Despite John Key's claim that such antics are commonplace in by-elections, they are not, writes Claire Trevett. It is more traditional to emphasise how policies already under way will benefit the electorate in question, rather than promise new things.
Yesterday's announcement is classic pork-barrelling, writes John Armstrong. It indicates National is seriously worried that Winston Peters may well carry off a victory.
Prime Minister John Key is unapologetic about rolling out multi-million-dollar promises during the Northland byelection.
MPs will pass a law under urgency on Wednesday to cut their latest hefty pay rise and to index future increases against the same measure that is used for superannuation rises.
The National Party has promised to upgrade 10 one-way bridges in Northland as part of its byelection campaign.
Labour leader Andrew Little has given supporters a hint that they can vote for Winston Peters in Northland, but he rejects any comparisons to National's 'dirty deals' in Epsom.
National is scrambling all jets to bolster Northland byelection candidate Mark Osborne as polling shows Winston Peters has a chance of taking the traditionally safe Nats seat.
The first poll of the Northland byelection shows NZ First leader Winston Peters has taken an early lead.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges wants to increase the use of electric and hybrid cars in new Zealand
The self-appointed Pied Piper of the North, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, has the words "Follow Me" on the back of his campaign bus.
A move to rein in politicians' pay doesn't give moral authority to the Government in upcoming pay negotiations, public sector representatives say.
New Labour MP Stuart Nash was bankrolled to the tune of $4000 a month by political backers for more than a year leading up to last year's general election.
Exclusive: Flaws in the management of New Zealand's spy networks have been exposed, including problems getting intelligence material to the Prime Minister.
80% of donations to National candidates were channelled through party headquarters.
Analysis of election candidate donations has shown a wide variety of businesses are willing to open their wallets for politicians.
Peter Dunne says he would look at revisiting his post-election concessions from the National Party if New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wins the Northland byelection.
David Cunliffe says National’s chickens are coming home to roost after revelations Donghua Liu donated $25k to a National MP and hosted John Key for dinner.
Political parties are “under no obligation” to provide details of fundraising dinners, Prime Minister John Key says.
Auckland councillor and National Party member Linda Cooper has apologised after she called a man a "judgmental little c**k" on the Pride parade Facebook page.
Lawyers for the US rapper will have their day in court over use of his song in a National election ad, which the party's campaign manager thought was 'pretty legal'.
Ex-National MP Tau Henare has been fined $1200 for breaching a high-profile name suppression order online.
The Prime Minister had to be shielded by the linked arms of police officers from a group of shouting and shoving protesters when he arrived for a National function.
A National Party gathering in Auckland has been hijacked by protesters this afternoon, with police removing at least two people that infiltrated the building.
How corrupt is the Government’s SkyCity convention centre deal? asks Bryce Edwards.
Andrew Little appears to have been blessed by the gods of timing, writes Claire Trevett. Hot on the tails of Mike Sabin's resignation came the revelation SkyCity wanted a bit of taxpayer cash.
Police Minister Michael Woodhouse is continuing to stonewall over what he knew about police inquiries into former MP Mike Sabin, saying he can not comment on it.
The publisher of United States’ rap star Eminem is taking the National Party to court, with a hearing set down for next week.
Labour leader Andrew Little has watered down his Waitangi Day comments about exploring greater Maori self-governance.
Michael Woodhouse again refused to confirm whether he was briefed by Police about Mike Sabin, but says he's "absolutely" confident he handled the situation properly.
Prime Minister John Key says Andrew Little's comments at Waitangi on Maori sovereignty were advancing "separatism."
Prime Minister John Key has rejected claims by Andrew Little that he was "a liar" over when he was first told about the personal issues relating to former National MP Mike Sabin.
Gareth Morgan says the National Party a decade ago was "harsh and intolerant" - but not many people turn up to hear him speak.
Labour leader Andrew Little has said John Key is lying about when he first knew of allegations concerning former MP Mike Sabin.