have a drink on Sunday night as she will be busy on Saturday with the election.

"On Saturday night I'm going to be with my people from Papakura, all my supporters and volunteers, and then we will move into the national party's event afterward."

When asked if she writes both a winning and concession speech, Collins said she does not prepare anything.

"I haven't written anything, most of my speeches I just say what I think and I expect I'll do exactly the same on Saturday night."

Collins has also slammed the latest announcement from the Provincial Growth Fund, saying she is '"most offended."

Last week Jones earmarked $100 million to be spent on hundreds of marae across the county.

The announcement means the vast majority of the $3 billion fund has now been allocated.

Collins will also visit some local businesses later today, following her visit to several businesses in Auckland yesterday.

She fuelled up on oysters bought at a farmers' market in the North Shore, before meeting supporters in New Lynn.

There are five days until the election and National remains well behind Labour in the polls.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB this morning that Collins was a "very different" opponent to 2017 leader Bill English.

She and New Zealand voters knew English better than Collins, she said. And the National Party was very different under Collins.

Ardern said she respected anyone who took an Opposition party into an election campaign.

"It is not an easy job, particular when you've got a bit of transition and rebuilding."