Both major parties have had a revolving door of leaders. What is it about modern politics that makes the job so challenging – and are others doing any better?
- Research Associate, Public Policy Institute, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Whatever the outcome at today’s caucus meeting, Christopher Luxon has been found wanting as a political leader. But so has Labour’s Chris Hipkins.
The UK leader’s resignation speaks to the challenges facing centre-left parties as they struggle to hold together increasingly diverse voters.
National hasn’t achieved two of its three big fiscal policy promises from the previous election. Thursday’s budget will be a hard sell.
The report will inevitably be politicised. But it serves a useful function by airing grievances that will reemerge during any future public-health emergency.
Voters can expect a lot of political polling in the lead-up to NZ’s general election in November. It’s important to know what the numbers can and can’t reveal.
A single, overarching, publicly-approved written constitution could allay fears of giving governments longer terms. But NZ tends to shy away from such bold reform.
Her new book weaves an authentically retold personal story with high political drama. But Ardern misses an opportunity to reflect more deeply on her time in power.
The ‘Trump effect’ has influenced elections in Canada and Australia. But the New Zealand left can’t bank on the same thing happening here.
As he prepares to blow out 80 candles this Friday, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters continues to defy political gravity.
The Leadership Capital Index measures political performance in ten areas. It shows both major party leaders struggling for traction. See if you agree – and have your say.
Political scientists Grant Duncan, talks to The Conversation Weekly podcast about what political trust means and how to rebuild it.
Political trust is paradoxical. No one should be entrusted with power without conditions.
With voter confidence already low, the National-led coalition will have difficulty fulfilling pre-election promises while delivering a prudent budget in May.
A referendum on changing New Zealand’s parliamentary term to four years would be the third such exercise in under 60 years. Why would the outcome be any different this time?
Thursday’s ‘orthodox no-frills budget’ sounds like Labour is switching from Ecostore to Kmart: never mind your wellbeing, this is about Labour’s political survival.
As she prepares to deliver of her valedictory statement to parliament, Jacinda Ardern will be remembered as an outstanding prime minister – though perhaps not for reasons of her own choosing.
The sacking of senior public servant Rob Campbell and questions about the neutrality of others are a reminder of the line between robust policy debate and perceived partisanship.
Recent political polls in New Zealand and elsewhere have consistently failed to reflect eventual outcomes. Voters and pundits alike should avoid reading them too literally.
An outbreak of ‘Chris-mania’ seems unlikely, but maybe taking personality and heat out of the mix will benefit Labour in election year.
Ardern’s resignation will come as a shock to many, given the international reputation she earned over the past five years. But it’s less of a surprise for close watchers of NZ politics.
The 2023 general election is already shaping up as an MMP classic. Add the All Blacks’ World Cup fortunes to the mix and the only thing to expect is the unexpected.
New Zealand’s largest city is governed by a small, remote body with only a semblance of representative democracy. Given the city’s massive challenges, is that good enough?
Anxious not to be easy targets for their pro-business opponents, labour parties everywhere now run on a ‘thin ideological platform’. Anthony Albanese’s ALP is no exception.
Managing the competing demands of a pandemic inevitably erodes Jacinda Ardern’s political brand – but changes to Labour’s leadership rules don’t necessarily signal the end of an era.
Contact Grant for
- General
- Media request
- Speaking request
- Consulting / Advising
- Research collaboration
- Research supervision
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Website
- X (formerly Twitter): @grant_phd
- YouTube: @grantduncan9423
- Article Feed
- Joined
