The Mana Party and the Maori Party did not fare well in the recent Ikaroa-Rawhiti by-election, coming second and third. Should they seriously consider joining forces?

The Nationals are courting Peter Dunne and Winston Peters as they try to get the GCSB bill over the line. Meanwhile they have done a U-turn on the Auckland rail loop.

Elected representatives enjoying corporate hospitality is a contentious issue as four labour MP's found recently.

The anti-fluoride movement has been victorious in convincing the Hamilton council to have a fluoride-free water supply. Wellington is their next target.

The gloves are off in the long run up to the next election. The name calling has started. Maybe it's time The Greens lost their 'nice' image, join the fray and engage in a bit of biffo?

Two executives, one from Fonterra and one from Sanitarium, meet at a low decile school as the milk and Weetbix arrive for 'the kiddies'.

The National Government seems to rate the paying of family carers of the disabled as a low priority -- a 'nice to have'. And it doesn't appreciate being legally challenged on its decisions.

Sky City Casino gets a couple of hundred new pokie machines and some black-jack tables in exchange for a new international convention centre. Sounds cheap, but what will be the real cost of this 35-year deal?

An inebriated low-ranked National List MP makes a fool of himself and trouble for John Key by throwing his inconsiderable weight around in a restaurant and threatening the waiter.

The Nationals are being accused of cronyism with their appointment of certain people from other fields to high level public service positions - squash champion Susan Devoy is now the Race Relations Commissioner.