500 Pasifika in South Auckland turn up to hear John Key

The Herald reports:

Prime Minister John Key spoke to more than 500 members of South Auckland’s Pasifika community today in an attempt to sway votes from the Labour stronghold.

That’s a massive turnout, in an area which normally is the strongest in NZ for Labour.

Mr Lotu-Iiga said he grew up in the Mangere community and was once too a Labour voter, but he had been seeing a shift in support towards National. “Things are changing around here.”

Also at the meeting was Manukau city church group member Del Kumandan, who said he too had seen National’s support grow in the area.

“The tide’s definitely turning?the people are identifying with what National is doing for them.”

National is never going to win South Auckland or even come close. But an extra party vote in South Auckland is just as good as an extra vote in Clutha-Southland.