KEY POINTS:
Today marks 100 days since the National-led Government was sworn into office. Political Editor Audrey Young gives ratings out of 10 for the performance of the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers so far.
JOHN KEY, Prime Minister - 9/10
Combining political instincts, a positive outlook and Helen Clark's low-risk blueprint, he is making a difficult job look easy. Little wonder he is scaling new heights of popularity. Only task he has not yet mastered is dancing in sync with drag queens such as Bimbo (right) at Auckland's Big Gay Out festival, but he deserves kudos for trying.
BILL ENGLISH, finance, infrastructure - 7/10
Provides the realism counterweight to Key's optimism. Normally a naturally gifted communicator but has been slow in communicating the diminishing choices facing the Government. Maybe he has been buried in the books.
GERRY BROWNLEE, Leader of the House, energy, economic development - 6/10
A faltering start, with pressure of getting on top of new portfolios taking priority over House management. Doing well in energy, however, with clear consumer focus.
SIMON POWER, justice - 8/10
A cracking pace. Rose to the task of producing many pieces of justice legislation promised for first 100 days, not least the repeal of the Electoral Finance Act - without a hint of gloating.
TONY RYALL, Health - 8/10
Sure-footed. Has a plan. Knows how to get there. Made strong case of accountability for sacking Otago DHB chair in face of local opposition.
NICK SMITH, environment, ACC - 8/10
The right man at the right time to oversee the complex reforms of the Resource Management Act and ably sold them to a sympathetic public.
JUDITH COLLINS, police, corrections - 8/10
A crowd pleaser with uncompromising approach to boy racers and continuing failures in the Corrections Department. The hard part will be sticking to her guns.
ANNE TOLLEY, education - 7/10
Got rid of the ban on meat pies but has yet to show if she will grab the portfolio by the neck or just tinker around the edges.
CHRIS FINLAYSON, Attorney-General, treaty negotiations - 7/10
Earnest beginning with a busman's Christmas holiday visiting iwi (with the Maori Party) in negotiations with the Crown. Has signed off three preliminary agreements but much of the work was done by previous minister. Real test will be potential compromise with Maori Party on Foreshore and Seabed Act.
DAVID CARTER, agriculture - 5/10
Not making a great impact one way or the other.
MURRAY MCCULLY, foreign affairs - 7/10
Forte has been in Pacific where he put in hard yards in Opposition. Was set to make a strong effort to engage with Fiji - but missed the bus and Suva expelled a second NZ diplomat.
TIM GROSER, trade, conservation - 7/10
Very able, very active but mostly in wash-up from last Govt. Green light for a free trade agreement with India and proposed FTA with South Korea will be his test. Yet to make any impact in Conservation.
WAYNE MAPP, defence - 5/10
No impact yet but hardly his fault given that the white paper policy review is yet to begin.
STEVEN JOYCE, transport - 7/10
Competent start, especially as political novice. Broadband-plan politics will really test him in coming weeks. Ably filled in for Finance Minister in House last week.
GEORGINA TE HEUHEU, courts, Pacific Island affairs, associate Maori affairs - 6/10
Valued for her loyalty in sticking with National for better or worse. Backroom liaison work with Maori Party important role now.
PAULA BENNETT, social development - 7/10
Breaking up teenage fights makes her a big hit with the public but has yet to show she is a match for one of the biggest jobs in Cabinet, giving direction to social policy.
PHIL HEATLEY, housing - 7/10
Has so far presided over only good news for the state housing stock and its tenants with upgrades, insulation and more stock.
PANSY WONG, women's affairs, ethnic affairs - 5/10
Undermined in Women's Affairs before she has even begun by Government's ditching pay-equity inquiries.
JONATHAN COLEMAN, immigration, broadcasting - 6/10
Hard work has been done in Immigration with the bipartisan rewrite of the act under last Govt. The bigger challenge will be in broadcasting. Will he let TVNZ forgo its dividend?
KATE WILKINSON, labour - 6/10
Shattered the National party stereotype with an increase in the minimum wage but botched up answers about it in the House.
