A fiery start to the campaign season, as political leaders addressed prospective voters at a BusinessNZ-hosted conference.

Luxon assured business leaders he would treat them 'like adults' as he criticised Labour's ongoing relationship with the sector.

Hipkins, speaking after Luxon, defended the Government’s choppy economic record and claimed Labour's 'economic fundamentals were in good shape.'

ACT's David Seymour took shots at Julie-Anne Genter from the Greens, saying he wouldn't even trust her to handle Venezuela's economy.

BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie recapped the mood of the event.

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