RNZ's The Detail with a very free and frank assessment of the current state of the play with National and Luxon. A sample:

For Newsroom founder Tim Murphy, associate editor Sam Sachdeva, and senior political journalist Marc Daalder, there is little doubt about the state of New Zealand politics right now. 

"In one word, and with apologies to Armando Iannucci, I would say 'omnishambles'," says Sachdeva.

Daalder is even more blunt: "It's a bit of a shitshow."

And Murphy? "I'd say 'clusterf***".

It's a remarkable assessment of a government just 12 weeks out from an election.
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For Newsroom founder Tim Murphy, associate editor Sam Sachdeva, and senior political journalist Marc Daalder, there is little doubt about the state of New Zealand politics right now. "In one word, and with apologies to Armando Iannucci, I would say 'omnishambles'," says Sachdeva. Daalder is even more blunt: "It's a bit of a shitshow." And Murphy? "I'd say 'clusterf***". It's a remarkable assessment of a government just 12 weeks out from an election.

4 comments — live from bluesky

Simon O'Neill · 1 · 1d ago
I wish they wouldn't hold back like this....
nzjanette · 1 · 1d ago
Yeah, they need to tell us how they really feel.
Bill Bennett · 1 · 1d ago
They are not wrong.
nzjanette · 1 · 1d ago
Yep. They’re bang on.
Nick Hall · 1 · 1d ago
But despite all this, I can’t shake the feeling that they will still be the government after the election
nzjanette · 0 · 1d ago
Yes. Me too. I'm trying to be positive, but I'm worried.
nzjanette · 18 · 1d ago
Here's the article. It's good to see some sharp observations about what's going on. They point out that Luxon probably lacks the self-awareness to quit, that the National caucus is deeply divided and Penk didn't act alone, and that Winston Peters's position as kingmaker is under threat. #nzpol