People usually enter politics because they want to make the country a better place.
But even with the best of intentions, not everything they do achieves that goal.
Four of the leaders from the minor parties fessed up their crimes in a debate hosted by Newshub Nation this week - though their idea of a mistake might not be the same as yours.
NZ First leader Winston Peters wasn't keen to reveal his biggest boo-boo.
"Because of Cabinet rules I can't tell you," he said, donning his signature smirk.
Host Simon Shepherd asked if it was getting caught having a cigarette at the University of Otago, which has banned smoking on campus.
"It's my business if I want to have a fag outside, not yours," he said, promising to cut the cost of a pack to $20.
Maori Party co-leader John Tamihere wasn't in Parliament this term, but that didn't stop him messing up.
"I forgot our wedding anniversary last week. I've been on the couch for a while."
ACT leader David Seymour said it was appearing on Three's Dancing With the Stars NZ, during which he did a paso doble to Blur's grunge hit 'Song 2'.
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson said watching it was her biggest mistake this term.
Watch the full debate.
