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.
We might not rejoin, but the political momentum is now with those seeking a closer relationship. From a Brexiteer perspective, Johnson is sounding rather complacent.
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.
if Delhi won’t budge on Visas or the restoration of colonial treasures, the British team must be willing to walk away. Failing to do so would be disastrous.
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.
Joining the UK would end its status as a dependant territory, and so finally nullify Spanish (and Argentine) arguments based on the UN definition of decolonisation.
Even in countries where voters would prefer a republic, it is a long way down their list of priorities.
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.
Fortunately, there are plenty of half-completed measures ministers could see through in time for the next election, from recognising product standards to locking in new trade deals.