Could National return to government and still lose some of its biggest names?

Former Labour leader and Auckland mayor Phil Goff joins Katie Bradford and NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor to unpack the campaign’s latest twists—from the risk facing National’s senior list MPs to the promises that could disappear during coalition negotiations.

They also dissect the leaders’ debate, Labour’s handling of its landlord tax policy and National’s proposed foreign aid cuts. Plus, Goff reflects on facing John Key across the debate stage—and the panel considers what could decide this closely fought election.

Could National return to government and still lose some of its biggest names?
Former Labour leader and Auckland mayor Phil Goff joins Katie Bradford and NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor to unpack the campaign&rsquo;s latest twists&mdash;from the risk facing National&rsquo;s senior list MPs to the promises that could disappear during coalition negotiations.
They also dissect the leaders&rsquo; debate, Labour&rsquo;s handling of its landlord tax policy and National&rsquo;s proposed foreign aid cuts. Plus, Goff reflects on facing John Key across the debate stage&mdash;and the panel considers what could decide this closely fought election.

Join Katie Bradford and some of New Zealand's sharpest political minds for an unfiltered chat about the people, policies and power plays shaping this year's campaign as we head towards Election 2026.

Visit the NZ Herald website or app for comprehensive coverage of Election 2026.

Join Katie Bradford and some of New Zealand's sharpest political minds for an unfiltered chat about the people, policies and power plays shaping this year's campaign as we head towards Election 2026.
Visit the NZ Herald website or app for comprehensive coverage of Election 2026.

Each Friday, NZ Herald Senior Political Reporter Thomas Coughlan covers off the biggest political news in New Zealand, going behind the headlines and giving the inside perspective direct from the Beehive, featuring interviews with politicians, press...

Election 2026: The Podcast

Could National win the election and lose its biggest names?

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