Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett applied for a receptionist role while in Tauranga on Wednesday.

The mock scenario at Tauranga Chamber of Commerce got a lot of laughs from the 10 people who got the opportunity to interview her.

Paula entertained a group at the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce during her visit to the city. See video interview with her below.

They were members of the chamber's Return to Work Programme, which is funded by the Ministry of Social Development.

Each person got the opportunity to play an employee interviewing Paula for a receptionist role.

'There was a lot of laughter and banter,” says Tauranga Chamber of Commerce CEO Max Mason.

'She was very approachable. People were really amazed at her empathy and that she cared about the situation they were in.”

The Return to Work Programme gives unemployed Tauranga residents the skills to re-enter the workforce.

Paula asked to visit the programme while she was in Tauranga.

'It went really well. We were really impressed with Paula Bennett,” says Max.

'She went to see and meet them. They all enjoyed asking her questions. She replied as if she was applying for the job.”

Paula also spoke at a business breakfast at Tauranga Club.

She will also host a senior's public meeting at the Hellier Centre today.