Labour MP David Cunliffe returned from a five-week trip around Europe like some new-age Arnie, fizzing at the bung with his dimpled chin as smooth as a baby's bottom.

Claire Trevett looks at how the leaders of National and New Zealand First are drawing inspiration for their squabbling exchanges from the Muppets.

It was refreshing to find out this week that NZ was "an isolated island to the east of Australia".