Transtasman Political Letter – 6 April Digest

6th April 2006

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visits NZ on a mission vital for this country
... Helen Clark reckons the Govt is gathering real momentum
... Don Brash doesn’t
... Cullen, regaining his old good humour, is soldiering on as Finance Minister
... And his Budget next month will be “substantial”
... And didn’t the Maori Party enjoy that UN report, even if it was shot full of glaring mistakes.

UN Rapporteur Hands Government New Battle

The Govt has a new battle on its hands with Maori, after publication of the report by UN Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur Professor Rodolfo Stavenhagen.

Premier’s Mission A Vital Step In NZ Relations With China

NZ is in the process of developing a very comprehensive relationship with China, and the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao is a vital step in that process.

Taking One Election At A Time

After speculation about his future fuelled by no less an authority than the PM, who had said she did not know if he would deliver all three budgets before the 2008 election, Michael Cullen insisted this week he’s in for the long haul.

Govt On The Rise (Or Is That Decline?)

Two views of the Govt: It is developing real momentum, with a very strong programme of action. Or it is looking very untidy, the economy has basically stopped, and Ministers are bringing the Parliamentary process into dispute.

CAPITAL TALK

Maori Party supporters drove down to Parliament on Tuesday to call on voters to switch from the general to the Maori roll. Pita Sharples explained “it’s a ka-hoi.”

Play of the Week - Was It A Nudge Or A Stumble?

Helen Clark’s statement she does not know whether her Deputy PM Michael Cullen will be around after 2008 set the rumour mill into hyperdrive.

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