While Labour and National are aspiring for first prize, Act and the Greens are racing for the bronze medal.
According to recent polling, both parties are neck and neck to take the third biggest party to Parliament after election day.
It's unfamiliar territory for David Seymour - who has led a caucus of one for two terms.
While the Greens are just grateful to be in the race at all.
RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher has been out on the campaign trail and filed this report.
