The Big Game in this election

For 50 years till 1999 the National party ruled this country. Now Helen Clark wants Labour’s turn. That’s the big game on Saturday.

Labour had only walk-on parts in government during National’s half-century. The score was 38-12 to National. In 1996 there was even talk of Labour declining into a niche party. read more

A prize fight

It’s a brains trust contest: superbright Helen Clark versus double-degree Bill English.

It’s also a contest of two at-ease crowd-minglers: hearts must be won as well as minds.

And it’s a contest of two very resilient characters — though very differently so. Respect, trust and confidence must also be earned. read more

Not the election to say it's time for a change

Deep underneath this election campaign there is change. Not actual change but the need to accept change.

Why did genetic modification grow horns? In part, because there was a vacuum where debate on the nation’s future might have been.

* Labour has made a virtue of settling the place down, not painting grand visions; Helen Clark’s unmemorable slogan is that tomorrow has already been done today. read more

What to do about an odd couple

The bluntest message to business from Helen Clark’s government these past two and a-half years has been: coexist with your workers. The sweetener has been an invitation to the waltz — “partnership” in the jargon.

This heady mixture has produced an odd couple. From white hot rage this time two years ago, many in business have found they can do business with the Clark bunch — some even sing its praises. read more

All in pursuit of 4% growth

The bluntest message to business from Helen Clark’s government these past two and a-half years has been: coexist with your workers. The sweetener has been an invitation to the waltz — “partnership” in the jargon.

This heady mixture has produced an odd couple. From white hot rage this time two years ago, many in business have found they can do business with the Clark bunch — some even sing its praises. read more

A tale of Levis and Vegemite

When I buy jeans I don’t buy Levis. I buy jeans that fit, cost half the price and last longer. I don’t know what make they are but I do know which shop sells them.

I’m a Vegemite afficionado. When an Auckland hotel serves me up something else with “-mite” in its name, it’s almost enough to dissuade me from staying there. read more

Why fear deserves politicians' respect

An election is not just about hopes. It is also about fears. This one is no exception.

Fear is what last week’s excitement over genetic modification (GM) was mainly about. Among voters who don’t go into all the ins and outs it is an issue of fear and the Greens are playing it for all their worth. read more

They're coming to get you

Look at me!

Richard Prebble stands outside the walls of Mt Eden prison to promise “zero tolerance” of crims. Winston Peters next day says Prebble should have been inside.

Pansy Wong bungies off the Sky Tower in Auckland to dramatise her campaign for Auckland Central and the Chinese vote.

Helen Clark poses with hammer in hand as a billboard is erected in Richarson Road. Bill English goes boxing. Jim Anderton “sings” Pokarekareana. read more

It's a matter of security

Do you draw up a household balance sheet? Not likely. But chances are it is subconsciously influencing your vote on 27 July.

The state of household finances is the lens through which most voters see and judge “the economy”. Whether across the nation household finances are getting better or worse or are beset by uncertainty is a big election decider. read more

The gangster capitalism spectre that stalks the parties

A spectre stalks the mainstream parties this election: American gangster capitalists.

They aren’t a factor for July 27. But beyond election day will the political consensus for the free economy hold?

During the dotcom craze anything went and anything was believed. There was a “new economy”. A philosopher’s stone had been found. read more