This was going to a comment, but I thought my telling off by Ian Mackay and Richard Aston on my previous post was worth a fuller reply
Read MoreElection 2014
Underlying perceptions and the Cunliffe crisis: Poll analysis
It's getting late in the day for Labour to get it together, because its problems aren't first impressions but rather go much deeper
Read MoreUnderlying perceptions and the Cunliffe crisis: Poll analysis
It's getting late in the day for Labour to get it together, because its problems aren't first impressions but rather go much deeper
Read MoreThe Government's deficit is not like my credit card debt (this is not a blog about Dotcom)
The economy, thank God, does not resemble my household budget.
Still, National will tell us they have the books in order because they’ve listened to our grandparents' voice of reason: ‘don’t spend more than you earn, and if you get into debt, spend less and save more. Batten down the hatches and wait for the recession to pass.’
NZ First conundrum - the road more or less travelled
New Zealand First, we know, could go either way. And this weekend we learnt a little more about what Peters and his crew will be considering if they end up as the pivot party
Read MoreCollins & Cunliffe – how to win friends & influence people
Perception matters immensely when it comes to politics, but reality matters even more. So let's talk about realities
Read MoreThe left missed a chance to score today
The announcement of the election date was an opportunity for the left to define the campaign. It can’t afford any more missed opportunities.
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 MoreWhy the Maori Party could be left, right out
National has put in another commanding poll performance, yet the short-term prospects and long-term ambitions of the Maori Party could yet have a signficant impact on this year's election race
Read MoreACT tilts at windmills, but don't forget other minors
New leaders, new poll, and a new crusade for ACT. But will it end any differently? And what of the other small parties?
Read MoreThe hasty NZ flag debate – is this the time and place?
So, the ol' flag debate, eh? But is now really the time? And is the process John Key suggested really the best way forward? And as for the silver fern...
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Labour's baby gamble & the return of universalism
Labour's opening ploy this election year combines heart and smarts, but the return of univeralism is fraught with political risk
Read MoreKey's coalition list a sign of weakness for National, re-birth for Peters & Dunne
It was a day for two Comeback Kids, as John Key announced who he might dance with on election night and Winston Peters & Peter Dunne returned from the wings to take centre stage
Read MoreHas National fixed the economy yet?
If, like me you've been trying to answer the question - 'Has National fixed the economy yet', I created a web site to analyse the data in detail:
Read MoreThe 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 Banks and the lumpy mattress of deceit
Who knows whether John Banks will be found guilty next year, only the courts can decide. But in the court of public opinion, a trial is as bad as a conviction
Read MoreNew boundaries = new strategies for major parties
One new seat added in Auckland. But that single proposed seat has ramifications that will ripple across the city with some surprising winners and losers
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 MoreTo Cunliffe the spoils – so don't spoil the chance
David Cunliffe has been given a shot – a better shot than he might have had – so which direction will he take and can he switch out of primary-mode quick enough?
Read MoreHitting the wall -- housing debates & political narratives
On The Vote Metiria Turei of the Greens and National's Sam Lotu-Iiga both slipped up, and in doing so showed where their parties are potentially weak in Election 2014.
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