Kerre Woodham: Why did they wait til now to train more doctors?

Now the National Party announced some weeks ago that should it become Government, a new medical school will be established at Waikato University. They've also said they'd add another 50 placements in Otago and Auckland from 2025.

Now Labour, in the midst of an unprecedented senior specialist strike, has woken up to the fact that we're short of doctors. Who knew? And has announced an extra 95 doctors will be accepted for training at Otago and Auckland in 2025 should they become Government.

Mike Hosking: Right, the campaign is officially underway

I suppose, officially, it's all underway.

Parliament has finished and the two major parties have kicked off their campaigns.

So far it is sooo depressing.

Francesca Rudkin: Here's one thing I don't love about elections

So we are off and running. After saying I felt political parties have been in campaign mode since the beginning of the year, they officially are now Parliament has adjourned.

I enjoy a general election.

I like the banter, the contest of ideas, the showmanship, and how politics and politicians come to the people. It’s a bit more exciting than watching Parliamentary TV on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. It’s also a bit silly. On Thursday evening driving into Auckland CBD I sat at a large intersection where 15 National supporters were enthusiastically waving signs.