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Health is a key issue for the Green Party, which says more money needs to be invested in the sector.

Greens health spokesman Kevin Hague is in Dunedin talking about the party's plans to right what it says are the wrongs of the Government in respect of health care.

And that could see some significant changes in the city.

Political parties are staking their claims on the health high ground, as the September elections approach.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says in the last five years, more than 1700 extra Southern District Health Board patients have received orthopaedic surgery.

He says across New Zealand health boards have delivered 23,000 orthopaedic surgeries.

Meanwhile, Green Party health spokesman Kevin Hague, claims the Government is not putting enough money into the sector, or is spending it on the wrong things.

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The elections are still more than five months away, but leaders are already lobbying for votes in Dunedin.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters got his chance to speak to the Dunedin public over the weekend as he tries to stay above the 5% threshold needed for a seat in parliament.

The veteran politician told a local audience the city has a lot to offer, but says it's neglected and needs political change.

Prime Minister John Key has announced New Zealanders will be able to vote on whether the country gets a new flag.

During the next parliamentary term, a cross-party group of MP's would be formed to recommend the best referenda process.

An independent steering group would also ensure the public was consulted and was able to contribute their own design ideas.

Key said the current flag symbolised a colonial and post-colonial era whose time has passed, and feels a new flag would acknowledge the country's independence.