Latest from NZ National Party

Max Key's photo with 'felon' a hoax

An Instagram picture which appeared to show the PM's son with a suspected felon turned out to be a teenage hoax.

National, Labour both on the rise

Labour's popularity has jumped three percentage points in the first political poll since Andrew Little took over the leadership and the first major poll since the election.

PM's text deleting to be investigated by Chief Archivist

Cloud over National MP's future

The three-year political career of National Northland MP Mike Sabin is in the balance after a report that he is under investigation by police over an assault complaint.

Hager gets hearing

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager's application for a judicial review into the police search of his Wellington home following the release of his Dirty Politics book will be heard at a substantive hearing in March.

Call for ban on alcohol advertising

The Government has been told to end alcohol sponsorship of sports clubs and ban any alcohol advertising during televised matches by a ministerial forum.

Key: Bloggers 'not big part of my day'

Prime Minister John Key says bloggers are not a "big part of his day" but he lives in a world where he can't ignore them.

Nats eye repeat of united effort

The Countering Terrorist Fighters Legislation Bill is expected to pass tonight under urgency with the support of National and Labour.

PM says Chinese real estate investment minor

A surge in Chinese investment in New Zealand residential real estate is something the Government needs to consider, but at the moment is not a significant issue says John Key.

Key: I'll stay in touch with Slater

Prime Minister John Key says he will continue to respond to correspondence from right wing blogger Cameron Slater - but won't be pro-actively contacting him.

SIS report no great concern for English

Deputy Prime Minister accepts it but says John Key runs the "most transparent government that New Zealand's ever seen".

Toby Manhire: Mad as a hatter on multi-tasking

Leave John Key alone. Give the guy a break. It seems no one this week will speak up for our Prime Minister, write Toby Manhire

'I'm not actively contacting Slater'

The Prime Minister was yesterday insisting he does not speak to Cameron Slater in spite of mounting evidence to the contrary and further calls for him to apologise for working with the blogger to attack political opponents.

John Armstrong: Fiery speeches mark Labour's new approach

Two fiery speeches by Little in the past two days have revealed the demeanour that he intends adopting - essentially bare-knuckle verbal pugilism.

Most National party donations come from undisclosed sources

Investigation found gaps in data

Questions remain about missing evidence and gaps in the Judith Collins investigation.

Deception and illusion

John Armstrong: Even four days in, leader looks in promising shape

Political columnist John Armstrong looks at whether Andrew Little can pull Labour out of the mire in which it is stuck so deeply.