Transtasman Political Letter – August 14 Digest

August 14, 2008
Gap between Labour and National narrowing, but Nats still well ahead...Renewed speculation on when the only poll which really counts will be held...Playing Hide to Peters’ Jekyll...Exporter getting currency relief as the dollar’s downward slide begins...Michael Cullen says NZ is at a critical crossroads...And Parker sees vital role for gas, despite Govt moratorium on thermal stations.

Secret Tapes - Polls To Measure Depth Of National’s Wound

The depths of the wound inflicted on National by the so-called “secret tapes” are being measured this week by pollsters out in the field.

Peters Punching Below His Weight

NZ First, under attack for the lack of transparency in its funding, suffered another blow this week, when an opinion poll in Tauranga showed leader Winston Peters so far behind the National candidate there is little chance of him regaining the seat.

Labour Sense Of Electoral Belief Strengthening

Labour, inching up towards the mid-thirties in the polls, sees itself tracking into the race, and capable of coming off the back mark.
Falling Dollar Gives Relief At Last For Exporters

NZ exporters are getting long awaited relief from the exchange rate, as the NZ dollar this week touched an 11-month low against the greenback.
CAPITAL TALK
United Future obviously thinks it’s time to be noticed - leader Peter Dunne lashed out at Labour and National this week, accusing them of betraying public trust, pandering to trendy causes and being indifferent to those in need. Dunne, with his eye on the election, says the nation needs UF to bring them to their senses.

Play Of The Week: Telling Whose Stories?

After a week in which Labour got its campaign themes dominating the news - through a Labour sympathiser acting as an agent provocateur and taping National MPs - a lull descended over the capital. The Olympics may have had something to do with it.

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