The Front Bench podcast: national struggles as Act rises in polls

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will address the main talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper, former Act Party press secretary Trish Sherson and former Labor Minister Chris Carter have the floor and internal analysis.

With National still fighting around 30 percent in the polls, is the party on a death spiral? At the same time, David Seymour’s Act Party has seen a stellar surge in support, but how much more can it boost the vote before October 17?

All eyes this week are on the second leaders’ debate on Wednesday. Last week, national leader Judith Collins was widely applauded for shedding her likable personality and bringing Crusher back against Labor leader Jacinda Ardern in the debate. Collins has completely changed her electoral strategy, so is it working for her?

Labor has committed to working with Rio Tinto to keep the Tiwai Smelter open for another three to five years, joining National and NZ First in the desire to keep the smelter open for a while longer. It’s a sea change for Labor, who just two months ago said Rio Tinto’s decision to close Tiwai felt inevitable.

Meanwhile, NZ First frontman Winston Peters’ latest attempt at attention – his race relations speech at Orewa was a blast from the past (Don Brash, anyone?) – revealed he blocked a deal in Ihumatao three times and threatened to pull the pin at the Coalition. over it. But it’s too late? Is the phone off the hook?

Of course, we not only have an election on our hands this October … but also two referendums … euthanasia and cannabis … and it is especially the referendum on cannabis that has a big question mark. The latest Colmar Brunton poll had 35% support for legalization. Should the prime minister come out and say how he will vote? Should she run as the champion of the “yes” vote?