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'Staying on would fuel the perception his new party was a puppet party of National'. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: 'If Ngaro jumps, he must resign'

25 May, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Simon Bridges needs to set some conditions on Alfred Ngaro, writes Audrey Young.

Natalie Bridges says her husband was right to criticise the Slushies machines and should not confine himself to lofty issues. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Meet the power behind Simon Bridges

24 May, 2019 3:00pm
6 minutes to read

Every leader needs a small group of people they rely on for cut-through advice.

Speaker Trevor Mallard heads to his office after announcing to media that a parliamentary staff member has been stood down pending an investigation into sexual assault. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Trevor Mallard deserves some credit amid chaos

22 May, 2019 7:54pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: It resembled Grand Central Station as leaders came to and from Speaker's office.

Simon Bridges says National is exploring having Parliament vote on free trade deals before they are signed by the Government. Photo / George Novak

NEW ZEALAND

Simon Bridges: Government should 'demystify' foreign affairs

20 May, 2019 7:46pm
5 minutes to read

One thing Simon Bridges and Winston Peters agree on is the pursuit of a FTA with the US.

National Party leader Simon Bridges. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Parallels between Simon Bridges and Bill Shorten

19 May, 2019 6:55pm
3 minutes to read

There is one aspect of the Australian election that Simon Bridges wont be highlighting.

National leader Simon Bridges sent one of his own staff to help on the Scott Morrison campaign. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Australian election: These things aren't won on Twitter - Bridges

19 May, 2019 11:18am
4 minutes to read

Bridges says blue-collar workers becoming more fiscally conservative, writes Audrey Young.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Mark Tantrum

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Ardern's problems are a matter of constraint

18 May, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: From the success of Paris, Ardern gets back to some problematic ministers.

National MP Alfred Ngaro could stand fora new Christian-based party in the Botany electorate at the next election. Photo / George Novak

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: 'Herculean task' faces Christian party

17 May, 2019 10:34am
3 minutes to read

In theory it sounds fine - practice is another thing, Audrey Young writes

Swearing-in day at Government House, October 2017. Eugenie Sage is second from the right in the top row. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

Is this the Government's most 'dangerous' minister?

15 May, 2019 7:10pm
11 minutes to read

Eugenie Sage's decision over Waihī mining is causing widespread anxiety.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says people want to bring him down. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

Shane Jones: A minister 'on a political mission'

13 May, 2019 4:12pm
5 minutes to read

Shane Jones was interviewed today as part of the Auditor-General's review of the PGF.

Trevor Mallard is both the best and worst of Speakers rolled into one. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Is it time for fresh challenges for Speaker Trevor Mallard?

12 May, 2019 6:10am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Simon Bridges was right when he called Speaker "unprofessional". That day he was.

Nick Smith has been suspended from Parliament for 24 hours and will have his pay docked. Photo / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

Nick Smith suspension: What 'naming' means for the booted MP

8 May, 2019 6:56pm
2 minutes to read

Naming a member is a lot more serious than simply being ordered out of the chamber.

Parliament's Speaker named Nick Smith for

NEW ZEALAND

Suspended: Nick Smith hits back at 'bully' Speaker after getting the boot

8 May, 2019 6:56pm
5 minutes to read

Nick Smith says he was "gobsmacked".

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. File photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Meet Jacinda Ardern's inner circle - the people she relies on most

8 May, 2019 5:09am
11 minutes to read

Meet Jacinda Ardern's inner circle - the people she relies on most.

Justice Minister Andrew Little. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Personal cannabis use promises to set 2020 election alight

7 May, 2019 7:57pm
4 minutes to read

The draft law is a weaker version of what Andrew Little previously outlined.

Judith Collins has made it clear through a smirk here and a grin there that she still harbours leadership ambitions. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Judith Collins' incredible comeback

4 May, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Nothing is inevitable in National's leadership troubles, writes Audrey Young.

Simon Bridges' serious attack on the Government was slightly disrupted by Jacinda Ardern's detour with Gerry Brownlee. Photos / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Simon Bridges' big risk in the House

1 May, 2019 7:43pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Simon Bridges dismissed the insult from Peters and played him at his own game.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Detente prevails in National

1 May, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: There are two lessons from the latest National Party ructions.

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters at their first Cabinet meeting after being sworn in in October 2017. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Cabinet report card: Best and worst ministers revealed

30 Apr, 2019 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

Brickbats and bouquets for Jacinda Ardern's Cabinet.

Shane Jones in his Beehive office in April. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Cabinet's troublemaker: How much strife is Shane Jones in?

30 Apr, 2019 11:00am
13 minutes to read

There is more of a sigh than a smile when Shane Jones' name is mentioned in Government.

National Party leader Simon Bridges at his Tauranga home in February. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges: Discipline and unity essential

28 Apr, 2019 5:02pm
3 minutes to read

National accepted NZ had rallied around the Govt after Christchurch, says Simon Bridges.

To see an attack while people are at worship is devastating, says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern: Our hearts go out to the Jewish community

28 Apr, 2019 4:03pm
3 minutes to read

New Zealand's resolve about social media is strong, says Jacinda Ardern.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Sceptics scoff while Ardern acts

26 Apr, 2019 9:41pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Most Kiwis will be proud of Ardern's efforts with France.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

CGT decision should not define Labour, says minister

23 Apr, 2019 6:35pm
4 minutes to read

Grant Robertson says some of the claims around CGT are "ridiculous."

Speaker Trevor Mallard with a gorilla in Rwanda. Photo / https://www.facebook.com/trevor.mallard.3

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: In defence of Trevor Mallard's 'junket' to Africa

23 Apr, 2019 3:29pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: One of Mallard's travelling companions is an MP he frequently clashes with.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces the Government has rejected a proposed capital gains tax during a media conference at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: No reason for Ardern to become a CGT martyr

20 Apr, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: New Zealand First has not been unreasonable in exercising its veto.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern takes questions about the failure to get a capital gains tax across the line. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Three reasons PM has ruled out CGT on her watch

17 Apr, 2019 5:27pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda's Ardern's second captain's call was based on pragmatism rather than idealism.

The slight surprise is that Jacinda Ardern is not even higher than 51 per cent as preferred Prime Minister compared with Simon Bridges' 5 per cent.

NEW ZEALAND

Comment: Relief for Bridges may be short-lived

15 Apr, 2019 6:18pm
2 minutes to read

It was slightly surprising that Jacinda Ardern was not higher, writes Audrey Young.

Winston Peters is leading the Government's response over the missing nurse. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Comment | Why Ardern, Peters need to be careful on kidnapped nurse

15 Apr, 2019 12:48pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Government accepted reality and gave up pleading.

Jacinda Ardern has received glowing international tributes this week. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Ardern's reputation glows as Bridges' withers

13 Apr, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Small personal issues are causing Bridges' MPs to question his judgement.

Michael Hongfu found it hard to get a decent coffee in Beijing so opened 21 cafes there. Photo / Audrey Young

BUSINESS

Flat-white enthusiast gives Chinese a taste of 'Chiwi'

9 Apr, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Michael Hongfu's cafe chains had its beginnings in Fidel's in Cuba St, Wellington.

Three decades of failing to act on tighter controls must be weighing heavily on conscience of politicians. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Gun reform - just do it and do it fast

6 Apr, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: This is one time when haste could be worn as a badge of honour.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shake hands before their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

A matter of trust: Xi Jinping on New Zealand's relationship with China

2 Apr, 2019 7:25am
5 minutes to read

PM uses visit cut short by mosque attacks to stress value of bilateral relationship.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Was PM's 24 hours in China worth it?

2 Apr, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: PM's whistlestop trip to China showed she really, really wanted to be there.

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern in China: Beijing 'ready to strengthen relationship' with NZ

1 Apr, 2019 4:56pm
4 minutes to read

Premier Li Keqiang also expressed his condolences for Christchurch terror attack victims.

PM Jacinda Ardern speaks during the opening ceremony of the embassy in Beijing. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Jacinda Ardern opens new Beijing embassy

1 Apr, 2019 3:44pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern's first stop in Beijing was to open the embassy.

PM Jacinda Ardern will have a working lunch with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People around 5pm, where the heavy lifting of the visit will take place. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Jacinda Ardern: Destination Beijing

1 Apr, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern will have a working lunch with Premier Li Keqiang.

Today's visit is not a panacea but it will be the first step in Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern taking control of the relationship. Photo / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern to China: PM sensible to seize the moment

1 Apr, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Brief visit to China is needed to send a strong message of kinship.

NEW ZEALAND

Pressure on Ardern to speak up for Muslims

31 Mar, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

New Zealand doesn't pick sides says Jacinda Ardern.

Tiananmen Square in Beijing, 2014. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Memories of China as PM begins visit

30 Mar, 2019 6:41pm
3 minutes to read

The times in China, they have been changing, writes Audrey Young.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Simon Bridges must accept irrelevancy for now

30 Mar, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: As PM continues to hit right notes, Bridges has some fine judgment calls to make.

President Recep Erdogan of Turkey delivers a speech at the Islamic Summit in Istanbul on Friday as Foreign Minister Winston Peters appears to be in deep contemplation. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Peters needs to curb penchant for deep contemplation

27 Mar, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Winston Peters' issue with deep contemplation is not recent.

NEW ZEALAND

PM: Gun lobby won't dilute reforms on firearms

19 Mar, 2019 2:11pm
5 minutes to read

Former Police Minister Paula Bennett says there is no point in having hindsight.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters met with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and Vice President Fuat Oktay on Sunday night in Christchurch. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Winston Peters issues caution over mosque video

18 Mar, 2019 8:01pm
3 minutes to read

Winston Peters says misrepresenting New Zealand through massacre video is unfair.

Peters insists Government's shared leadership requires him to keep his troops in order. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Antics make Coalition management look shambolic

16 Mar, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: What was driving Shane Jones' disproportionate response this week?

Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones in his Beehive office. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

Spark boss bites back at Shane Jones attacks

14 Mar, 2019 10:35am
5 minutes to read

The Spark boss has taken the war of words to Twitter.

The referral to the SFO will have hit Simon Bridges like a 10-tonne truck.

NEW ZEALAND

Comment | One step forward, three steps back for Simon Bridges

12 Mar, 2019 12:39pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: The referral to the SFO will have hit the National leader like a 10-tonne truck.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones in his Beehive office. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Shane Jones saga 'worrying on so many levels'

11 Mar, 2019 7:35pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Speaker Trevor Mallard should demand a correction and apology from Shane Jones.

It is time for Ardern to look across the aisle for support on pay transparency measures, writes Audrey Young. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Time for Ardern and Bennett to show some unity

9 Mar, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: New law is needed to force transparency in pay data.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in Question Time today. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Round two: Bridges v Ardern on CGT did not begin well

6 Mar, 2019 4:59pm
4 minutes to read

Winston Peters makes a dig at Simon Bridges' sense of being Māori.

Registered nurse Katrina Hopkinson, left, making her submission on the Equal Pay Amendment Bill 2018 at Parliament, with Nurses Organisation official Cee Payne. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Nurse: It's our turn at the front of the queue

6 Mar, 2019 8:57am
3 minutes to read

Wellington nurse pleads case for pay equity, saying many cannot participate in society.

Jacinda Ardern and Simon Bridges clashed. Photos / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Capital Gains Tax: One winner in Ardern vs Bridges clash

5 Mar, 2019 4:28pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Simon Bridges' colleagues erupted into applause at his question to the PM.

National leader Simon Bridges says any specific rules for Maori entities would not be the Kiwi way. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Govt denies plan to exempt Māori from CGT

3 Mar, 2019 4:56pm
3 minutes to read

Tax report sets out a case for specific rules for Māori entities on the basis of fairness

The CGT is a nightmare for the Government and an anniversary gift for National Party leader Simon Bridges. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Simon Bridges taking National leadership one year at a time

2 Mar, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: The capital gains tax proposals are a gift to Simon Bridges and National.

NEW ZEALAND

Russia's hopes for Treaty of Waitangi

27 Feb, 2019 5:36pm
3 minutes to read

Venezuela, Syria and Oman are among those with suggestions for improvements in NZ.

Auckland mayoral candidate John Tamihere. Photo / Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

'I've been thrown out': Labour Party turns its back on John Tamihere

27 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The Labour Party returned John Tamihere's membership bid and $100 donation.

BUSINESS

Ardern: 'Don't turn CGT into a generational issue'

26 Feb, 2019 7:20am
4 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern says a capital gains tax would be far from an attack on Kiwi values.

NZ First shapes as key player in negotiations over any form of taxation on capital gains. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Tax heats up the battle for heartland NZ

23 Feb, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Winston Peters was badly off his game in an important week.

NEW ZEALAND

Aussie PM relaxed despite Ardern's 'corrosive' comment

22 Feb, 2019 6:30pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern didn't mince words but Scott Morrison was all smiles.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison arriving in Auckland today ahead of talks with Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Getty

NEW ZEALAND

Deportations of Kiwi crims 'corrosive' to trans-Tasman relationship

22 Feb, 2019 4:04pm
3 minutes to read

Morrison denies policy targeted at New Zealand.

Sir Michael Cullen unveiling his Tax Working Group Report. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Capital Gains Tax report one ripe for cherry-plucking

21 Feb, 2019 7:21pm
3 minutes to read

Comment: To have got this far with a capital gains tax is a big achievement for Ardern.

Had the report back been in the midst of the house price inflation, the sell would be more difficult, writes Audrey Young.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: House price slump will sweeten CGT plan

21 Feb, 2019 11:00am
2 minutes to read

Capital gains tax - is it a big hairy-chested tax as Simon Bridges claims?