Beneath the obvious policy differences between Labour and National lies a tacit consensus on fundamental economic settings. Until that changes, political choice will be constrained.
The final days of the campaign have seen both major parties warn of instability if the other wins. But behind the jockeying for power, other forces are shaping the future of New Zealand politics.
The landscape on the right of New Zealand politics is changing. If Christopher Luxon leads National to victory, his first test will be dealing with several potentially difficult coalition partners.
Jacinda Ardern is officially no longer an MP. But her novel leadership style probably saved the Labour Party from much longer in the political wilderness.
As she prepares to deliver of her valedictory statement to parliament, Jacinda Ardern will be remembered as an outstanding prime minister – though perhaps not for reasons of her own choosing.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden seal the AUKUS deal in San Diego, March 13.
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It’s likely Canberra is open to discussions with Wellington about investing in the AUKUS alliance. Can New Zealand keep hedging its bets on China and the US?
The Coalition won the 2019 NSW election by a 52-48 margin, so this poll represents an 8% swing to Labor. But voters are largely indifferent to the Dominic Perrottet Nazi costume scandal.
Female leaders tend to open people’s perceptions of what is possible for other women in politics – but the job is also still fraught with double standards and unique risks.
Ardern’s resignation will come as a shock to many, given the international reputation she earned over the past five years. But it’s less of a surprise for close watchers of NZ politics.
Radical change at Twitter shows how quickly strategies and values can shift in Big Tech. New Zealand needs to be less reliant on overseas solutions for its own digital infrastructure plans.
The Supreme Court has found the current voting age limit discriminates against young people. But there are other good arguments for lowering the age, including strengthening our democracy.