Latest from NZ National Party

Colin Craig targets anti-smacking law

Colin Craig says repealing the anti-smacking law will be a condition of his support for a National-led Government, after confirming he smacked his own child.

Colin Craig: I smack my child

Conservative Party leader Colin Craig says he doesn't expect any backlash from his admission this morning that he still smacks his own child.

'I've learned the hard way'

Conservative leader Colin Craig is confident he can change people's minds about him, after a Herald poll found a third of respondents believed he was too extreme.

Costs cut into crime profits cash

Government's coffers end up with $12 million from $33 million worth of assets ordered seized by judges.

Bennett: Sip It Sweetie

Irreverent Cabinet Minister Paula Bennett has produced her own pink wine label on a chardonnay this Christmas called "Sip It Sweetie".

National MP ousted by his own party

National's sitting MP in Kaikoura, Colin King, was ousted by his own party last night after a challenge from a local farmer at a selection meeting.

John Armstrong: Cutting tax tempting for National

To suddenly talk about tax cuts would send a very mixed message about the need for continued restraint in government spending, writes John Armstrong.

MP quits Parliament for funeral sector

National list MP Katrina Shanks will resign from Parliament in the New Year to work as chief executive of the Funeral Directors' Association.

MPs' loophole 'stings taxpayers'

A lobby group believes a loophole exposed by the Herald of MPs non-disclosure of properties held in superannuation schemes is 'stinging taxpayers in the pocket'.

How the property data was discovered

The <i>Herald</i>'s research into politicians' property holdings for this week's three-part series is the biggest data journalism project in New Zealand.

Editorial: Retiring Nats steal march on opponents

In any walk of life, ongoing renewal is critical. Any sports team, business or political party, however successful, risks being viewed as stale if it ignores this necessity for too long.

Claire Trevett: Party pruning begins but Labour men cling on

Spring has sprung and with it a focus on renewal among political parties, writes Claire Trevett. National MPs are obediently acting like deciduous trees.

How Key lost home loans bid

John Key has admitted he had to be persuaded to back off his bid to press the Reserve Bank into exempting first-home buyers from the banks' new loan rules.

English to give up Clutha seat

Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English is to give up his Clutha-Southland seat at the next election and stand as a list candidate.

Key: Conservative Party a possible coalition partner

John Armstrong: Key comes out firing to show who's boss

Has the political landscape really changed during the time shift from BC (Before Cunliffe) to AD (After David)?