The most touching moment of her appearance came when National Press Club president Sabra Lane asked her to comment on last week's Christchurch mosque shooting.

With tears in her eyes, Senator McKenzie said the "atrocities committed against peaceful people practicing their religion in a country like New Zealand by a far right wing extremist and terrorist are abominable".

She condemned anyone who liked the man's Facebook page, calling on people to take responsibility for their online behaviour.

In responding to questions from the media, Senator McKenzie assured Nationals voters the party could win funding for initiatives in regional areas.

"It means sometimes having tough conversations with our partners in a strong Coalition government, the Liberal Party, and saying 'we'll back you all the way on X, Y and Z, but on these issues we have a different view," she said.

"Like any relationship, there needs to be respect on both sides."

The senator, who now calls Wodonga home, admitted she was on the side of the "bogans and the battlers" when it came to a split between the city and country, but said it was time to look beyond that divide.

This was especially true when ordering at cafes.

"Truth is, I like soy lattes, I like goat's cheese and smashed avo, I even tried Kombucha - its not for me," Senator McKenzie said.

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