Hekia Parata came hurtling back down to Earth, suffering the indignity of Key trampling all over her portfolio.

David Shearer, the "non-politician" elected with no political baggage, is quickly getting weighed down.

Thanks largely to some adroit politics on its part, National has yet to cop any substantial public reaction to its various austerity measures.

David Farrar wonders if the Conservative Party is a real starter to climb into bed with the Government, particularly after its leader's comments about Kiwi women's bedroom antics...

John Key has admitted 'it's going to be a long two and a half years' when it comes to political partnerships.