Incumbent electorate MP and leader of the Reform party, alpine-, speaks with servicemen, women and veterans over lunch at Waiouru.

"Hello everyone! Firstly, thank you all for your service. As you all know, I am alpine- and I am looking for your vote on Saturday.

"New Zealand is lucky to be in a strong position in terms of foreign alliances, a location which mitigates a threat of attack, and good peacemaking strategies with other countries. However, we must never be too confident, or we will risk the safety of all New Zealanders. I hope this is something you all can appreciate.

"As a nation surrounded by water and with considerable maritime protection responsibilities in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, our defence forces should be primarily naval in nature. Reform will therefore develop and maintain a marine-focused, professionally-oriented military with a sufficient breadth of capabilities to provide operational independence, including Air Combat and blue-water naval elements. We will also restore New Zealand’s strike capability with a small advanced force of jet trainer and combat aircraft, and by decommissioning out-of-date and ineffective military assets.

Thank God! They're a pain! said a passionate Nam vet.

"I bet they are! Of course, though, our defence forces should remain only as a last resort. Reform heavily believes in a diplomatic and cautious approach to domestic and overseas threats. This is why we will investigate current peace-making services in the defence force if we are in Government after the election. Similarly, we will maintain a nuclear-free stance on all matters, and stay firmly against US nuclear ships entering our borders. Although nuclear technology is becoming more and more promising for future societies, it is still in its relative infancy. Reform is of the view that, at the moment, the serious risks outweigh the potential benefits of nuclear technology.

Common sense! howled the crowd.

"Why, thank you. Speaking of the US, Reform is proud to announce that we will investigate the feasibility of a new ANZUS Treaty void of all nuclear liabilities that New Zealand was subject to under the previous treaty. If successful, this will be pivotal to our trade and foreign relations with Australia and the United States. No other party is willing to put this possibility on the line because they'd rather play politics than work towards a better New Zealand. Especially because of the failure of the TPP, any possibility to arrange an ANZUS Treaty would have beyond significant impacts for our importers, exporters, and for the end consumer. It will also allow us to better work together for regional and global security.

"Finally - and something you all will be personally excited to hear - Reform will increase our service people’s pay, remuneration, conditions, and training--

The crowd erupts into applause.

"I thought you would! This will ensure we have strong, high quality personnel who are truly dedicated to protecting our great nation Aotearoa, New Zealand. Thank you everyone, again, for your service to this country. I speak on behalf of the public by saying that we truly appreciate your protection of our freedom and liberties. One of those liberties is the right to vote, so please make sure you exercise it and two ticks Reform on Saturday!