Judith Collins and Jacinda Ardern's first head-to-head television debate of the 2020 election has been panned as "stale" and "boring" by viewers.
The TVNZ debate held on Tuesday night saw the leaders of the two main parties set out their visions for the future - and criticise their opponents'.
But it's being criticised as being unexciting compared to other debates held at the same time.
"Tonight's debate was stale as ever. The difference of ideas between Judith and Jacinda was so small that there was barely a debate and at times it felt like I was hearing the same thing twice," one person said as they started a thread on Reddit.
"Re the Leaders Debate tonight - We expected Avengers Infinity War but got Star Wars The Phantom Menace instead," political commentator Martyn Bradbury tweeted.
"Disappointed by the debates. Nothing to get excited about. A politician saying they have a plan is like a bicycle saying it has wheels. Talk focus & priorities next time!" another said.
One of the few bright spots pointed out was the number of women.
"Party preferences aside... it's great to see so many women on this @TVNZ @JohnJCampbell debate episode. Female leaders and female analysis panel. Will be great to see more brown and wahine toa next time," one person tweeted.
Magic Talk host Peter Williams had criticism on his show for the "weird" staging, "bad" lighting and flat performances from both leaders.
"In terms of overall performance, did either of them get any special zingers, land any big hits? Not really," he said.
"By the sounds of things the finance spokesperson debate in Queenstown was far more lively and entertaining."
The finance debate, held at the same time as the leaders debate, was hosted by Newshub political editor Tova O'Brien. This featured Labour's Grant Robertson, National's Paul Goldsmith, the Greens' James Shaw, Act's David Seymour and New Zealand First's Fletcher Tabuteau.
In comparison this is being praised - both for the participants answering questions and having more entertaining moments.
"The crowd of more than 400 - the first public gathering of this size since the bulk of the country returned to alert level 1 - were enthusiastic contributors and the heckling started early," RNZ political reporter Jo Moir wrote in an analysis.
"Most eyes were on the leader's debate between Labour's Jacinda Ardern and National's Judith Collins on Tuesday night.
"While that audience might have got some civilised uninterrupted takes from the leaders, in Queenstown the crowd got a belly full of laughs and an inside look at what Question Time might look like if the Speaker of the House called in sick."
"They have the banter, the sass, and are actually answering the questions posed," one person commented on social media.
"Newshub has always been better with debates generally. We should see fireworks on Wednesday with Paddy," another said.
Also on Tuesday night, the three candidates for the Waiariki electorate seat went head-to-head in The Hui's third Māori electorate debate.
This too has come in for praise.
"The Waiariki debate on @TheHuiNZ is a must watch. Super entertaining, meaningful conversations," Radio New Zealand journalist Te Aniwa Hurihanganui tweeted.
"Waiariki debate on @TheHuiNZ tonight was fire - Well done Māori mā!" another wrote.
