They have urged us to keep talking. They have not offered any financial support and nor will any be sought.

For us having a single standard of citizenship for all New Zealanders irrespective of race remains a very important objective indeed.

It seems more likely now that the current slowdown in the world economy will worsen. In these circumstances, New Zealand's short-term economic outlook would be adversely affected, although any downturn might well be relatively short-lived.

If she doesn't face a primary challenger, in the end she will have the party support. And you're talking about $25 to $30 million in advertising they can buy to say whatever they want about Bill. It's going to be a tough race.

The special votes did not improve National's chances of forming the next government, indeed they made those prospects slightly worse by having one seat fewer in parliament than was true on the election night.

If you remember, that's when I suggested the unemployed could line up outside post offices each day for work.