Quick Hit — Political Intelligence — Barbara Edmonds — Nicola Willis — Reserve Bank — Dual Mandate — Labour — National — Monetary Policy — Election 2026 — NZ Politics
Quick Hit: Back to the Dual Mandate
Barbara Edmonds wants unemployment back in the Reserve Bank’s mandate. Labour added it in 2018 and the coalition took it out. Last time, cheap money came with an inflation bill.
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Quick Hit: Pharmac Said No in May
National wants $604m more for medicines, paid for mostly by a 10 per cent aid cut with the Pacific protected. In May its own budget turned down Pharmac’s request of about $800m and gave it $54m.
Quick Hit: Quarter-Trillion and No Books
Taxpayers’ Union puts Green promises at $236.7b, or $114,239 a household, after the passenger rail add. Swarbrick wants Finance. Full books still weeks away.
Quick Hit: The Number Chippy Won’t Name
Greens put about $1.1 billion a year, roughly $4.48 billion over four years, on care-worker pay equity. Hipkins called the 2025 change the most reprehensible thing he has seen and still will not cost the reverse. Moral fury without a price tag is not a budget.
Quick Hit: Own It, Both Of You
National pledges a digital trans-Tasman trial before the 2028 T20 World Cup. Hipkins says he and Albanese agreed it in 2023. Luxon says you need National to get things done. The row is about credit, not caution. Own it, both of you.
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I Couldn’t Make This Story up If I Tried
Communist lesbian bars, clown college and Mask Karens.
There’s the Bloody Ball. Use it!
The Nats still have a chance but they have to change tactics.
Three Polls Say Split Your Vote
Tuesday’s three polls all show the majors bleeding to the minors. Neither Chris is liked. National’s list lift is a forlorn hope. Electorate National or best candidate; party vote ACT or NZ First.
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