Transtasman Political Letter – 24 August Digest

24th August 2006

Labour and NZ First pick up an intercept on the rates row, but is there a better way?
…. The Nats think the media is seeing things their way, but is their strategy working?
… Labour’s election spending argument is going nowhere fast
… Parker and Power make the running for a change
…. Labour’s sentencing law changes fail to draw much attention
… And Timor Leste is still a problem.

Government Wins Race For Rates Inquiry

As reported in Trans Tasman last week, there has been a clamour of political activity over rates as parties sensed voter dissatisfaction with big increases imposed by Councils.

National Thinks Media Focus Marks New Era

National MPs are basking in the belief there’s been a significant shift in the media’s attitude to the Govt.

Brady Erodes Government’s Election Spending Defence

The Opposition is also raking in credit over latest disclosures in the election spending controversy, as Auditor-General Kevin Brady’s comments further erode the Govt’s position.

New Sentencing Regime Draws Mild Response

Carefully scripted and micro-managed, the Govt’s announcement last week of sweeping changes to sentencing and parole laws drew more praise than criticism.

CAPITAL TALK

King who? Journalists tasked with writing quick biographies of the successor to Maori monarch Dame Te Ata encountered serious problems. Running a Tuheitia Paki name check through computer archives didn’t work.

Play Of The Week: A Week Of Ceremony

A Queen buried and mourned, a Governor-General sworn in. And who says we’re heading for republican status? The two events make one wonder if there’s a better way of doing these things, and conclude, perhaps not.

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