Green Party co-leader James Shaw’s debate tactics have proven to be the biggest surprise of tonight's multi-party election debate, according to a panel of experts.
During the debate, Shaw traded blows with ACT leader David Seymour – treating the audience to multiple jibes.
In the post-debate analysis, RNZ Journalist Guyon Espiner described Shaw as being a “salty Green” with his rejoinders to Seymour.
“He played the story of ‘angry James Shaw' a bit in paying out David Seymour,” he said.
Espiner said it seemed like Shaw was “fishing in the Labour pool”, focusing on things like the cost of living.
The debate was a feisty affair as ideas were traded back-and-forth. (Source: 1News)
Janet Wilson, a former National press secretary, said: “James Shaw had an itch, and its name was David Seymour."
She said it was “quite pleasant” to see “the normally mild-mannered James kind of fire up”.
“He was on fire tonight, and I think he fought his corner in terms of the policies that the Greens have.”
Former Labour minister Kris Faafoi said Shaw was “able to show a bit of his personality” with his tactics.
The TVNZ Multi-Party Debate featured four minor parties vying for Parliament. (Source: 1News)
“We know he’s really good on policy, but we saw a different side of James Shaw to be able to give it back.”
“People who watch politics might be able to see that in the house, but to see it in a debate like this is quite exciting.”
He agreed with Espiner's previous point about seeking Labour supporters' votes.
“He was very much going after my old party’s vote,” Faafoi said.
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