The resignation of Simon Bridges is forcing a by-election for the Tauranga seat - but who will step into the ring is anyone's guess.
"His heart is in the right place" - one voter's view of Winston Peters. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Bridges announced his departure from politics yesterday, leaving the National stronghold seat up for grabs.
Banana Blossom Cafe owner Amelia Hirota said whoever takes over needs to "walk the talk".
She, like many other Tauranga business owners, is sad to see Bridges go.
However, she is one of a few who would welcome NZ First leader Winston Peters back.
"I think there is something unique about him and I think his heart is in the right place. With any politician you don't really know if you can trust them."
Peters held the reins in Tauranga from 1984 to 2005, first as a National candidate, then with New Zealand First.
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Matt Cowley believes Peters might have what it takes.
"He resonates that sort of maverick mentality. In Tauranga we rally in times of need but we also don't like being told what to do.
"So someone like Winston Peters might do quite well here and turn it into a three-horse race and start splitting National's votes."
However, the vote in confidence in Peters is not shared by everyone.
Julie Hammon of Hammon Diamond Jeweller said the one person she does not want representing the city is Peters.
"Strong leadership is what we've had in the past with all the colourful characters that have represented Tauranga. In these times we need that strength of leadership even more.
"What we don't want, and it's just a personal opinion, is Winston Peters back - been there, done that."
Hammon does not believe Bridges' retirement will change Tauranga as a National Party stronghold.
However, the previous election in 2017 saw Tauranga's Labour candidate, Jan Tinetti, shrink National's winning margin from 11,000 to 2500.
Tauranga's Labour candidate, Jan Tinetti, made inroads in National's majority at the last general election. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Colonial Antiques owner Sandy Woodward can't see where the extra votes would come from to bring Labour forward.
"Tauranga has always been a very National area.
"I think it will be a very hard job, honestly I don't know [who could stand]. I suppose it could be somebody young who could do the same kind of job with the same community feel [as Simon Bridges]."
On the streets, most were happy to have the National Party representing them and Tauranga City.
Many are sorry to see Simon Bridges depart. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
One man said it was near impossible to see Labour take the seat.
"There's a movement, there's a progressive feeling within the party to do well - which they will. I think it's time. I think the public in general is ready for change."
Another woman agreed it might be time for Tauranga's tide to turn from blue to red.
"I think the new leader of National is going to make a big difference but I think it is time for a change here.
"It's good that he [Simon Bridges] has moved on."
Meanwhile, another local said she is sad to see Bridges retire and is at a loss as to who could replace him.
"Hopefully we can get someone as good as he is, and is interested in Tauranga. There is a lot of work to do here."
The process to select the party's new candidate will start in the coming weeks while voters are yet to find out the date of the by-election.