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

Wet and blustery weather has failed to keep the crowds away from Waitangi with hundreds pouring on to the Treaty Grounds.

New Zealand’s largest iwi is seeking the biggest ever Treaty settlement - $500m to $600m.

While claiming a warm reception at Te Tii Marae yesterday, Labour was snubbed by those at Maoridom's top table who were meeting the Government nearby.

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.

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.

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.

Labour's push for universal welfare will not resonate widely. People earning $150,000 and, indeed, much less, simply do not need a baby bonus.

Prime Minister John Key has accused Labour leader David Cunliffe of "misleading New Zealanders" over the $60-a-week child payment scheme.

Labour's $60-a-week child payment scheme may produce less work and more babies, economists say.

David Cunliffe's "baby bonus" is a nifty Trojan horse that will do more for Labour's chances than the usual politically inspired and euphemistically labelled "kissing babies" exercise, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

After years of Labour and National concentrating on winning the political middle ground, both party leaders have launched their 2014 election campaigns by reaching out to their respective left and right heartlands.

PM John Key has hinted National is working on its own legislation to extend paid parental leave - but will it match the 26 weeks Labour is pushing for?

'Where's it all coming from Sunshine?' asks National of Labour's new child policy that will give most parents of newborns $3000 a year.

Labour MP and novice DJ Jacinda Ardern has fielded offers for future gigs after her set at Auckland's Laneway music festival.

John Armstrong asks: "If the policy is really designed to help struggling families, why include households which patently do not need hand-outs from the state to raise children?"

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

Political parties should be in the practice of jettisoning policies that serve only to hamper their electoral prospects. It is up to any new leader to recognise these and act.

Labour's Shane Jones has used the rat-cunning skills that got him to the top of Maori fishing politics to manoeuvre his boss, David Cunliffe, into adopting new realism on offshore oil and gas exploration.

The Government's creation of new roles in NZ schools - including 'executive principals' and 'expert teachers' - has been cautiously welcomed by the teaching profession.

Prime Minister John Key is on to a winner with his big plans to financially reward excellent teachers and principals, writes Audrey Young.

The National Government’s economic focus will be on paying down debt as Crown finance’s improve, Prime Minister John Key said this morning.

Read PM John Key's full state of the nation-style speech to the West Auckland Business Club.

Labour MP Jacinda Ardern is putting a different spin on the phrase "on the record" by agreeing to do a slot as a DJ at the Laneway Festival on Monday night.

The frenetic activity is all about National and Labour grappling with one another for the early election-year political initiative and - hopefully - retaining it, writes John Armstrong.

Labour is looking at the Norwegian model for regulating the oil and gas industry, including stronger environmental safeguards and steeper taxes.

Meet the backbenchers - Andrew Little, 48, married with one son, Labour List MP, elected in 2011.