The government's proposed Victims' Compensation Scheme seems to a victory of politics over principle and purpose. What's it meant to achieve? And if we all think victim compensation is such a decent idea, why don't we pay for it?
Read MoreAct
Knights & Dames
Jon dispenses with aroha to explore John Key's retrograde plan to restore knighthoods
Read MoreIt's a giddy time... for now
National is enjoying the onset of what should be a long honeymoon. Are there any black clouds looming?
Read MoreKey's action plan needs fine tuning
John Key’s first 100 days are starting with a hiss and a roar – but a pause for breath and is in order, especially if he wants to avoid ACT building its influence to his right
Read MoreJohn Key's survival depends on making new friends
Cementing the National Party in the political centre – that is John Key’s major challenge in building a government capable of taking New Zealand through the recession and back to health. Reaching out to Maori is a good start.
Read MoreThe good and bad news for National, Labour and the minor parties
Trying to get our head round what Saturday's results mean, we survey the outcomes for each party. You can add your own positives and negatives...
Read MoreNational News Brief, Monday November 10
Key in a rush to establish government; Phil Goff tipped to lead Labour; tax cut legislation before Christmas; NZ First future unclear; property prices down 6.8 percent; and more
Read MoreOur last Poll of Polls
Crunching the numbers in the last, late polls. Is there a swing further right? Is Winston toast? Has the Maori Party lost its kingmaker's crown?
Read MoreWhat New Zealand would look like under a National-ACT-UF coalition
What changes would a centre-right coalition government make? Look for more roads, pieces of privatisation, and tougher prison sentences. Then there's bulk-funding...
Read MoreNational News Brief, Tuesday October 28
Bottom-lines on display in minor parties debate; home ownership set to rise as rates fall; National outspends Labour on infrastructure; Kiwi dollar plunges; and more
Read MoreNational News Brief, Friday October 24
Woman shot dead by AOS; conflicting polls on government leadership; Rodney Hide slapped by Electoral Commission; Contact Energy directors back down; Dunedin Hospital still battling norovirus; and more
Read MoreWhat might have been, might be better
Labour says it's being "prudent" by reining in its spending plans, but it may come to regret not giving the economy more of a boost from the public purse
Read MoreNational News Brief, Monday October 13
Labour promises deposit guarantee and economic stimulus package; National demands change at campaign launch; Act and United Future launch campaigns; property prices down; beneficiaries get nothing from tax cuts; and more
Read MoreTea and quips at Epsom candidates' debate
Rodney Hide dominates bloodless debate
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