Prime Minister John Key is speaking to about 470 senior students at Otumoetai College today.

He is giving an informal speech along with Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, with both engaging in a question-and-answer session from the students too.

Prime Minister John Key at Otumoetai College this morning.

Key arrived at the school this morning and was greeted with a kapa haka performance given by 400 Year 11 students.

Otumoetai College principal Dave Randall says there is good educational value in having these politicians meet with students.

'They are educated and lifelong learners – so they have both studied and worked and young people can aspire to be like them.”

Dave says it's not about beliefs either with the pair just good Kiwi blokes.

'Whether young people agree with their politics or not they have the desire to be successful.”

Otumoetai College head girl Baillie Malbon is excited about the opportunity to meet Key as it is a not-every-day occurrence.

'It's really amazing to have him coming here; everyone is really stoked and excited.”