NZ First underdog back on track
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters struck his best form of the election campaign yesterday, a master stroke that has worked so well in the past.
Taking the pulse
No sign of Labour on Taranaki-King Country drive
No sign of Labour on Taranaki-King Country drive
It was easy to get distracted on the journey through the vast Taranaki-King Country electorate yesterday in the pursuit of the heartbeat of the 2011 election campaign.
Punt on Peters not so pointless as NZ First makes poll progress
Punt on Peters not so pointless as NZ First makes poll progress
It must be an election campaign when you walk into a crowded dining room at the Canterbury Jockey Club on Saturday and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters catches your eye with a hearty wave.
Last days: Labour, National taking it to the streets
Last days: Labour, National taking it to the streets
National Party leader John Key showed yesterday he is a fast learner when he set off early from Auckland on a campaign tour that stretched from Auckland, Napier, Taupo, Nelson and Christchurch before heading back to Auckland.
Greens keen to offer 'tired' Labour some refreshment
Greens keen to offer 'tired' Labour some refreshment
Travelling by rail was the obvious choice to make when deciding to meet Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons for lunch in Auckland yesterday.
Leaders miss opportunities on race day
Leaders miss opportunities on race day
Hats, handbags, high heels and of course horses were dominant features at the Ellerslie race meeting yesterday, when Taking the Pulse made a visit to the birdcage and beyond.
Vote battle backlash felt in Botany
Vote battle backlash felt in Botany
get Wang + Wong.
Leaders campaign to cultivate friends rich and poor
Leaders campaign to cultivate friends rich and poor
The campaign trail in Auckland during the weekend was one of contrasts.
No-one has a bad word to say about Burton
No-one has a bad word to say about Burton
Labour MP Mark Burton is one of Parliament's nice guys, always friendly and with a ready smile.
Tauranga backlash could sink Peters
Tauranga backlash could sink Peters
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters faces a voter backlash in Tauranga that could prove terminal unless his party squeaks across the 5% threshold and he can return to Parliament through the party vote.
All for change in gumboot territory
All for change in gumboot territory
Missing National Gumboot Day in Taihape was an election campaign disappointment.
Sniffing deeply in Martinborough
Sniffing deeply in Martinborough
The Muirlea Rise winemaker in Martinborough was positively rude about Central Otago pinot noir when Taking the Pulse called to taste his hand-crafted wines.
Wellingtonians up with the play of politics
Wellingtonians up with the play of politics
Labour Day in Wellington proved to be one right out of the box.
Whatever is Key to do with Hide
Whatever is Key to do with Hide
There was little surprise in Wellington yesterday when National Party leader John Key and United Future leader Peter Dunne shook hands and agreed to do a deal after the election.
Forget about the fancy frills; tell people about saving their jobs
Forget about the fancy frills; tell people about saving their jobs
Memo to the MPs and those wanting to become MPs: Forget about the fancy frills around campaigning and get to areas like the Hutt Valley and tell people how you are going to save their jobs.
National sets agenda, despite some hiccups
National sets agenda, despite some hiccups
One of the best things about being on the road during an election campaign is being able to approach total strangers and ask them questions about things they might be thinking about as voting day approaches.
Turbulent times in capital city
Turbulent times in capital city
There is a distinctly different feel in the capital now the election campaign is under way.
Taking the pulse of the nation
Taking the pulse of the nation
The ODT moves to the North Island today with a focus on talking to voters about their concerns leading up to the election.
After the preliminaries, gloves will be off
After the preliminaries, gloves will be off
It is time for a reality check on the election campaign.
Private chance to test campaign effect
Private chance to test campaign effect
A party on Saturday night to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of some friends gave a good opportunity to test the water about the election in an atmosphere not clouded by political rhetoric.