The National Party’s Death Wish
Kisses of death the Nats are planting on their party and ordinary New Zealanders’ prospects.
Election 2026
Luxon Will Pick Up the Phone
Luxon has ruled out Opportunity, but he never said he wouldn’t take the call. On current polling the overhang strategy is the only way to keep Opportunity out and the coalition in.
Quick Hit: Two Ticks Against Your Partner
Paul Goldsmith, sixth on National's list, is door-knocking Epsom for two ticks blue against David Seymour. National is polling with no list headroom and needs ACT's seats to govern.
Winston Brought the Majority
NZ First is up to 12 per cent and 16 seats and that is what puts the coalition on 65. National’s party vote still buys no list MP. Electorate vote National, party vote ACT or NZ First.
Raise a Glass to Split Voting
Split the vote and you’re at 62 as the winner. ‘Two ticks blue’ or ‘party vote National’ is guaranteed to lose the coalition the election. Split your vote and the right is home and hosed with a big majority.
Quick Hit: Immoral Until the Cheque Clears
A Green MP says being a billionaire is immoral and a Green candidate wants the rich drug tested at charity events. In 2023, the party banked $50,000 from James Cameron, now a Forbes billionaire.
Reality Wants Its Money Back
David Seymour has called the government’s path to surplus “heroic”, four days before National shows its fiscal plan. When the junior partner says that about your books, believe him.
Does Winning the Leaders’ Debate Matter?
We learnt almost nothing about who will form the next government. The people who will decide that were not on the stage.
A Double Cliffhanger for New Zealand
NZ voters are in a unique situation. MMP rules and consistent polling indicates we may get a hung parliament or a coalition with the slimmest of margins - but will it be red or blue?
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.
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.
The Left Are Out to Lunch
How can Barbara Edmonds possibly manage to balance the books with ‘treats’ for just about everyone. It can’t be done, which is the message Nicola Willis is running with.