Transtasman Political Letter – 2nd March Digest

2nd March 2006

Clark sticks by her Minister, but is her defence weakening as the B-P collateral damage begins to deepen
... Cullen warns restraint is his budgetary watchword and fires a shot to counter doomsayers
... Nats upbeat as they look more like an alternative Govt
... Air NZ is hurt by competition on long-haul routes
... and NZ pushes hard for more Free Trade Agreements - this time its Malaysia as the target.

Benson-Pope Hangs On But For How Long?

Credibility shattered, David Benson-Pope holds on to his Cabinet place by a very thin rope. How much more collateral damage can the Labour Party absorb?

Nats Press Home The Attack

The National Opposition is looking more like an alternative Govt than at any time in the last 6 years. Reports from within the Caucus indicate it is now focused more on strategy, and there are signs of genuine teamwork emerging.

Govt Calls For Restraint, Puts Razor Gang To Work

The Govt argued during the election campaign there was no “fat” in Govt spending in order, at least to afford tax cuts, but now it is reviewing spending across Govt Depts and agencies, ostensibly to “seek out inefficiencies.”

Another Cullen Bid To Raise NZ Savings Levels

Legislation for the Govt’s workplace savings scheme KiwiSaver was tabled in Parliament this week, to mixed reviews.

CAPITAL TALK

Brook Barrington who has been Helen Clark’s eyes and ears on foreign policy is to be NZ’s ambassador in Thailand.

Play of the Week - The Dog Ate My Memory

Being a pupil of David Benson-Pope’s must, in one way at least, have been a breeze. Excuses such as “the dog ate my homework” would have been accepted without a murmur.

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