The Left must learn from the political techniques deployed so successfully in this budget. Unless we ask ourselves the hard questions the right ask themselves, and are prepared to prioritise and make some tough decisions, we will maintain poll ratings bleakly far behind the Government's.
Read MorePolitics
Yes! At long last, we have a plan – it's a secret but it is working
Budget 2015 documents were accompanied by a banner heading A plan that's working. An undoubtedly naive economist, originally ignorant as to the presence of the plan, describes his journey in uncovering the nature of the plan.
Read MoreBudget 2015: A clever patch-up job, but stitched together by broken promises
National has reinforced its capacity to surprise, but also its capacity for making things up as it goes along. And to make ends meet, Key and English have done several u-turns
Read MoreWhat if your MP was decided on the flip of a coin?
We say that it should be the voters and the voters alone that determine who is and who is not a member of Parliament. At least, up until we say that pure chance should decide that matter.
Read MoreThe Budget analysis - before it's even delivered
Here's my take on the Budget... before it comes out.
Read MoreIf you want people to believe you are honest, then it's best not to file false donation returns
John Banks should have been declared innocent by the Court of Appeal in November last year. But that doesn't mean he should not have been before the courts at all.
Read MoreHuffing and puffing at houses: Third term straw
National has done something so that it looks like it's doing something about Auckland housing. But it reeks of third term-itis when you pretend you're fixing a problem when you're merely tinkering
Read MoreFair Funding for ACC?
Andrew Little recently suggested that ACC's current funding model is more suitable for private insurance, and suggested that a future Labour government might change it - but in doing so failed to get to the heart of the issue.
Read MoreIs calling for a boycott of Israel a form of hate speech?
Us intolerant liberal types who favour using the power of law to put an end to the sort of intolerant words and deeds that we detest should look to Canada and ... ponder.
Read MoreParty of No vs Council of Go
At least that's how it should be. But the politics of Len Brown are undermining Auckland's growth as National plays politics with transport
Read MoreThere's none so deaf as they that will not hear
The saga of family carers for the severely disabled is still being written, despite Parliament's attempts to put a full stop on it. It makes for a really interesting constitutional tale.
Read MoreHas New Zealand a Rock-Star Economy?
Why does the Minister of finance say this is is hardest budget ever? The economy may be doing moderately well, but it is by no means preforming outstandingly.
Read MoreWhen the numbers don't add up
Do the sums and read between the lines, and it looks like something has to give in this year's budget. And I think I know what it may be...
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 MoreTaming the Auckland property market
The crazy Auckland property market needs reining in. Capital gains tax as a way of controlling house prices doesn't work overseas, but what about a land tax?
Read MoreThough ye flourish more arms than the giant Briareus, ye have to reckon with me
Arthur Taylor's tilt at the windmills of Hellensville predictably has resulted in a shattered lance. Now we wait for the outcome of his really interesting court challenge.
Read MoreNational needs a Capital Gains Tax - it's still borrowing to pay for tax cuts
The deficit-funded tax cuts that National gave the high income earners is still being paid for by borrowing.
When National won office at the end of 2008, they had a mandate to give median income earners a tax cut 'north of $50 a week'. At the time John Key made that promise he explicitly pledged not to increase GST to pay for it.
Read MoreThree signs that National knows Simon Bridges did wrong
Red sky at night, shepherd's delight. John Key spinning obfuscatory defence lines, Bridges warning.
Read MoreHe's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy
Repeat after me: the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit, the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit, the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit.
Read MoreHow long before legal highs return?
Most New Zealanders think they've seen the back of legal highs (outside the black market), but the fact is they will be back one day... but the politics is fascinating
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