The tail wagging the dog is a risk in any coalition arrangement. But with two tails wagging vigorously, the National-led government is testing the limits of consensus and policy coherence.

With ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill imminent, how much do we know about the current principles? And were they ever a proper reflection of the text and intent of te Tiriti?

Finance minister Nicola Willis is promising to chart a ‘middle course’ in her first budget. Her bigger challenge is to bring middle New Zealand along with her.

City deals are being touted as the answer to NZ’s local infrastructure problems. Lessons from the UK and Australia suggest greater transparency and more coherent planning should be on the table too.

The coalition has made good on pledges to repeal, reduce or reverse the previous government’s policies. But the real test will be paying for its own policies and staying stable in the process.

The local and international track record of social investment funds and social impact bonds is far from convincing. A better-resourced public sector would be a simpler solution.

The country’s first formal three-party coalition will test Christopher Luxon’s promise of ‘strong and stable’ government – and the minor parties’ patience if things don’t go their way.

The National Party’s transport policy risks locking the country into a car-dependent, high-carbon future.