Latest from Claire Trevett on politics

It takes a lot to upstage John Key ...

It is the PM's first week back after the long silence of his holiday, yet it is Max’s latest video clip that is getting all the attention, writes Claire Trevett.

Claire Trevett: To be like Taylor Swift, Labour has to shake it off

Labour could learn a thing or two from the adaptable, influential, and canny businesswoman Taylor Swift, writes Claire Trevett.

Claire Trevett: Surprise, surprise - MPs find urgent business in Apia

After a range of World Cups and test matches in his seven years as Prime Minister, Key could now rival Usain Bolt in his sprint to the changing room, writes Claire Trevett.

Claire Trevett: Kereru scandal overshadows treaty negotiations

There are many who appear to believe they are qualified to step up to the role Sonny Tau has vacated and act as bridge builder, writes Claire Trevett.

Claire Trevett: Anything's possible with a soap opera finale

Like any soap opera the Colin Craig saga is full of shadowy villains, unrequited feelings, vengeance, wrath, and wronged wives, writes Claire Trevett.

Forget moral high ground - Labour needs money

Labour has an oddly prudish approach to money, writes Claire Trevett. Its struggle to get any is partly down to pride - nobody likes to beg.

Claire Trevett: Williamson bombshell shows great timing

Nobody likes a nark but there was great entertainment value in Act leader David Seymour dobbing in National MP Maurice Williamson for an apparent waka jumping plot.

Claire Trevett: English 'reckless' over super

Bill English said the forecast super costs of $30 billion by 2030 were large but ruled out changing anything, saying it was affordable "at the moment".

Claire Trevett: Birds and the bees? It must be Budget week

By releasing spoilers in advance, Finance Minister Bill English's motto when it comes to Budgets is "boring", writes Claire Trevett.

Claire Trevett: Winston Peters panic sees National roll out the (pork) barrel

Despite John Key's claim that such antics are commonplace in by-elections, they are not, writes Claire Trevett. It is more traditional to emphasise how policies already under way will benefit the electorate in question, rather than promise new things.

Claire Trevett: Rival old dogs' paws crossed for win-win in North

The self-appointed Pied Piper of the North, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, has the words "Follow Me" on the back of his campaign bus.

Claire Trevett: Key guarding high ground over Iraq 'crusade'

No sooner was the announcement made that New Zealand was heading to Iraq, the war of words broke out.

Claire Trevett: Little's political cup runs over

Andrew Little appears to have been blessed by the gods of timing, writes Claire Trevett. Hot on the tails of Mike Sabin's resignation came the revelation SkyCity wanted a bit of taxpayer cash.

Claire Trevett: Little offers brave views on a republic

Key was talking about the flag and downplaying the Waitangi report on sovereignty, but Little had bigger fish to fry.

Claire Trevett: No froth as Little avoids the 'small beer' issues

Very few NZers vote on the basis of knighthoods, writes Claire Trevett. Public support for knighthoods tends to depend more on who is awarded them and their behaviour than the title's historic origins.

Claire Trevett: The great crusader comes up short

Gareth Morgan looked about as comfortable as the turkey before Christmas as he arrived at Ratana Pa yesterday, writes Claire Trevett.

Claire Trevett: The year of apologies that keeps on giving

It was a year of sorrows. It was a sorry excuse of a year. It was also a year of sorries. As of yesterday, they were still flowing.

Claire Trevett: Trumping dirty politics with integrity and decency

Parliament wound up yesterday leaving just a sour taste lingering in the mouth. It was a most peculiar year, replete with villains, writes Claire Trevett.