Latest from Best of Political Analysis

Armstrong: Perhaps it's best to lie low

If the Prime Minister describes your contribution as "outstanding", it might be wise to check on your pension entitlements.

John Armstrong: A telling hesitation

It was the tale of two King Johns; it was a tale of political timing, the first example being exquisite, the second more than telling.

Transtasman relations matter more

Key had little choice but to put some distance between himself and Abbott's handling of the asylum-seeker payment row, writes John Armstrong.

John Armstrong: English's bonds lacking universal catch-cry

Social impact bonds bear little resemblance to the kind of debt instruments you find in the finance market, writes John Armstrong.

Toby Manhire: Minister for dealing with foreign buyers?

Three ministers is not enough, writes Toby Manhire. "To have a hope of slaying the many heads of the housing crisis hydra, there may need to be even more new ministers appointed."

Brian Rudman: 'Warm homes' rhetoric cold comfort for tenants

Just over two years ago, Housing Minister Nick Smith announced that "this year" the Government was developing a housing warrant of fitness, writes Brian Rudman.

Brian Rudman: Servants and masters - which is which?

Auckland councillors have agreed to lessons to improve their governance skills - a more urgent need is for them to learn how to be better politicians, writes Brian Rudman.

Dita De Boni: Bottom line for mental health services

The most vulnerable are likely to suffer with the introduction of 'social bonds' for the private sector, writes Dita De Boni.

Claire Trevett: Trust in shorter supply than $30k for doors

Until this week there was relative harmony in the corridor where doors are now being closed at a $30,000 cost to taxpayers, writes Claire Trevett.

Christopher Niesche: Biotech stocks a lottery

Last Thursday we saw a tale of two biotech companies. If you need evidence investing in medical research stocks is a lottery, this is the story for you, writes Christopher Niesche.

Tour a trial run for the new Prince Harry

As Prince Harry's travels around New Zealand continue, it has become clear this is his Redemption Tour - his job application, so to speak, writes Claire Trevett.

Labour rings changes by schmoozing big business

Andrew Little is inviting the Barbarians at the gate into Labour's lair in an attempt to lift the party's economic credentials, writes John Armstrong.

Push for exposure reflects poorly on Little

Andrew Little has tarnished his own reputation for fair play by trying to expose the name of the Cabinet minister whose brother faces child indecency charges, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

Claire Trevett: No room for political spite in flag debate

Key has a better chance of securing the change than Labour would, writes Claire Trevett. Key is a monarchist so there is far less suspicion about his longer-term motives.

Key's chance to take control

If Key wants to make life a lot easier, he should immediately seek leave to make a personal explanation when Parliament sits, writes John Armstrong.

Claire Trevett: The answer is in the tea leaves

I have watched Key fairly closely for eight years and how people react to him, writes Claire Trevett. In 2011, I noted that Key touched almost everyone he met - a casual thing aimed at reinforcing the connection.

Seymour out to show some Hide with perk attacks

But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? Is it the dawn of a new Rodney Hide, Perkbuster Extraordinaire?

John Key's make-or-break Budget

The two Budget-related announcements risked giving every impression that National is running on empty, reckons John Armstrong.