Be part of the 'mighty million” not the 'missing million” is what Labour leader David Cunliffe is urging Tauranga Boys' College students to do in the upcoming general election.

With a month until the September 20 election the opposition leader told the school's senior students the power to shape the future government is in their hands – but only if they vote.

In 2011 one million eligible voters did not vote, including 'young people”, and for a stronger youthful voice to be heard students must seize the opportunity to vote, says Labour.

Voter turnouts have fallen dramatically in New Zealand during the last three decades – from 85 per cent in 1981 to 69 per cent in 2011 according to the Electoral Commission.

Of 437,000 people recorded in the 18-24-year-old demographic, only 69.57 per cent – or 304,303 people – are enrolled to vote, as of February 2014.

This compares to the 97.24 per cent for those aged 50-54 and 98.26 per cent for 60-64 year olds.

David, joined by Tauranga candidate Rachel Jones and Waiariki candidate Rawiri Waititi, outlined three topics, the importance of voting; the difference between left and right wing politics; and why to vote Labour.

'Voting is a precious right. It's something our forefathers and mothers fought for; it's something that everybody should exercise,” says David.

'Make it your own; this is your country, this is your future where opportunities will depend upon the kind of government you have.

David says the chance of changing a country or government's direction isn't an easy or an immediate fix, but with a higher voting percentage a clearer picture can be formed and everyone's views noted.

Likening the difference between a National and Labour led government to an anecdote from the United States of America president Barack Obama, David says it's like driving a super tanker which cannot be turned on a dime.

The direction of the country can only be changed by people getting out and voting – including youthful voters.

'Changing the direction of a country or government takes a bit of time. But if we can point it in the right direction over time we get to a different place.

'The more young people that vote the more emphasis all parties will place on young people issues.”

Tauranga candidate Rachel Jones says students voting must be independent in their voting choices, rather than being influenced by parents or people's alignments.

Asking the students whether they listen to the same music or dress the same as their parents, Rachel challenges the young voters to think for themselves.

'My challenge is to you is to think for yourselves. Go out there and get informed and then make your own decisions,” says Rachel.

In Tauranga for the day the leader of the opposition has various civic engagements including attending a public meeting with Age Concern and Grey Power at Tauranga RSA before opening the new playground at Merivale Primary School.

He will also visit the Merivale Community Centre and community garden.