Latest from Election 2014

Cunliffe's walk in the park

There was a moment, when David Cunliffe and I were in the bush, when he looked completely Prime Ministerial. That comes, literally, down the track.

Key responds to Hager book 'Dirty Politics'

Prime Minister John Key responds to the release of journalist Nicky Hager's book, Dirty Politics, saying "he should knock his socks off and release anything he wants and if he continues to do that he'll continue to demonstrate to New Zealanders that he's politically-motivated with a very left-wing conspiracy agenda."

Dirty Politics: 'NZ's Watergate'

Labour Party leader David Cunliffe says allegations made in Nicky Hager's new book 'Dirty Politics' are "the closest New Zealand's got to its own kind of Watergate".

Hager may release source material

Nicky Hager will consult a source today on releasing the source material behind claims in his new book, as Judith Collins hits back at allegations against her.

Denis Tegg: Loophole that legalises official snooping

We have been assured repeatedly by the Prime Minister that the Government Communications Security Bureau cannot spy on New Zealanders without a warrant.

Michael Cox: Get out the tea towels and wipe up the votes

You could take your pick of Muldoon tea towels. One had "Not just a pretty face" printed under his portrait; the other "It's nice to have a man about the House".

Dita De Boni: ChCh locals left out in the cold

When I was in Christchurch recently to interview the two main candidates in the Christchurch Central electorate, I was shocked to see that people on the street seemed even more weary than ever.

Toby Manhire: Nothing to see in dirty politics

So what if there is material that invites suspicion that Cameron Slater called in a favour to have a prisoner transferred? Who really cares, asks Toby Manhire.

'That's fine' - Key relaxed on hack

Prime Minister John Key is backing spin doctor Jason Ede over claims he accessed Labour's membership records - but said that even if he did "it would be fine".

John Armstong: Hager's claims light a fuse under the State of Key

One of the allegations in Nicky Hager's book is the modern day equivalent of the 1972 burglary of the Democratic Party's HQ at Watergate, writes John Armstrong.

Claire Trevett: Pollies twerk the crowd the old-fashioned way

After the fury and rage that marked the kickoff of the election campaign, it was rather uplifting to see the candidates' debate in a church hall in deepest Kumeu.

About the Herald's Hot Seat series

In the lead-up to the election, the Herald is delivering political leaders as they're meant to be seen. Under the grill.

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.

Editorial: Mockery has its place in election campaigns

How absurd that radio programmers cannot play a song that mocks John Key because it may breach the Electoral Act.

Cunliffe encouraged by interest of youth

Labour leader David Cunliffe's student-friendly promises earned him a mostly warm reception on the campaign trail.

In the Hot Seat: Harawira + Harre

Interview with Internet Mana leader Hone Harawira and Internet Party leader Laila Harre with NewstalkZB host Rachel Smalley, New Zealand Herald columnists Fran O’Sullivan and Toby Manhire, and Herald political editor Audrey Young.

Election 2014: Highlights - Internet Mana - Hone Harawira & Laila Harre

Interview with Internet Mana leader Hone Harawira and Internet Party leader Laila Harre with NewstalkZB host Rachel Smalley, New Zealand Herald columnists Fran O’Sullivan and Toby Manhire, and Herald political editor Audrey Young.

Internet Mana: We're 'one mean bunch'

Hone Harawira sees the Internet Mana alliance enduring beyond the election because he and Laila Harre are synchronizing so well.