"Sorry you lost your job," one passer-by said.
"I haven't, I'm still at it," Mr Hide replied.
Others shook his hand and wished him all the best, reminiscent of when the Otago Daily Times accompanied him campaigning in Epsom in 2008.
Mr Hide would keep his ministerial portfolios but retire from Parliament at the election, Dr Brash announced earlier.
Deputy leader John Boscawen would become Act's leader in Parliament. Dr Brash cannot fill that role because he is not an MP.
Mr Boscawen will remain the party's deputy leader, but give up his Consumer Affairs and Associate Commerce Minister portfolios.
Newest Act MP Hilary Calvert, of Dunedin, will be the party's whip.
Mr Hide took the news in his stride during a meeting with the ODT.
"I knew my political career would end at some stage, and my leadership would end," Mr Hide said.
"You never know how you will handle it, but I always hoped I would show good grace when it happened - it was genuine. I didn't have to put on a show, as I believe Don is the best person to lead Act into the election."
Mr Hide believed a stand-off between himself and Dr Brash would ultimately hurt the party and the Government if it continued over a long period.
For the Government to succeed in the future, there needed to be a larger number of Act MPs in Parliament.
Mr Hide, the Minister of Local Government and Regulatory Reform, was in Dunedin to talk to Federated Farmers.
His main aim between now and the election was keeping his work programme up as a minister. It was going at a "fair pace", he said. Some of the legislation dated back nine years and he was determined to move as much of it through Parliament this year as he could.
The decision to keep him as a minister came down to the decision by Dr Brash, Mr Hide said.
He rejected a suggestion he had used some sway over Dr Brash, such as forcing a by-election.
"I represent the people from Epsom until November and would never put the country to that expense or cause [Prime Minister] John Key any upset.
"I totally support Act as a party and Mr Key as Prime Minister."
Mr Hide would not stand for Act again, unless he had the support of Dr Brash.
He and Dr Brash were still close friends, Mr Hide said.
