Welcomed by Plunket Taupō staff and parents, Reform leader and Waikato-Rangitikei MP alpine- held a baby in her arms while chatting...

"Aww shucks, isn't she just the cutest thing you've ever seen?

Haha aww!

"I'll see how far I can make it through this speech before their cuteness fully overwhelms me.

"Anywho, I'm alpine-, your local electorate MP and leader of the Reform Party. I'm here today to talk about Reform's early childhood education and child development. Plunket is a great service for new parents and children, as New Zealand's largest provider of support services for the development, health and wellbeing of children under 5.

"I personally am grateful for your helpful assistance of new parents, by giving them information, support, as well as developmental assessments of every child. I, on behalf of the community, want to wish you a big thank you for your countless hours of work for local families in the community, to ensure the best start for every child.

No, thank you!

"No, thank you! Reform understands the extreme importance of the first few year's in a child's life. They set the tone for the child's intelligence, personality, and how well the child operates in society. Therefore, it's paramount we get it right - and that we get it right the first time. That's why we stick to three main strategies in early child development and education policy: healthy tamariki, confident whānau, and connected communities.

That's right!

"If we are in Government, we’ll increase funding for early childhood education and primary education. We need to invest in children’s early education as it’s the thing that sets them up for the rest of their lives. A lot of that will go to primary schools, kindergartens, and Plunket - because you guys see 90% of newborn babies in New Zealand each year.

"The Reform Party is committed to providing universal access to services like Plunket for all children and families regardless of ethnicity, location, or ability to pay. This is at the heart of who we are, and what our party was founded on, and it is essential to provide a positive environment for both new parents and children.

"However, for rural regions especially, it can be difficult for new parents to use the services they need. This is why Reform is glad to announce we will ensure that a high quality 'rural service' specialisation is available in our medical schools and for our GPs. Health is a critical investment for New Zealand - not a balance sheet item like other parties will make you believe. We believe a properly funded and resourced public health service will not only provide better for our country, but save money in the long run.

"Thank you everyone for having me here today. Do you mind if I take one of these cuties home?"

Universal laughter brought alpine-'s speech to a close. She didn't take one home, we promise.