The global credit crunch has caused many in heartland New Zealand to reassess their own finances in a way that talk from politicians has been unable to do.
In the thousands of kilometres travelled on the campaign by Taking the Pulse, very few people indicated they were better off than this time three years ago.
But there is no mood for a change of government. In fact, stability and certainty is what voters appear to be wanting.
There could be some changes in some electorates, but National's message of paying down debt and keeping the economy in reasonable shape has been taken on throughout the North Island.
The Green Party was second behind National as far as policy recognition went and it was well ahead of the rest. Dirty rivers, particularly in the west of the North Island, sustainable energy and green jobs were understood by a lot of voters approached for comment.
It was the same in Christchurch, where the Pulse found people concerned that a change in government would hold up the rebuilding of the city and their homes. A levy on all taxpayers would be welcome in Christchurch, although the Government ruled that out.
Of those complaining about their circumstances, most admitted that they had overspent in the past and were paying down debt as fast as they could.
The rural sector is buoyant, and the number of dairy tankers on the road through Taranaki, New Plymouth and parts of King Country testified to the amount of money milk products were bringing into the country.
Small businesses were struggling in some areas, and others were flourishing because they were providing services to the agricultural sector.
Poverty does exist in New Zealand and it was obvious in Waitara and parts of West Auckland that some families were having trouble surviving on a daily basis.
Most of those talked to in Waitara and West Auckland wanted jobs or wanted better pay for the job they did. But they did admit they received government help to pay for some essentials to live, such as food and shelter. A higher minimum wage would be popular in those areas.
The Mana Party is making more of an impact in West Auckland than people in the South Island may realise.
This election, the Pulse tour started in Canterbury, particularly Christchurch, which is a scarred city. Long-serving Port Hills MP Ruth Dyson is not so much campaigning for re-election but working to make sure her constituents get the maximum help available from various agencies.
There is no mood for change in Christchurch as far as electorate MPs go, but further north, Waimakiriri MP Clayton Cosgrove is at risk of losing his seat and returning through the list. National's party vote is expected to rise in Canterbury because of the way the Government is dealing with the earthquake.
Wellington is a political city and full of public servants who are not happy about National's policy of maintaining a sinking lid for the public servant numbers.
Further north, in Otaki, National MP Nathan Guy has strengthened his hold on the once Labour seat. The influx of older New Zealanders has seen a switch to a more conservative approach to voting.
Palmerston North voters were the most disinterested in the election, seemingly moved on from the Rugby World Cup to Christmas shopping.
National wants to win the solidly Labour electorate but the Greens have been out campaigning on behalf of MP Iain Gallaway-Lees and that could tip the scales in his favour.
Taking the Pulse seemed to have stopped at hundreds of towns and villages to chat to voters. Most were engaged in the process but the referendum was causing some angst.
The Pulse took time out to explain the referendum and the options because it appeared the message about the vote on our electoral system had not sunk in to voters.
Voters in Taranaki-King Country were the most opposed to continuing MMP, followed by those in Mount Maunganui and Cambridge.
Wellington Central voters favoured MMP ahead of voters in wider Auckland. Voters supporting the Green and Mana Parties were well aware of their obligation to tick the party vote as a way of getting their MPs into Parliament.
Former Labour Party president Andrew Little gets recognition for being the hardest working candidate found by the Pulse.
His campaign team in New Plymouth was young and enthusiastic but he is apparently having trouble convincing his mother, who lives in the electorate and has always been a National Party voter.
Nevertheless, Mr Little will bring energy into a Labour Party which seems to have missed connecting with Mainland New Zealanders.
