Transtasman Political Letter – 13 December Digest

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Govt ending year on a downer...
Nats correspondingly chipper...
Ministers under strain, why doesn’t Trevor just pull the plug?...
Economy could grow another leg in 2008...
Govt in a “frenzy” of activity on Treaty claims...
But why are Maori holding up action on water as NZ dries up...
Govt aims to “clean up” Capital Coast Health...
Clark tugs Rudd’s ear on Kiwi issues...
And will Toll fold under Govt pressure?

Govt Gets A Bad Case Of Third Term-Itis

The Govt is finishing the year in worse shape than many analysts expected. Key Ministers like Steve Maharey pulled the plug, others like Trevor Mallard were self-destructing.

Tough Year For Most: But Is Better Ahead?

NZ has had a tough year: households face a squeeze on their budgets from rising mortgage rates, higher food costs, and hefty fuel Bills; exporters have been punished by a high exchange rate; and farmers had to cope not just with the currency, floods and drought, but poor markets for meat and wool. All without any tax relief.

Clark Gets Rudd’s Ear - New Aust Govt A Matter Of Priority

Helen Clark seized the moment to gain the ear of new Aust PM Kevin Rudd at the weekend, dropping other plans in order to fly to Brisbane for a session of vital importance to trans-Tasman relations.

Ministers Suffering Under Pre-Election Strain

With Trevor Mallard’s political career self-destructing before our eyes, Michael Cullen shouting “rich prick” across the floor of the House at John Key, and David Cunliffe hobbling on a broken foot to symbolise everyday health risks, the Govt, (or at least key elements of it), is finishing the year in poor shape.

CAPITAL TALK

Communications Minister David Cunliffe has appointed two people to head organisations which are his pet projects, as he works to develop the ICT digital sector.

Play Of The Week: Time For A Chill Pill

In one sense at least 2007 was politically an improvement on the past two years. There was less of the personal nastiness – it didn’t go away, but the level was turned down a notch.

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