Mr Cunliffe's visit to the university was hosted by Dr Bryce Edwards, a political commentator and university lecturer, who is running the weekly "Vote Chat" series featuring politicians before the November election.
The Vote Chat forum has, so far, featured Green Party co-leader Meteira Turei, National MP Michael Woodhouse, Labour list MP David Parker, and Dunedin North Labour candidate David Clarke.
Dr Edwards has interviewed the politicians in front of an audience, while the forum is streamed live on the internet, and a stream of tweeted messages and questions is displayed as a running commentary.
"The idea is to foster a different type of political environment, whereby the audience doesn't just get the usual well-rehearsed campaigning speech from a politician," Dr Edwards said.
Mr Cunliffe deflected questions about potential leadership challenges to Labour's Phil Goff, a topic which was a favourite among "twittersphere" followers.
Mr Goff had the support of all the party and would make a fine leader of the country, while National would sell New Zealand out, Mr Cunliffe told the audience.
