Latest from Best of Political Analysis

Key morning with Vietnam's only billionaire

John Key's programme in Hanoi yesterday reflects the complexity of the country. In the morning it was a visit to the Vin empire of Vietnam's first and only billionaire, Pham Nhat Vuong, and in the afternoon he was off to meet the communists.

Claire Trevett: Party faithful urged to do their best to restock coffers

Bryan Gould: Does John Key believe he can get away with anything?

COMMENT: John Key is adept at staying closely in touch with public opinion. It is one of his great political strengths - and weaknesses, writes Bryan Gould.

Claire Trevett: Sorry hardest word after ruckus over detainees

If apologies were commodities the Government surplus would be assured in perpetuity given the extent to which demand is outstripping supply, writes Claire Trevett.

Brian Rudman: Shameful lack of political fallout over Aussie gulags

If the uprising has made it worse for the rioters, it has also embarrassed Australia in the week it appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council for a performance review, writes Brian Rudman.

Royals keep up charm offensive

It must be tempting for the royal family to simply give up on New Zealand and Australia.

Claire Trevett: Key returning taxpayers silver in comedy gold

The Prime Minister doesn't care if we're laughing at him or with him as long as we're laughing and he's in the frame, writes Claire Trevett. "The PM does at least give back in entertainment value what he costs in coin.

Deficit and surplus mean little

The government accounts have returned to surplus after seven years of deficits.

Little's a jinx and Key's a curse

It may be a stretch to say Labour leader Andrew Little will be to blame if the All Blacks lose the semifinal against South Africa this weekend.

Political roundup: Can Little and Ardern save Labour?

A year on from Labour's worst electoral defeat, Bryce Edwards asks: Are the behind-the-scenes changes amounting to enough to turn things around?

Claire Trevett: PM needs to roll out charm to reach main players

The real aim of Key's visit is the Trans Pacific Partnership, writes Claire Trevett. Talks are in the make-or-break stage in Atlanta and whether world peace emerges from the General Assembly or not,

Political roundup: The politics of NZ's Red Peak

If Red Peak continues its extraordinary rise, then we might end up looking back on the last few weeks in the flag change process as a remarkable chapter.

Political roundup: A Government that listens too much

The political left and right allege Key's government has become affected by third-termitis, complaining of an administration that is tired, writes Bryce Edwards.

Claire Trevett: Political plans turn to custard in battle of flags

In an attempt to look as if they were both trying to be constructive, the olive branches were ordered, writes Claire Trevett. Then they started slapping each other about the chops with them.

Brian Rudman: Power cash handout an asset for all of us

Energy trust would be more loveable if its annual payout wasn't used to benefit individuals ... or to promote re-election of trustees, writes Brian Rudman.

Political roundup: Jacinda Ardern and the 'pretty little thing' debate

Jacinda Ardern's swift rise in popularity is provoking debate about the political direction of the Labour Party, it's leadership, and sexism in politics.

Claire Trevett: How to change the flag - let British win the Cup

All we have agreed on in this search for a unifying piece of fabric is that those it is meant to unify can agree on nothing, writes Claire Trevett.

Peter Lyons: Nothing but spin coming from our Government

We are living in an age of spin, writes Peter Lyons. The Roman leaders gave their people bread and circuses. Sadly we no longer get the bread.