Clark rated top NZ performer

Prime Minister Helen Clark has been rated the top performing New Zealand politician by the weekly newsletter transTasman.

She received a nine out of 10 rating for pulling together a Government.

She was one of only 11 MPs out of 121 to score seven or higher. National leader Don Brash rated 7.5 points.

But next highest to Helen Clark was former National leader Bill English with eight points.

National finance spokesman John Key and National health spokesman Tony Ryall scored 7.5 points.

And Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen, Defence Minister Phil Goff, Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia, Police Minister Annette King, National commerce spokeswoman Katherine Rich and National social welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins received seven points.

National MP Brian Connell gets the newsletter's first ever zero rating.