The Political Horse Race Tightens: Taxpayers’ Union Poll Drops a Truth Bomb
Curia’s given us a clear picture: it’s a two-horse race, but the finish line is anyone’s guess. One thing’s for sure – come election day, it’s going to be a hell of a fight.
Politics
Everything about politics
Why Does the Left Keep Winning?
The first vision that accepts humans for what they are – and allows them to be happy as they are – will win the future.
News Briefing: 8 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PAY EQUITY, EMPLOYMENT Janet Wilson (Post): National blows up its support from women with pay equity debacle (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Under urgency, without basic paperwork, the Govt moves to change workers’ rights (paywalled) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): National grins and bears it as Act
The Roy Morgan Poll: National’s Slide Continues, Minor Parties Surge and a Tight Race Looms
The coalition’s 49 per cent is a fragile foundation and a two to three per cent swing could hand the opposition the keys to power. Labour, despite its own challenges, is within striking distance, and a stumble by National – another policy misstep or leadership wobble – could prove fatal.
News Briefing: 7 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PAY EQUITY, EMPLOYMENT Luke Malpass (Post): Pay equity slashing a sub-plot in a much larger game (paywalled) Jo Moir (RNZ): Pay equity changes: Two sides of the coalition brought out Glenn McConnell (Stuff): Five things you need to know about the surprise pay
The Great Subsidy Swindle: New Zealand’s Film Industry Faces the Music
We’ve pretended we’re a global powerhouse when we’re really just a subsidised sideshow. Trump’s tariff is a reality check and a chance to rebuild on solid ground. Let’s stop crying over spilt milk and start building businesses that can stand on their own.
News Briefing: 6 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SECTOR Tom Day (1News): Erica Stanford sent pre-Budget documents to her personal email Russell Palmer (RNZ): National's Erica Stanford used personal email for work purposes Julia Gabel (Herald): Senior Minister Erica Stanford sent official briefings to personal email account
Benjamin Doyle: The Media’s Latest Darling of Deflection
Doyle isn’t a victim of a grand conspiracy to erase him. He’s an MP who made poor choices and now faces scrutiny – scrutiny he’s earned.
News Briefing: 5 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET, ECONOMY, RESERVE BANK Matthew Hooton (Herald): Labour’s credibility demands big new tax promises (paywalled) Vernon Small (Post): Is all this belt-tightening really the best option right now? (paywalled) Liam Dann (Herald): Are Kiwis about to be hit with an ‘austerity Budget’
New Choppers, Fewer Numbers, and a Sinking Feeling: NZ’s Defence Spending Conundrum
This helicopter deal is a step but it’s a wobbly one. Five to replace eight feels like a downgrade dressed up as an upgrade. The lack of drone investment is a missed opportunity. And the price tag, driven by ‘interoperability’, smells like we’re paying a premium to keep Uncle Sam smiling.
Seymour’s Razor: Slicing Through New Zealand’s Bloated Bureaucracy
New Zealand doesn’t need a government that looks like a corporate org chart gone rogue. We need one that’s lean, mean and focused on results. Seymour’s got the razor out. Let’s see if he’s got the guts to make the deep cuts we really need.