Prime Minister John Key is touring Te Puke today as part of a regional visit to the Western Bay of Plenty.

The Prime Minister began his day visiting the Vincent House training centre at No.3 Road in Te Puke before officially opening the new New World supermarket on Jocelyn Street.

Prime Minister John Key high fives children in Te Puke.

John Key unveils the plaque on the wall of the new Te Puke New World.

Crowds of Te Puke residents and school children gathered as the Prime Minister unveiled a plaque as part of the opening ceremony before cultural performances from local schools.

"It's great to be here in Te Puke," says John Key.

"Its an opportunity to celebrate some of the success of Te Puke."

The performances include a waiata by The Sandbox preschool and national anthem by 120 children from Fairhaven School.

Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor Ross Paterson says it's a great day for Te Puke and an acknowledgement from the Prime Minister of how Te Puke is changing, growing and looking to a new future.

"The supermarket and destination playground it's all part of development for the last year to harness Te Puke's attractiveness and get people to stop in Te Puke," says Ross.

He says the turnout of about 150 for the opening is incredible and highlights the very strong and positive community spirit.

"They just love seeing the Prime Minister in their town and his support for the town as a whole."

The official opening is followed by a walk through the town to the new Destination Playground and refurbished Te Puke Library on Commerce Lane.

After the library visit the Prime Minister will meet with media before breaking until an afternoon visit to Te Puke Intermediate.

But if there is any thought the visit to the intermediate will be a breeze for the Prime Minister - it is wrong, as Principal Jill Weldon says students have come up with some tough questions for the leader.

Jill says pupils will ask the Prime Minister to explain what the GCSB Bill is about 'in kidspeak”, and provide insight into New Zealand's position on Syria and the upcoming Labour leadership vote.

'They've got some good questions, so it will be interesting to hear his response,” says Jill, who together with pupils, will show the Prime Minister a revamped classroom learning centres after he is greeting with a powhiri.

The Prime Minister's school visit from 1.30-2.30pm, will also see him give a speech about working as a politician – as the last keynote speaker in this week's school career expo, and watching school house sports.

Grocery buyer Mat Pennefather says the Prime Minister will unveil a plaque as part of the opening ceremony that includes cultural performances.

Keep checking SunLive for updates throughout the day.

Got photos of the Prime Minister's visit send them to [email protected]