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National Party leader Todd Muller. Photo / George Novak

NEW ZEALAND

Muller says Govt position on level 1 is confusing

2 Jun, 2020 1:05pm
5 minutes to read

Todd Muller can't say when NZ should move out of level 2 but others want it now.

NEW ZEALAND

Labour selects lawyer to replace Louisa Wall in Manurewa seat

30 May, 2020 6:34pm
2 minutes to read

Wall had been pursuing legal action against her party over a late nomination.

Nikki Kaye and Todd Muller after the leadership coup. Photo Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Nikki Kaye learning to let the leader lead

30 May, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Todd Muller has some catching up to do after a terrible first week.

The Epidemic Response Committee held open hearings by Zoom usually three times a week.

NEW ZEALAND

The best and worst: Rating our MPs under Covid 19

29 May, 2020 5:00am
7 minutes to read

David Seymour was one of the most impressive and David Parker one of the least.

National Party leader Todd Muller and deputy Nikki Kaye talk to media. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Muller's howler of a day

26 May, 2020 7:01pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Labour memo cited Todd Muller as a threat. Today, not so much.

Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye making their way to their first caucus meeting as leader and deputy leader of National. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

National leadership claim Paul Goldsmith is Māori - he's not

26 May, 2020 12:38pm
4 minutes to read

Paula Bennett was amused by the suggestion that Paul Goldsmith was Māori.

National Party leader Todd Muller has backtracked on his plan to display his 'Make America Great Again' hat to his office. Photo / NZH

NEW ZEALAND

Todd Muller backtracks on 'Make America Great Again' hat - won't display it in office

26 May, 2020 11:06am
3 minutes to read

Todd Muller says it is his job to "check and adjust."

Todd Muller during the 2017 election campaign. Photo / George Novak

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: National gambles on Todd Muller

23 May, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Judith Collins' time may yet come, writes Audrey Young.

NZ First leader and former National MP Winston Peters was the first guest of Todd Muller's Young Nats at Waikato University. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Muller signals potential thaw of NZ First policy

23 May, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Simon Bridges did not understand strategy, Winston Peters said.

Simon Bridges in his parliamentary office in 2019. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: For Simon Bridges, self-belief and rat-cunning weren't enough

22 May, 2020 1:37pm
5 minutes to read

Simon Bridges did not appear to have a jot of self-doubt, writes Audrey Young.

National MP Judith Collins. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Why Judith Collins could be kingmaker

21 May, 2020 9:46pm
3 minutes to read

Todd Muller is no Jacinda Ardern, writes political editor Audrey Young.

National leader Simon Bridges during a press conference at Parliament in April. He is facing a challenge to his party leadership. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'Political hari kari': Bridges 'brought leadership challenge upon himself by going public'; Bennett 'feeling confident'

21 May, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Todd Muller told the caucus yesterday that the party could not win under Simon Bridges.

Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye have been good friends for many years. Photos / File

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: The challengers to Simon Bridges - Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye

20 May, 2020 1:56pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: The pair who plan to take on Simon Bridges complement each other on paper.

Simon Bridges talks to the media after the government's budget announcement on May 15. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Bridges now facing the fight of his political life

18 May, 2020 8:23pm
3 minutes to read

Simon Bridges has lasted for just over 26 months. He may have only a week left.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: National's uphill battle on crisis Budget

16 May, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Ardern and Robertson removed the sitting target of a fees-free extension.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and National Party leader Simon Bridges in Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Ardern v Bridges - the $10b wage subsidy and $20b blank cheque

15 May, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Bridges and Ardern clash over the Budget 'plan'. Can they both be right?

Finance Minister Grant Robertson. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Budget Covid recovery fund has political advantages

14 May, 2020 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

Political editor Audrey Young assesses how Budget 2020 measures up.

Former Finance Minister Sir Michael Cullen says he lost a debate about the 2008 election. Photo / Doug Sherring

BUSINESS

Michael Cullen v Steven Joyce on Budget: Saving business, consumer confidence

13 May, 2020 5:38pm
7 minutes to read

Two political heavyweights of NZ politics talk about crises, past and present.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Peters' diplomacy like a bull in a China shop

13 May, 2020 11:46am
4 minutes to read

Comment: Jacinda Ardern was forced to step in to repair Winston Peters' damage.

Grant Robertson in his Beehive office. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Jacinda Ardern, her A team and her closest confidante

9 May, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Grant Robertson's advantage is compounding by the day.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at one of her Beehive press conferences. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: An untidy week for PM as Covid response starts to fray

7 May, 2020 5:25pm
4 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern's lockdown never looked less kind.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters speaking to reports at Parliament today. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Winston Peters risks wrath of China over Taiwan comments

5 May, 2020 2:43pm
4 minutes to read

Peters calls for full Taiwanese membership of the World Health Organisation.

Simon Bridges in his office at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

Simon Bridges' plan to help businesses recover from Covid-19

5 May, 2020 12:30pm
5 minutes to read

GST refunds form a central part of National's plan for recovery.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Australian PM spoke last light to confirm the meeting. Photo / Pool

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern to join Aussie cabinet meeting - as cases spike across Tasman

4 May, 2020 1:43pm
3 minutes to read

Ardern and Australian PM spoke last light to confirm the meeting.

NEW ZEALAND

Six new Covid cases: Should we be concerned? Expert speaks

3 May, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Two more clusters have been closed but new cases have jumped.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Winston Peters no longer playing Happy Families

2 May, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: The slavish adherence to Jacinda Ardern has begun to weaken under alert level 3.

A medical staffer tests a supermarket shopper at a pop-up community testing station last week. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

Caught with 'pants down': Expert criticises NZ's preparedness for Covid-19

30 Apr, 2020 8:08am
5 minutes to read

New Zealand was among the first in the Covid 'journey' to close its borders, says PM.

Jacinda Ardern says the best way out of the economic crisis is to resolve the health crisis. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: A spot of trouble in Ardern's virtual bubble

11 Apr, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: David Clark and Winston Peters have been at odds with Govt messaging this week.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield during their media update at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Lockdown tensions: Winston Peters - health an imperative 'but not at all costs... we'll be broke'

9 Apr, 2020 7:50am
7 minutes to read

Winston Peters says there are "huge tensions" balancing health and economic issues.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks to media during a press conference at Parliament. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

How PM responded to this Washington Post headline: 'NZ isn't just flattening the curve. It's squashing it'.

8 Apr, 2020 1:55pm
8 minutes to read

Washington Post on early lockdown success: 'Triumph of science and leadership'.

Health Minister David Clark took his family for a long drive on day three of the lockdown. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: PM makes sound judgment on David Clark

8 Apr, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Arrogance is not a word normally associated with the Health Minister.

Health Minister David Clark has admitted to multiple breaches of lockdown rules. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Why Clark will not survive his idiocy

7 Apr, 2020 9:13am
4 minutes to read

Minister's actions and recollections have irreparably damaged him, writes Audrey Young.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Where is the global response to Covid-19?

4 Apr, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Winston Peters has been conducting crisis diplomacy from Whananaki Central.

The number of coronavirus cases around the world has passed 1 millon. Photo / Johns Hopkins University

NEW ZEALAND

Global cases top 1m: No sign yet that NZ has lethal virus under control

3 Apr, 2020 7:54am
8 minutes to read

Repatriation flights for stranded visitors have been given clearance as essential travel.

Most people have done an amazing job says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Will some regions be given freedom before others?

2 Apr, 2020 7:01am
6 minutes to read

PM Ardern is set to address the plight of overseas visitors stranded in New Zealand.

Mike Pompeo has been accused of not being visible enough on coronavirus. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

Pompeo: US investment will help world to recover

1 Apr, 2020 9:52pm
5 minutes to read

Five Eyes alliance has been helpful in understanding coronavirus, says Mike Pompeo.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said a new website had been established to report people who flout the rules. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Coronavirus: NZ's first death - victim named as hospitals clear decks

30 Mar, 2020 7:51am
8 minutes to read

The Prime Minister will chair a full Cabinet meeting today but most will join remotely.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has built a case to lead us into the unknown. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: PM has been brilliant but Govt must be tolerant of criticism

28 Mar, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Unions, media, Opposition have a more important job with current limits on democracy.

Auckland's spaghetti junction this morning was devoid of traffic on the first day of the nationwide lockdown. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

NZ's eerie calm; Spain deaths pass China, global toll 20,000

26 Mar, 2020 8:34am
5 minutes to read

Things will get worse before they get better says the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Govt response should earn public confidence

20 Mar, 2020 9:16pm
6 minutes to read

For once the all-of-government approach is a reality, and more than a slogan.

NEW ZEALAND

NZ coronavirus cases rise, UK closes schools, Trump shuts border

19 Mar, 2020 5:41am
7 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern says it is a time to prepare as coronavirus cases rise.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in front of the flags in the Beehive theatrette. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Rescue package delivered with dose of nationalism

17 Mar, 2020 8:09pm
3 minutes to read

Simon Bridges struggled to find the right words or tone to greet the package.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has played Brown Owl this week. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: New type of leadership needed from Ardern

16 Mar, 2020 5:50am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Jacinda Ardern needs a finely tuned ear to be able to detect flannel over fact.

Manurewa MP Louisa Wall. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Complaint delays Manurewa selection

13 Mar, 2020 5:30pm
Quick Read

Council set to look at membership eligibility in candidate selection.

Deportee Clive Paku at Parliament. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Deportee and commissioner join forces against Oz

11 Mar, 2020 4:35pm
5 minutes to read

The deportee says his family unit had been lost but he had rebuilt his life in NZ.

The political debate on how to respond to an expected increase in cases of Covid-19 has ramped up. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Coronavirus: Political fallout over response as almost 9000 self-isolate

11 Mar, 2020 5:59am
4 minutes to read

Things have dramatically changed since the decision on the minimum wage, says National.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: How coronavirus will impact election

29 Feb, 2020 5:35am
6 minutes to read

It could become an election year contest between competence and relevancy.

Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Benefit lift to aid 300,000 Kiwi families

25 Feb, 2020 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Increases will be made to more than 1.2 million people

NEW ZEALAND

Tamihere eyes up tilt in old seat for Māori Party

24 Feb, 2020 7:33pm
3 minutes to read

Two seats down, one to go in Māori Party selections for prime seats.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the detail of the April increases at her post-Cabinet press conference before leaving for Fiji. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

PM announces larger-than-usual increases for social welfare benefits

24 Feb, 2020 6:17pm
3 minutes to read

The benefit increases are the largest since Bill English's one-off boost of $25 a week.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Nats, NZ First wrangle - who really killed the car tax plan?

24 Feb, 2020 6:07am
4 minutes to read

The scheme has had a bumpy road ever since Julie Anne Genter proposed it.

Winston Peters has reacted badly to what he calls an injustice being levelled at his party by the media over political donations to the New Zealand First Foundation. Cartoon by Rod Emmerson

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Peters is handling his job as NZ First leader abysmally

22 Feb, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Some claims of injustice are more just than others.

Parliament from the Court of Appeal. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Labour's pre-selection manoeuvres

18 Feb, 2020 6:34pm
2 minutes to read

The battle for Flat Bush has begun.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Political partner's donations debacle tests Jacinda Ardern

15 Feb, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

You can usually count on Winston to make a bad situation worse, writes Audrey Young.

Dame Tariana Turia says the claimants have not talked about withdrawing their claim. Photo / Ross Setford

NEW ZEALAND

Turia impressed with reception from Ardern

12 Feb, 2020 6:57pm
5 minutes to read

Tariana Turia praises the PM but is less confident about her ministers.

After being gently chided by the Speaker, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gets into full flight over the number of houses the Government is building. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Comment: Mallard mars first debate of year

12 Feb, 2020 5:16pm
5 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern and Simon Bridges both made procedural errors. Guess who was reprimanded.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in 2019. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: The Peters-PM partnership and why he won't step aside

12 Feb, 2020 6:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: There is one important difference between Winston Peters in 2008 and 2020.

Jacinda Ardern and Kelvin Davis on their way to the meeting. Photo / Derek Cheng

NEW ZEALAND

PM hosts private Whānau Ora summit

11 Feb, 2020 5:53pm
3 minutes to read

Senior Māori ministers joined Jacinda Ardern for the meeting to ease tensions.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at her press conference on Monday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

PM avoids 'trust' word for Winston Peters

10 Feb, 2020 6:22pm
4 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern said she would make her own judgments, not based on events years ago.

Alpha males Simon Bridges and Winston Peters clashed at Waitangi. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Bridges' plan set to backfire

8 Feb, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Ardern sits above the fray while Simon Bridges slugs it out with Winston Peters.

Act leader David Seymour is confident of increasing his caucus beyond one. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

David Seymour sets coalition conditions

7 Feb, 2020 6:25am
4 minutes to read

David Seymour says PM Jacinda Ardern has invented the politics of gesture.

In his valedictory speech, Mike Moore said he left Parliament 'disappointed'. Illustration / Rod Emmerson

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Michael Cullen was right about Mike Moore

4 Feb, 2020 7:30pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Moore could have helped to blunt Labour's factionalism, writes Audrey Young.