Latest from Election 2014

John Armstrong: Act finally does something right

In electing Jamie Whyte as the party's new leader, Act's governing board has made the right choice, writes John Armstrong. Realistically, he was the only choice.

Editorial: PM's pot-shot attacks on Harawira unjustified

Editorial: Mr Harawira was quite entitled to describe the Prime Minister's comment last week as "petty, nasty and unbecoming".

Bernard Hickey: Vote buying's hidden cost

Like the past six elections under MMP, the seventh this year is shaping up as a contest between parties promising to give govt money back to the voting bloc they think they need to win, writes Bernard Hickey.

John Armstrong: Tough-talking Key drapes a flag over rival

In what is quickly becoming a year-long de facto election campaign, one can guarantee National will drum in the message that Cunliffe is a politician who cannot be trusted, writes John Armstrong.

Wallets out ... but can votes be bought?

While Conservatives leader Colin Craig writes big cheques, Green Party members hold sausage sizzles.

Reaction 'mostly' went as hoped: Cunliffe

It has been a bruising week for Labour leader David Cunliffe, but he has popped out the end of it saying he "loves every day" of what is often called the worst job in politics.

Green MPs drop on leaked list

Two Green Party MPs could struggle to get back into Parliament in this year's election, according to a leaked list which showed they had plummeted in the party's rankings.

Bryce Edwards: Political roundup: Act's choice of revival or survival

The choice facing the elite Act Party Board members, who meet tomorrow to start deciding on its new leader, is one of focusing on either survival or revival, writes Bryce Edwards.

Mai Chen: A good time to keep a close eye on what the politicians are up to

lanning in election year is always hard, because of the inevitable political promise bidding war between political parties and the difficulty of figuring out who will sit on the treasury benches.

Cartoon: Down with the youth

Editorial: National in no mood to rock the election boat

Leaders kick off Parliamentary year

The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have kicked off the Parliamentary year, trading insults and jokes in the opening debate of Parliament.

Key: Sticking to $1b limit

Prime Minister John Key has given a 'steady as she goes' message in his Opening to Parliament statement today, saying there would be some new spending.

Adam Bennett: Disputed statistics on income inequality

This election year there will be claim and counter-claim from National and Labour about whether the recovering economy is a rising tide that will lift all boats.

John Armstrong: Labour package could be victim of its own generosity

Labour aims to help kindy families

Parents with preschool-age children are expected to be the big winners from Labour leader David Cunliffe's State of the Nation address today.

Free lunch in, brekkie out

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei has promised a free lunch for all children in low-decile schools.

Rodney Hide: Key is a serious contender