Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 

This week, NZME Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie steps in for Barry Soper.

The panel discuss ACT’s campaign launch over the weekend and whether its focus on co-governance is a vote winner or loser.

They also chat about the hecklers and whether conspiracy theorists will continue to be a theme for the rest of the campaign.

Heather poses the question whether this is the most boring campaign since 2014 and whether the first Leaders debate will be worth a watch.

Plus, they take a closer look at Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s election manifesto and the Wellington Central race.

LISTEN ABOVE