Whatever the truth about what Nick Smith said, his utterances lay bare what seems to be a long-term strategy - to get all sorts of organisations to pull their necks in and get with the programme, writes Dita De Boni.
Last time I wrote in this esteemed organ, I proffered an idea or two as to why Labour wasn't exactly breathing down National's neck, writes Mike Hosking.
MPs have headed off on the campaign trail with one last blast at their rivals.
Labour leader David Cunliffe said he isn't concerned by Winston Peters' comments that he wouldn't work with the Mana Party.
Labour leader David Cunliffe has denied he has double standards for refusing to rule out relying on Internet Mana despite deriding National for its coat tailing deals.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith says he has "heeded the Prime Minister's advice" and backed down on a legal threat against an environmental advocate.
New Zealand First appears to loom large in National's plan to secure a third term in Government.
Prime Minister John Key says Conservation Minister Nick Smith would be "silly" to take legal action against an environmental advocate who accused him of political interference.
John Key has confirmed National will not pull a candidate to give Colin Craig a clear run and ruled out any last minute change, even if it could cost National a third term.
Eight weeks out from the election, Labour's new spending promises are running streets ahead of National's.
National Party president Peter Goodfellow says the low number of women standing for National this election is partly because of the democratic process.
National has sent a clear signal it will do a deal in the Ohariu and Epsom electorates.
You might well think Steven Joyce and stand-up comedy would be mutually exclusive. But you would be wrong, writes John Armstrong.
As we draw closer to the election, again to be contested under New Zealand's proportional electoral system, here is a crib sheet: the state of the parties with 57 days to go.
The Labour Party's leader need make no apologies for taking a holiday with his family last week. The Prime Minister was doing the same
Outgoing National MP Claudette Hauiti admits using her parliamentary charge card to buy petrol for her personal car in a further breach of the rules on card use.
Politicians come and politicians go. Some are loved, some are ridiculed, some are despised. Claire Trevett looks at two who will leave this week, respected.
Courts Minister Chester Borrows admits he is embarrassed after being fined $80 for speeding.
National list MP Claudette Hauiti is leaving politics after being told she would not get a good enough list ranking to make it back to Parliament.
Labour leader David Cunliffe says he would not have gone on his skiing holiday had he known how bad the polls were for Labour at the time.
National list MP Claudette Hauiti - who recently returned her parliamentary credit card she'd used for a overseas trip - is calling time on her political career.
Retiring National MP Tau Henare fondly remembers accusing the Duke of Edinburgh of not doing anything and inviting the French Prime Minister to Apec - France is not a member.
David Cunliffe says any MP concerned with his ski-break timing should have the 'integrity' to put their name to criticism, instead of remaining anonymous.
Labour's support has slumped to its worst rating for 15 years in the latest DigiPoll survey, putting critical pressure on leader David Cunliffe.
A new political poll shows support for National has dropped slightly, but the party still has a massive 30 point lead over Labour.
National MP Claudette Hauiti has apologised for a "big boo-boo" and given up her parliamentary charge card, which she misused to pay for a holiday.
Goodbye whacky Greens; hello orthodox Greens. So moderate and non-threatening is the Greens' policy on "economic innovation" it could almost have been written by Bill English.
National Party MP Claudette Hauiti has given up her parliamentary charge card after she used it to pay for a personal trip to Australia.
National and Labour policies on domestic violence are still not enough to achieve the "culture shift" that New Zealand needs, says philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn.
Leaving the country in the hands of deputy Bill English, Prime Minister John Key took a holiday "selfie", posted on Instagram yesterday by son Max.
Aucklanders are told something has to go if the mayor is to keep rates from rising beyond his election promise. Aucklanders should not listen to this, writes John Roughan.
With only 71 days to the election, Prime Minister John Key is taking an extended overseas holiday, thought to be at his bolt-hole on the Hawaiian island of Maui.