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John Key hopes to take a bite out of Labour's mandate in the Mana electorate by winning over some new voters in its by-election.
The Prime Minister paid Mana a visit to support National candidate Hekia Parata's campaign in the upcoming by-election.
Parata said Key's presence paid off as many people warmly welcomed him to Mana.
"Having the Prime Minister here is extremely helpful, everyone wants to see him," she said.
But Labour's candidate, a former political reporter, Kris Faafoi may have clear advantages, having been a familiar face to many voters after years as a TV reporter as well as the Mana seat being a Labour strong hold.
Faafoi worked as party leader Phil Goff's chief press secretary until he was selected.
Key said he is certainly being realistic about the upcoming by-election.
"We are under no illusions that we are the underdogs here in the Mana seat, but we have a tremendous candidate," Key said.
Parata had also stood against Labour's Luamanuvao Winnie Laban in the 2008 election.
By-election will be on November 20.
