The policy dimension of the election appears to be about the concerns with past restraints on government spending and the consequential social failures. But whatever the rhetoric, implementation of campaign promises is going to be much harder.
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Greece's Tragic Predicament
Within possibly just hours the fate of Greece could be known. Either way - in or out of the EU - the population of this crippled country faces only more hardship. Some players are more to blame than others, but none is exempt.
Read MoreAt what point does using government services make you a bludger?
Some households get so much back from the state that they're "effectively" not paying tax, says Bill English. Is that fair comment? And should we all be held to account for what we use in state services? Or just some of us?
Read MoreDeal or no deal II: The economic arguments aren't all pro-oil
Is this government's commitment to oil a bit like investing big in New Zealand Post? And what will our children make of the choices we're making now?
Read MoreStare decisis
Now that we're in the business of guaranteeing winners by making public policy in their favour, the sky is the limit.
Read MoreTax: Everything in Combination
If we think about our taxes one at a time, we might think one thing. But if you consider them all together, a different picture emerges.
Read MoreRiveting argument about tax
I wrote a book! (I know, I am as surprised as you...) Casey Plunket from Chapman Tripp says parts of it suck. I say otherwise.
Read MoreHow big is the hole in Key’s “$17b hole”?
The “show me the money” costings war is a credibility test for both John Key and Phil Goff
Read MoreAfter Farrar: Laffer laughter
And when poodles armed with noodles in a fiscal muddle scuffle, they call this a fiscal-feudal muddled poodle Laffer laughter ever after addled prattle battle
Read MoreTax Burdens: Some Facts (For a Change)
Bill English and David Farrar spent last week telling fibs about the tax burden high-income families assume. I want to set the record straight with some details about how much the top 10% really pay
Read MoreTax: Some facts (for a change)
John key says Labour's tax package will make high-income earners "not welcome in New Zealand". Where might they be more welcome than here?
Read MoreDomPost tries to kneecap Labour's tax policy
The Dominion Post throws National a freebie by misrepresenting Labour's new tax policy, and by doing some scaremongering to boot.
Read MorePM's speech: Time for a scrap
Key's likeability is about to be tested as he tells voters that GST is on the rise. At last parliament has something tangible to get its teeth into
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