Latest from Audrey Young on politics

'What do I do now?' - Tim Groser

After the completion of exhaustive TPP talks in Atlanta, Trade Minister Tim Groser sounded anything but elated as he talked down the phone at 3 am.

Audrey Young: Greens' independence wake-up for Labour

On Tuesday the Greens showed they're working closely with Labour and on Wednesday that they will act independently of Labour if need be.

Australian leadership coup: The Malcolm Turnbull-John Key bromance has just begun

Malcolm Turnbull starts new job as Australian Prime Minister praising John Key, saying New Zealand had a leader whose style should be emulated, writes Audrey Young.

Audrey Young: No bubbly but Little is lifting Labour's game

Next week is an anniversary Labour leader Andrew Little and his predecessors will remember but won't be celebrating.

Audrey Young: Report paves way for CYF redesign

Children's Commissioner Russell Wills has done the Government a huge favour with his State of Care report this week, whether he intended to or not.

Audrey Young: It's life and death ... but politics comes first

Cynical safety move means minister must quit if 'safe farm' death rate doesn't fall, writes Audrey Young.

Audrey Young: Lotu-Iiga bottom of the class

Embattled Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga has scored lowest in the latest Herald report card on the Cabinet's performance - four out of 10.

Here is that long promised fiasco...

With the Opposition's relentless description of the Govt's housing policy as "a fiasco", there was a chance they would be right one day, writes Audrey Young.

Audrey Young: Former enemy crucial to Labour's resurrection

Matt McCarten, the former enemy, is now seen as a calm and pragmatic influence in Labour who could play a crucial role in its resurrection, writes Audrey Young.

Audrey Young: Little addresses the future of work

Little must be seen as a potential leader for all, not just narrow left-wing interests, writes Audrey Young, so the guest list was as important as the message.

Audrey Young: NZ must now walk the tough talk of UN campaign

Audrey Young: Deals crucial only if Key hits trouble

Prime Minister John Key signed two insurance agreements yesterday in the form of confidence and supply deals with Act and United Future.

Audrey Young: High noon for Cunliffe, Robertson

If anybody else in Labour is thinking about putting his or her hat into the leadership contest, they should think again, writes Audrey Young.

Audrey Young: Leaders under the spotlight

Audrey Young writes: Sometimes it helps to see your politicians in action in order to judge whether they can be trusted.

Audrey Young: Policies and people all part of campaign

Anything could happen between now and the election in eight weeks. That's what makes election campaigns so exciting.

Audrey Young: PM wins friends at risk of making an enemy

The PM has a touch of the Dale Carnegie about him when it comes to international affairs. He knows how to win friends and influence people, writes Audrey Young.