Writer
Max Hayton
Max Hayton is a New Zealand journalist who worked as a political correspondent in the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Wellington in his younger days. He then traveled to London to specialise in foreign television news. In 1989 he became Foreign Editor at the start-up private channel TV3 New Zealand. After some years he became the Foreign Editor at Television New Zealand where he worked until he retired.
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MAX HAYTON. NZ’s government looks towards investing in better lives.
The New Zealand Labour-led Government’s first budget has been judged to be conservative, cautious, restrained. It was the first step in an innovative way to reverse trends that have been souring New Zealand society. The aim is to invest in the wellbeing of the nation and improve lives, not just the economy. Continue reading »
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MAX HAYTON. Inexperience in government brings problems for smiling Prime Minister.
Inexperience, arrogance or ignorance among members of the administration are causing problems for the New Zealand government of Jacinda Ardern. After nine years in opposition, too few members of Ardern’s cabinet have previous experience as ministers and some prefer to follow their own path, leaving the Prime Minister sometimes exposed un-briefed and even misled. Continue reading »
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MAX HAYTON. Kiwibank – lessons for Australia.
It’s not unusual for big banks to be accused of greed, unfairness, poor service and corruption. The answer often proposed is to create a government owned bank. This has been suggested as a solution in Australia. New Zealand has already built one, but its experience shows public ownership doesn’t necessarily fix all the problems. Continue reading »
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Political pregnancies and Opposition renewal in New Zealand
Political pregnancies are the subject of public debate on both sides of the Tasman. In Australia, the Deputy Prime Minister faces a career crisis over his indiscretions. In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is due to give birth in June. Continue reading »
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand’s new government sets fast pace
A contention that New Zealand has “lapped” Australia is worth examining in the light of recent developments. The vote to support sex marriage means Australia has increased its pace, but has it caught up? Continue reading »
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MAX HAYTON. NZ election finally produces a government.
A stunning election outcome has given New Zealand a new government with the potential to transform the country’s economy and society. Risen star and youngest ever New Zealand woman Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, aged 37, leads a coalition that ends the nine-year reign of the conservative, centre-Right National Party under former money dealer John Key Continue reading »
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MAX HAYTON. The New Zealand Election: MMP will decide
The result of the New Zealand election on Saturday was inconclusive. On the night the leader of the Labour Party Jacinda Ardern said “MMP will decide” who governs for the next three years. MMP or Mixed Member Proportional elections usually create coalitions. It has done so again. Continue reading »
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MAX HAYTON. NZ election, politics and leaks.
A dramatic event in the last week of the New Zealand election campaign looked set to destabilise the Government’s re-election plans. Although it was a major development which continues to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of visitors and New Zealanders, the Government’s polling looks firm. Continue reading »
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MAX HAYTON. Jacindamania in NZ
The New Zealand election campaign has produced a star but is it rising or setting or is it just a descending meteorite heading for early burnout? The polls on September 23 will give the answer. Current polls a week from Election Day are confused and confusing. Continue reading »
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MAX HAYTON. Kiwibank – lessons for Australia.
It’s not unusual for big banks to be accused of greed, unfairness, poor service and corruption. The answer often proposed is to create a government owned bank. This has been suggested as a solution in Australia. New Zealand has already built one, but its experience shows public ownership doesn’t necessarily fix all the problems. Continue reading »