The highlights and lowlights of David Cunliffe's political career

David Cunliffe (Newshub.)
David Cunliffe (Newshub.)

If there's one thing to be said for David Cunliffe's tenure in Parliament, it's that he leaves with a wealth of highlights caught on camera.

Or are they lowlights? You be the judge.

1) "I'm sorry for being a man." Possibly his most infamous moment.

The highlights and lowlights of David Cunliffe's political career

2) Parrrdy Vote Layyyybaaarrrr. In a late night interview with Paul Henry on the eve of the 2014 election, Mr Cunliffe tries out some pirate-speak and admits he's "just a little sleepy, that's alright".

The highlights and lowlights of David Cunliffe's political career

3) Skipper's feeling good. Mr Cunliffe is buoyant on his first day on the job. This metaphor continued throughout his tenure, even after his resignation as leader (on an overgrown berm outside a brothel in Auckland)

The highlights and lowlights of David Cunliffe's political career

4) Labour values. In listing ten words to describe Labour, Mr Cunliffe makes use of the pregnant pause. And asks us if "'ands' count as a word".

The highlights and lowlights of David Cunliffe's political career

5) Toot toot chugga chugga big red scarf. Mr Cunliffe admits getting a few things wrong. Including sticking to his red knitting too often.

The highlights and lowlights of David Cunliffe's political career

6) And finally we put it to the man himself - what does he think was his greatest achievement?

Mr Cunliffe says it was proceeding with Telecom's regulatory reforms, despite knowing they had a copy of the cabinet paper proposals.

"That's why New Zealanders have faster, cheaper broadband," he says.

And his darkest day?

"Possibly the outrageous set-up around Donghua Liu, wasn't a good day when I was leader," he says.

Newshub.