There’s only one possible government in the new parliament – but negotiations between National, ACT, and New Zealand First are dragging out.
In only three years the former chief executive of Air New Zealand has taken the Nationals from their second-worst ever performance to more than 40 per cent of the vote.
The expectation is that it has won enough seats to form a coalition with its allies elsewhere on the right.
Winston Peters is a vision of what Nigel Farage might have achieved if the United Kingdom had a different electoral system. Paradoxically, the usual beneficiary is Labour.
Just one term after the Ardern landslide in 2020, it has caught New Zealand leftists off guard. But history suggests they should have expected it.
Whether it was a transport minister making decisions on new airports while owning shares in one or a police minister discussing Cabinet briefings with donors, the trend of losing ministers is evidence of incompetence.
Under the Mixed Member Proportional system, a winning party usually needs just shy of every second vote cast to be sure of forming a government.
Five months out from the election, voters want the parties to focus on issues such as interest rates, and the ricing prices of petrol and food.
Meanwhile the Prime Minister’s visit to London for the coronation is a chance to reflect on the Crown’s unique role in the country’s development.
The country may not be as classness as the national myth would have you believe, but it really is too small for a distinct caste to rule.
In Wellington, the lines between government, politics, and lobbying are far more blurred than would ever be allowed in London.
Both National and ACT are speaking to concerns amongst voters that the proposals would create a two-tier system for certain public services.
She won the first overall majority under the country’s proportional electoral system, but voters feel she has done little with it.
A win will be another step in the right direction for the Opposition, and their leader, after several challenging years.
From Canada to Montana to New Zealand, centre-right parties have found different ways to break the grip of NIMBY gatekeepers and build the homes people need – and are reaping the electoral reward.