'No, we don't want you in here': Awkward moment Jacinda Ardern's rival is rejected from entering an Oscar Wylee store - and now the company is facing major backlash
New Zealand's Opposition leader Judith Collins has been left red faced after she was refused entry into an upmarket optometrist while out on the campaign trail.
The National Party leader had a pack of reporters and camera crews with her as she toured Auckland's Ponsonby Rd on Wednesday in a bid to convince Kiwis to vote for her in the upcoming general election.
But she was met with an awkward encounter when she tried to enter Oscar Wylee store, with staff gesturing that she was not welcome inside.
The store assistant began by waving for the group to go away, saying 'no, we don't want you in here', before turning both thumbs down.
'We don't support National... They asked but we don't support them,' a store assistant later told Newsroom.
New Zealand's Opposition leader Judith Collins (pictured with Auckland central candidate Emma Mellow) invited media to visit Ponsonby Rd on Wednesday, however, she was turned away form a store
Mrs Collins brushed it off, suggesting the refusal was not politically motivated suggesting but rather due to the large media pack.
A spokesman for the store said staff simply did not want to be on TV.
'I don't want to politicise it in any way. The whole reason was because there was a big crowd and we didn't want to be on TV.'
The store has since faced an onslaught of criticism, with National supporters vowing to boycott the store.
'Message is out already, telling National supporters not to use Oscar Wylee. Dumb move Oscar,' one person wrote.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been out in the streets campaigning as well as the elction draws to a close
The store has since faced an onslaught of criticism, with national supporters vowing to boycott the store
'Very short sighted by your staff and statement about why you rudely turned away leader from the opposition,' another wrote.
'I certainly know where NOT to get my glasses from now on. Poor form. Classless reaction to Judith,' wrote another.
New Zealanders began voting on October 3. Preliminary results will be announced on October 17.