You said you regretted your slip-up over the Tranz Rail shares. Why shouldn't that erode voters' trust in you?

Because that was a genuine mistake, and when I made it I fronted up about it. What I did find out about a week later was that I had more shares than people had originally thought, but they were for the same time period... Now, for good order I should have gone back and corrected that, and if I was faced with that situation again I would.

Could people perceive that as you being "economical with the truth"?

Well, they could do, and that was certainly why Labour went to such great lengths to find that information about me - but people make mistakes.

Will Bronagh also play a more public role?

She'll do a fantastic job of whatever is asked of her, and I'm very lucky to have her. But in the end it was my decision to go into politics and I'm the politician. She wants to try to give the children as normal an upbringing as possible, given the circumstances.

How will you maintain a work-life balance?

That's always the challenge. I'm really lucky that Bronagh's dedicated her life to the kids, because otherwise they'd be entitled to feel a little abandoned.

The main thing is to make the time I spend at home quality time, as far as possible.

POP QUIZ:

1. Who is the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo?
(Answer: President Joseph Kabila)
I have no idea who the president is. There's probably unrest, in terms of recent times. I've never considered peacekeepers in the Congo, but our peacekeepers will undoubtedly be busy. Maybe we could send Winston Peters.

2. Do you know how much a litre of milk costs at present?
(Answer: $1.85 at Mt Albert Pak n' Save)
Depends, [but] broadly speaking about $4.50.

3. You're quite keen for more people to be using public transport - any idea how much a one-stage Auckland bus fare costs?
(Answer: $1.60)
I think 80 cents, might be a dollar.

4. Given the level of taxation on tobacco, do you know how much a pack of 20 cigarettes costs?
(Answer: About $10)
Never bought one, but I think it's about $10 or more.

5. Who is starting as fullback for the All Blacks?
(Answer: Isaia Toeava replaced Mils Muliaina in last night's starting line-up)
Mils Muliaina.

By Jonathan Milne