Act's leader is standing by his comments that incestuous relationships between consenting adults should not be illegal, even though he is "very opposed" to it.

John Key has given up on the Genesis sale before it has even begun by saying he may only be able to sell 30 per cent of the state asset, Labour Leader David Cunliffe says.

Labour Leader David Cunliffe has confirmed former Alliance Party President Matt McCarten as his new Chief of Staff. Unionist Mr McCarten, who started his political career with the Labour Party but more recently worked with Hone Harawira's Mana Party, was announced as Wendy Brandon's replacement as Chief of Staff by Mr Cunliffe.

The Government has announced its Genesis share offer will proceed next month but it may sell less than the 49 per cent offered if there is not enough demand from potential buyers in a "front end bookbuild".The Government expects to sell between 30 per cent and 49 per cent of the shares in genesis. When the programme was first mooted, the government said it would offer up to 49 per cent of power companies.

Everyone's a critic when it comes to David Cunliffe at the moment, writes Bryce Edwards in his regular round-up of the NZ political scene.

Colin Craig prepares defamation case against Greens' co-leader Russel Norman after the MP refused to apologise within a deadline set by Mr Craig this afternoon.

Battle between Colin Craig and Russel Norman could be just the first round in an ongoing conflict that will feature this election year, writes Bryce Edwards.

John Key gets questioned on how he knew about Winston Peters meeting with Kim Dotcom and the Australian supermarket fiasco.

A bunch of colleagues from the Press Gallery yesterday were showered with a suite of insults by NZ First leader Winston Peters on his way into Parliament, writes Audrey Young.

Prime Minister John Key said it would be good to get an apology from Japan for one of its whaling fleet entering New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone, but he doesn't know if he will get one.

Labour leader David Cunliffe has questioned whether Prime Minister John Key is discussing the details of the work of New Zealand's intelligence agencies as a smokescreen in case of leaks about New Zealand from Edward Snowden.

John Key answers Labour leader David Cunliffe's questions on the effect on New Zealand exporters in regards to the 'buy-Australian' campaign.

Labour leader David Cunliffe's chief of staff Wendy Brandon has resigned five months into the job, citing ill health.

The political right is now fighting back strongly on inequality and related issues, writes Bryce Edwards in his regular political round-up.

It's going to be an extraordinary debate, but what we need now is an informed look through the issues, benefits and drawbacks of a new tax, writes Geof Nightingale.

Waitangi protests were muted from past years, but still activists wanted the politicians to hear them and local Maori were keen for the media to stay back and not film.

Prime Minister John Key talks to Newstalk ZB's Leighton Smith about the upcoming elections, the possibility of working with Winston Peters, and his pledge to see out another full term if elected.

Prime Minister John Key says he is committed to staying for the full three-year term if he remains as prime minister after the general election this year.

Auckland's rates will rise 8.5 per cent in eight years and debt will jump by $480 million.

National will leave decisions about endorsement of other parties such as Act and the Conservatives possibly as late as the election campaign.

Labour leader David Cunliffe has set himself a benchmark for the next election making it clear his goal is to overtake National in the polls.

Prime Minister John Key has given his clearest hint yet that the general election is likely to be held before the G-20 global leaders' meeting in mid-November.

Young Epsom candidate says party bent on putting internal wrangling in past.

Have a thought for all those aspirant politicians who will hit the streets and byways this year, as they campaign for your vote, writes Michael Cox.

New Act leader Jamie Whyte says he has had no shortage of advice - it's often conflicting - about what sort of leader he should be.