The Newshub Nation debate airing today revealed a king of fight-backs arguing with ghosts and seemingly coming to the end of his reign… and the rise of a new crown prince
Read MoreWinston Peters: The king is dying, long live the king
The Nation
Is Gareth Morgan different from the rest, or just one more?
So is Gareth Morgan going to go to court to force his way onto TVNZ's minor party debate? That story is a familiar one to me, but it also will be a defining moment for TOP
Read MoreTV debate time: Election 17 gets the boost it needs
One party leader wins the feel-good vibe from the first TV leaders debate, while another actually resets his party's campaign and lays down a new bottom line
Read MoreA little something for the weekend (now with pictures!)
The Nation this weekend is telling the story of family carers of disabled adult relatives and the pretty shabby way they've been treated over the years. And it looks like Sam Lotu-liga just doesn't want to talk about that.
Read MoreSlater slams history. At least the discussion of it
A fascinating bit of reporting on our history draws out one particular hater and a bit of nonsense. But the topic itself is an intriguing debate
Read MoreGM showdown: Minister & Councils face-off over who decides
The rights and wrongs of genetic modification are resurfacing as a political issue, as National signals its intent to introduce more GMOs, despite opposition from some councils and business
Read MoreSmith: I can tackle Auckland's housing shortage by 2017
Lots of new houses are being consented in Auckland, but supply is still not keeping up with demand. So why is National so keen to talk about supply?
Read MoreHas John Key tugged off more than he realises?
John Key's hair-pulling raises questions about just what kind of player he is, and his interview on The Nation reveals a worrying lack of judgement and understanding of power
Read MoreKey starts to flesh out poverty & housing plans
John Key has dug his toes in as he refuses to listen to some of the expert advice on poverty reduction, but more interesting is where he's indicating he will move
Read MoreIdeas, ethics & drugs - why you need to keep asking
Ask and you will receive... Maybe. Eventually. In an election campaign getting a straight answer can be like pulling teeth
Read MoreDirty deal dancing - when Colin finally meets Key
Colin Craig has given up. Kind of. But by conceeding he can only win a seat with a deal, he's put the onus firmly on National and made John Key an offer the PM can hardly afford to refuse
Read MoreOpen letter to David Farrar on his erroneous Kiwiblog post re Countdown
Over at Kiwiblog David Farrar has had a crack at TV3 for the work done by the team at The Nation on the supermarket story. I lead that team and on several points Farrar is plain wrong and on other points is misleading. So here's my reply
Read MoreWith friends like these... the coalition questions
Uncertainty makes for fascinating elections, and David Cunliffe has added to that by not even being willing to show solidarity with the Greens. But as fun as the tealeaves game is, voters are going to need better answers from the major party leaders
Read MorePutting the Public Service TV Pot back on the boil
Television New Zealand and NZ On Air have managed to bring the pot of public broadcasting services back to the boil – one with its very commercial salaries, the other with more funding for “commercially attractive” local content.
Read MoreBecause politics is the LAST thing you need to see at election time!
NZ on Air wants to stop people thinking they are biased in a partisan way. So why are they being accused of acting in a way that shows partisan bias?
Read MoreLabour's leader: TV, weaknesses & the Obama factor
The battle for the Labour leadership was first waged in caucus (Shearer), then on TV (Cunliffe). This week it moves to the regions as remains tight. So who does John Key fear most? And why do I keep thinking of Obama & Clinton?
Read MoreThe Nation misses the hint: Labour's new-old big idea
It was all hints and mirrors, but the Labour Party seems set to embrace one of the big ideas from its own past, one that our grandkids would thank us for
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