National’s War on Winston: The Same Old Playbook That Never Works
National should focus on governing instead of this tired old vendetta. But old habits die hard. The attacks will continue and NZ First will respond in kind.
NZ First
Donation Shock: NZ First Leaves National in the Dust
Voters and donors alike are looking for alternatives. National had better start providing them or the river of donations will continue to flow elsewhere.
National’s Desperate Attack on Winston Peters Reveals the Old Playbook and Deep Panic
National can keep ignoring the polls and the voters if they wish. They will reap what they sow.
NZ First in the Box Seat
If he could do the job as well as he handles foreign affairs then the country would indeed be better off. Who knows what the polls might throw up between now and the election but one thing is for certain, Winston and NZ First are on a roll.
Shane Jones Serves up a Spicy Reality Check on the India Trade Deal
The India FTA may yet get signed but, thanks to Jones, it will not slide through quietly. He has ensured the concerns are on the table, served up with a side of humour and zero apology.
Quick Hit: The Poll of Polls Says What Luxon Can’t Admit – Winston Is the Government
The Good Oil’s Poll of Polls reveals Labour leading at 35.2 per cent vs National’s 29.6 per cent. The coalition survives with just a one-seat majority – and it’s entirely dependent on Winston Peters.
Quick Hit: The Great Pivot – Winston’s Surge and the Luxon Slide
Winston Peters will continue to position NZ First as the ‘adults in the room’ Expect more ‘unnamed National sources’ briefing against Luxon in the coming weeks.
Quick Hit: Winston's Surge Changes the Game - Coalition Back Above 50%
💡Quick Hits are an exclusive format from The Good Oil. Upgrade your membership to get every Quick Hit, plus deep dives, intelligence briefings, and more — delivered straight to you. The latest Talbot Mills poll has dropped and the message is unmistakable: New Zealand First is surging, the Greens are in
Face of the Day
Randell is reportedly set to contest the Tukituki seat, currently held by National’s Catherine Wedd.
The Good Oil Podcast – Episode 28 – Alfred Ngaro
This isn’t a standard political interview: it’s an autopsy of the modern New Zealand political machine. Ngaro provides a rare insider’s perspective.
Quick Hit: Winston’s India FTA Play – The Masterclass in Wedge Politics
If the FTA fails, Winston owns the populist victory. If it passes with concessions, Winston owns the win. He can’t lose.
Winston Peters: From King Maker to King?
The press gallery can keep peddling the relic story if it wants. The numbers and the political reality tell a very different tale.
Quick Hit – Winston’s Already Writing the Next Coalition Agreement
Watch the next round of polling – because if NZ First keeps climbing, the internal dynamics of this coalition shift fundamentally.
“Serious Breach” but No Consequences: The Activist Judge Who Got Away With It
The Northern Club showed more backbone than the panel. That tells you everything you need to know about how seriously the system takes judicial impartiality these days.
What Is a Woman?
Private member’s bill will expose which MPs can define truth and biology.
Quick Hit – Coalition Back in the Driver's Seat
If these trends hold, the coalition’s viability rests entirely on NZ First’s ability to sustain double-digit polling. National alone cannot deliver government. ACT alone cannot make up the difference.