The Two Christophers
Labour has paid the price for failing to replace Chris Hipkins. National’s failure is even more extraordinary.
Election 2026
Well, Somebody Has to Lose
An ugly campaign. A close election. Can we win and lose gracefully?
A Win Is a Win
I just had to get this off my chest. The split vote saved the day. So far, I don’t see anyone in National’s leadership prepared to recognise anything went wrong.
Quick Hit: TPM’s Overhang Belongs in the Same Review
National and TPM both benefit from overhangs. The evidence about how they got there differs, but a serious review must examine both.
The Left’s Horror Story Has Run Into the Voters
The coalition has the better starting position, National has serious damage to explain and the final arithmetic needs more care than the victory speeches.
How Did She Do It? And Could It Happen Again?
A former cult member reflects on Jacindamania.
The Final Polls
Due to National’s plodding demeanour over the last three years; tolerance of deficits and slow-paced reform, they deserve to lose this election. However, it will be catastrophic for New Zealand.
My Gut Feeling Says ‘Bugger the Polls’
Whichever way the cookie crumbles, it is going to be an interesting night. Split your vote and hopefully save the day.
Quick Hit: The Fiscal Update in Numbers and Who Paid for the Better Books
The deficit is $3 billion for the quarter, $1.4 billion better than Treasury forecast. Treasury’s own pre-election update says part of the improvement comes from inflation lifting the tax take.
Labour and National Have Already Lost
I give my prediction for this election, but regardless of who forms the next government, Election 2026 confirms the long decline of New Zealand's political giants.
National Sinks, Winston Holds and a Te Pāti Māori MP Ticks Green
Roy Morgan’s final poll has National on 26.5 per cent while NZ First and ACT hold firm. The left’s path runs through Opportunity, and Te Pāti Māori’s own MP is party voting Green.
