Transtasman Political Letter – 30 Nov. Digest

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Peters scores a diplomatic coup in the Fijian crisis
... Nats ecstatic with Key-English leadership, a clean out of Brash advisers expected
... New challenges for Labour
... Telecom, unbundled, and now split three ways
... Govt boost export marketing funding
... Waterfront stadium woes show extent of Auckland’s political differences
... And a Qantas buyout would leave Air NZ hurting.

National’s Smooth Transition

John Key moves into the leadership of the main Opposition party in Parliament just 4 years after he entered politics.

Key-English Form A Formidable Team

The crucial aspect of the Key-English leadership team, which has the potential to be the strongest National has had since the days of Keith Holyoake and John Marshall, is they come to politics with a broadly shared philosophy.

Challenges Ahead For Labour

The Govt believes it has stabilised its poll ratings and, given the rough run it had over election spending and the Taito Philip Field affair, it is pulling back in public favour.

Peters’ Diplomatic Coup

NZ diplomacy may have defused the immediate prospect of yet another military coup in Fiji.

CAPITAL TALK

Serious politicians don’t have wild parties. Helen Clark, her Deputy Michael Cullen and Trade Minister Phil Goff made do with a cup of tea and a chocolate cake when the celebrated the 25th anniversary of their election to Parliament on Tuesday.

Play Of The Week: Brand New Key

Well, the death-watch on Don Brash’s leadership of National has been on for at least two months, although no-one would have anticipated Nicky Hager doing a sort of Morris Dance of sanctimonious glee on Brash’s political grave.

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