Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

National's claims voters could be forced into a second election has been met with backlash from commentators.

The party's expressed concern over not striking a coalition deal with NZ First and warned Kiwis may be required to vote again.

NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan has labelled this threat 'gauche' and says National has no reason to scare people into voting.

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Fonterra's luck seems to have turned around, as they announced a positive revised forecast.

The dairy co-op has lifts its farmgate milk price- with the midpoint up 50 cents, to $7.25 per kilogram of milk solids.

Dairy Insights Consultant Stuart Davison says stronger demand from China is the driving force behind this outlook- but it's unclear how sustainable this demand is.

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Australians appear increasingly likely to reject the creation of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament ahead of the referendum.

The latest wave of opinion polls show a majority of respondents are opposed to enshrining an Indigenous advocacy role in Australia’s constitution.

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says younger voters haven't been given a proper explanation regarding the purpose of the referendum- and Anthony Albanese hasn't clarified further all year.

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The All Blacks' training has intensified as the team prepares to meet rugby's number one side Ireland in a quarter-final on Sunday morning.

Ireland have made the quarter-finals in eight of the nine World Cups, but have never advanced beyond the last eight.

The competition is strong- but Sportstalk's Jason Pine predicts the All Blacks will come out on top.

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Labour's Grant Robertson has labelled National's threat of a second election a 'panic move'.

National leader Chris Luxon has warned of the possibility of an election do-over if NZ First is needed to form a Government.

Robertson says this threat is a 'ridiculous situation' that National leaned into out of fear.

"It's a completely ridiculous situation, it looks very panicky, very unstable. But that's their problem and that's what voters will judge them on." 

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More pressure on Pharmac boss Sarah Fitt to resign.

The Board Chair has met face to face with the Senior Leadership Team today over inappropriate emails sent about journalist Rachel Smalley.

The chair instructed them to identify what can be done to prevent a situation like this from happening again.

Two cancer patients have written an open letter asking for her resignation.

Signatory Geoff Dawson says he felt like the mocking comments towards Smalley indicate a bigger problem.

"It's the culture that creates that situation, then it's a spoilt culture. As Albert Einstein once said- you can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it."

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The death of ACT's Port Waikato candidate Neil Christensen will trigger a by-election.

The Electoral Commission says party votes in the electorate will count for Saturday's election- but those for a Member of Parliament won't.

Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne says this has a flow-on effect.

He says once the by-election is run and we know who the successful candidate is- that will result in 121 MPs.

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New Zealand First's leader won't say how long it could take for them to strike a coalition deal if they hold the balance of power following the election.

National has sparked fears there could be a long negotiation period if they can't form a Government with ACT alone.

Winston Peters says they have a responsibility to deliver a strong, stable Government.

"The reality is, if it takes time to get it right - say, it takes 12 days - well, that'll be fine."

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Israelis are questioning how Palestinian militant group, Hamas, breached the border from Gaza to attack Israel.

More than 1100 Israelis and Palestinians have died since the surprise attack and at least 100 Israeli citizens have been taken hostage.

Israeli tanks have moved along the border of neighbouring country, Lebanon, launching retaliatory strikes.

Newshub correspondent Lisette Reymer, reporting from Tel Aviv, says this conflict has 'shattered' any sense of peace in the region.

"Everybody now has learned to run to the bomb shelters, to really pay attention to those air raid sirens, where the average Israeli has not done that and does not usually encounter air raid sirens."

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Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 

This week the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper.

Our expert panel discusses National’s warning that if it can’t get a suitable deal with New Zealand First and Winston Peters – it may lead to a second election.

They also chat about Act’s sizeable drop in the polls – and what’s leading driving their numbers down.

The experts dissect the electorates to watch - and chat both Sir John Key and Helen Clark getting involved in the campaign.

Plus, each will reveal their favourite policy of the campaign – and give their election night prediction.

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