Labour rests future in Auckland

ONE NEWS: Given the polls some may think it would take an act of God to see Labour re-elected but Prime Minister Helen Clark is not counting on a higher power - she's keeping faith in the voters in Auckland.

Clark is counting on "heartland" votes, people in Auckland, to get out and vote on Saturday.

On Friday Clark's day started with a session at Newstalk ZB. Among callers was Lesley who was unhappy with the PM's claim she lived by Christian values.

"Your agenda and action in public for the past nine years has been to wreck the tenants of Christianity in our country."

Clark reminded her the more controversial pieces of social legislation are private members bills.

She told Lesley that it was often said the Labour Party in New Zealand owed more to Methodism than to socialism and there had always a very strong brand of Christian socialism in it. She says many Christian principles are good.

"I spent my childhood (going to) Presbyterian Sunday school and of course going to Presbyterian church every Sunday while I was in high school... I do know what I am talking about on this I think there are good and basic principles. I don't personally happen to be a religious person but I do recognise those common good values."

While her opponent, National leader John Key, jetted around the country, Clark's Presbyterian work ethic saw her set a relentless pace visiting factories, malls and street corners in Manukau and Mt Wellington.

At one mall league great Stacey Jones stopped by to show his support. The pair chatted about the Kiwis' chances of success; "Yes they can (win)," Clark told him.

"They've just got to believe in themselves eh."

Clark told reporters she was optimistic left-wing parties would win enough votes to form a government and the time for a change message was meaningless.

"Change to what?" she asked.

"It's a huge jump into the unknown to go down a track at this time of voting for people who have an agenda of cutting back our public spending, selling our assets, privatising our key services. People know what they are getting with Labour."

Polls have not been good news for Labour which Clark says was a mismatch with feeling on the ground.

"In the end I am saying this is one for the true believers, if people want a Labour-led government they'll get out and vote for it."

On Friday she will have another full day in Auckland with the goal of turning that faith into votes come Saturday.