Christie: A Debate Full of Race-Baiting

I watched TVNZ News on Thursday 28 September. (I did this so that you didn’t have to) and, honestly, it was a disgrace. According to the radio during the day, Hipkins had clearly won the second Leaders’ Debate the previous evening (Wednesday), and the knives of the oh-so-biased media were well and truly out.

I watched the last half hour of the debate. OK, I am a political tragic, and it was lucky that I was enjoying very civilised company earlier in the evening, otherwise I would have watched all 90 minutes of it. I doubt that I missed much, however.

Peter Wilson: The Week in Politics - Luxon likely to get what he doesn't want

Christopher Luxon's announcement that he'll work with Winston Peters after the election if he has to boosts NZ First's chances of getting back into Parliament; the latest polls show a three-way coalition is a likely outcome; and Chris Hipkins comes blasting back in the second leaders' debate.

National leader Christopher Luxon's announcement on Monday that he would work with NZ First after the election, if he had to, changed the dynamics of the campaign.

Kerre Woodham: Did last night's debate change anything for voters?

Last night's leaders' debate was vastly more entertaining than the first one.

Was it a debate? Well, Sister Philippa, my old debating coach at Sacred Heart Girls College, wouldn't have seen it as a debate per say. I think it was more of a bit of infotainment.

Mike Hosking: A much livelier debate

I think most people would agree with the winner, wouldn't they?

Andrew Webster deserved the Dally M Coach of the Year.

But back here we seemed to call it for Chris Hipkins.

Peter Dunne: Decline in Labour's support

Chris Hipkins demonstrated enthusiasm borne of desperation in the second leaders' debate this week. After his lack lustre performance in the first debate and on the campaign trail generally, he needed to. But it is still unlikely to be enough to reverse Labour's declining fortunes.

What was notable about Hipkins' performance was his focus on National's policies and record when last in office, rather than his government's achievements or plans for a further term in office. It looked an implicit recognition that a change of government is likely, a quite remarkable concession from an incumbent Prime Minister.