Philosopher- turned-politician Jamie Whyte took over the leadership of the Act Party only in February this year. In the third of the Herald's Hot Seat series ahead of the election in September he talks in a wide-ranging interview with NewstalkZB host Rachel Smalley, Herald columnists Toby Manhire and Fran O'Sulliva, and political editor Audrey Young. [The interview was conducted on August 8].

Prime Minister John Key responds to the release of journalist Nicky Hager's book, Dirty Politics, saying "he should knock his socks off and release anything he wants and if he continues to do that he'll continue to demonstrate to New Zealanders that he's politically-motivated with a very left-wing conspiracy agenda."

Conservative leader Colin Craig is interviewed by NewstalkZB host Rachel Smalley, New Zealand Herald columnists Fran O’Sullivan and Toby Manhire, and Herald political editor Audrey Young.

Conservative leader Colin Craig is interviewed by NewstalkZB host Rachel Smalley, New Zealand Herald columnists Fran O’Sullivan and Toby Manhire, and Herald political editor Audrey Young.

Journalist and author of Dirty Politics, Nicky Hager says "When you read the book you're going to find chapter after chapter of remarkable things that him (John Key) as leader of the party... he's got a lot to answer for."

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has released his book Dirty Politics, which features leaked emails between National Party figures and right-wing bloggers.

Interview with Internet Mana leader Hone Harawira and Internet Party leader Laila Harre with NewstalkZB host Rachel Smalley, New Zealand Herald columnists Fran O’Sullivan and Toby Manhire, and Herald political editor Audrey Young.

Interview with Internet Mana leader Hone Harawira and Internet Party leader Laila Harre with NewstalkZB host Rachel Smalley, New Zealand Herald columnists Fran O’Sullivan and Toby Manhire, and Herald political editor Audrey Young.

Labour leader David Cunliffe answers questions on the campaign trail in Wellington.

Prime Minister John Key is rejecting claims the Government is too soft on Israel and should expel the Israeli Ambassador, as violence continues in Gaza and another United Nations-run school is shelled.

The FBI's second in command dropped in on Attorney General Chris Finlayson for a cup of tea this morning but Mr Finlayson is refusing to say whether Kim Dotcom and the bureau's extradition case against him was discussed. Mr Finlayson this afternoon confirmed he received a visit from Mark Giuliano who is deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) this morning.

A $2-an-hour boost to the minimum wage, scrapping the 90-day work trial, and a Commission of Inquiry to set industry standards are part of the Labour Party's work and wages policy, launched today.

Prime Minister John Key has confirmed National will not pull its candidate in East Coast Bays to give Conservative leader Colin Craig a clear run and ruled out any last minute change of mind, even if it could cost National a third term in Government. Mr Key formally announced National's proposed electorate deals today, although they were already well signalled in advance.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee and two of his staff deliberately bypassed airport security at Christchurch airport this morning. He offered his resignation as Transport Minister, but that was swiftly rejected by the PM.

Co-leader Metiria Turei announced the key election social policy this morning, aimed to ensure "that every child has enough to thrive".

Labour leader David Cunliffe says the party will fund an extra 2000 teachers under its policy to reduce primary class sizes to 26 students by 2016, if elected. Video / Mark Mitchell

He voiced strong support for Mr Cunliffe, saying he was "a passionate advocate" for education for New Zealanders.

Labour leader David Cunliffe says he's sorry that he's a man because men commit the most family violence but Prime Minister John Key said his comments were insulting to New Zealand men.

John Key discusses Colin Craig and working with the Conservatives.

Prime Minister John Key spoke more on Donghua Liu's donations to the Labour Party today. Video / Mark Mitchell

US Secretary of State John Kerry says he knows New Zealand stands with America on Iraq - and he doesn't need to ask to know that. He used his long-scheduled press conference with Mr Key to comment on Iraq after President Barack Obama announced that up to 300 US military personnel would be dispatched as advisers to the Iraq Government and have not ruled out "targeted action" - air strikes.

David Cunliffe has questioned how Prime Minister John Key knew about a letter Mr Cunliffe wrote for Donghua Liu weeks before it was received and released by the media.

Sue Bradford, one of Mana's founding members talks to New Zealand Herald's Adam Bennett about Hone Harawira's Mana Party signing an election year deal with Kim Dotcom's Internet Party - prompting the senior Mana member to quit.

Laila Harré brought political polish and signs of a coherent policy platform to the official announcement of her leadership of the fledgling Internet Party.

Finance minister Bill English today put answers to the questions that were asked after his Budget 2014 announcement.

Prime Minister John Key says Thursday's Budget is a return to surplus.

John Key speaks on Shane Taurima's potential as a leader in the Labour party.

Prime Minister John Key today condemned the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants.

Mr Williamson today resigned his ministerial portfolios after the Herald revealed he phoned a senior police officer about the criminal charges that Liu was facing. Prime Minister John Key said today Mr Williamson "crossed the line", despite assuring him that he did not intend to influence the prosecution.

National MP Maurice Williamson crossed the line in making a phone call to police over the case of a wealthy businessman, Prime Minister John Key says. Mr Williamson told a senior police officer that the businessman, Donghua Liu, who was facing domestic assault charges, was "investing a lot of money in New Zealand" and urged police to be on "solid ground", according to internal police emails.