A glimpse behind the door of supply and confidence negotiations reveals the dominant political fact this term - Key is King
Read Moreunited future
The last post... for 2013, polls update & moments of the year
So what's 2013 been all about and where does it leave us? Here's my take... and Christmas wishes
Read MoreJohn Key: tips his Conservative hand, reveals a 'many baskets' strategy for next election
Why National could save itself by losing some support, how John Key is strategising for next year, where Colin Craig's Conservatives fit and what it means for the other minor parties...
Read MorePoll of Polls update – stopping the rot & what Winston wants
We've got the latest polls all mixed up together and come up with some thoughts on Winston Peters and a bunch of questions for you to discuss. So off you go...
Read MoreMy outlook for 2014: Your guess is good as mine
Inspired by the rash of speculation this week, I figured it's time I gave people a chance to make fun of me a year or two from now by giving my take on where we stand ahead of next year's election
Read MorePeter Dunne - what happens next?
Act One of Peter Dunne's departure has come to an end. What does Act Two hold in store?
Read MoreA tale of two Speakers
David Carter's decision on Peter Dunne's status was just as wrong (and as right) as Jonathan Hunt's decision on Harry Duynhoven's.
Read MoreDoes National have the numbers to extend GCSB's powers?
John Key began to fight back against the damage being done by the GCSB scandal urging reform for the bureau. But has he jumped the gun before doing the numbers? Let's see what ACT and United Future have said...
Read MorePeter Dunne – The Power of One
Look at that, Peter Dunne is interesting again. The man from Ohariu could have a fair bit of sway in the next couple of years
Read MoreThe Beehive Christmas list 2011 – Ho ho ho!
Lookee here, Santa has come early for all those boys and girls in parliament. So what did he bring the politicians? Did they get what they wanted – and what they deserved? Let's sneak a cheeky peak
Read MoreSpecial votes and the DPB parents factor
With the specials about to be announced, what are the ramifications for the new government? And what's likely to happen next?
Read MoreThe big wheels are turning to National - my last day summary
Only hours to go, so let's take a run through all the parties and see where we stand. You've got to say, there are a lot of known unknowns
Read More2010: Minor government parties pay the price
What was 2010 like for the smaller parties propping up this government? Not a lot of fun, really. Big holes were exposed in ACT, the Maori Party and United Future, which raise even bigger questions
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 MorePeter Dunne allows John Key to exhale as polls narrow
The polls are closing, making even the smallest parties significant players over the next two weeks
Read MoreDunne for PM
Peter Dunne's cosying up with National is less ideological and more a practical reality of minor party survival, plus more poll analysis
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
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