menu_open Columnists
Grant Duncan

Grant Duncan

The Conversation

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

This election year budget is a political tightrope walk for Willis and National

This election year budget is a political tightrope walk for Willis and National

National hasn’t achieved two of its three big fiscal policy promises from the previous election. Thursday’s budget will be a hard sell.

26.05.2026 20

The Conversation

Grant Duncan

Second COVID inquiry: why being politically prepared for the next pandemic is crucial

The report will inevitably be politicised. But it serves a useful function by airing grievances that will reemerge during any future public-health...

10.03.2026 20

The Conversation

Grant Duncan

Polls are snapshots, not predictions: how to read them critically this election year

Voters can expect a lot of political polling in the lead-up to NZ’s general election in November. It’s important to know what the numbers can and...

03.02.2026 30

The Conversation

Grant Duncan

Third time lucky for a 4-year parliamentary term? A lack of checks and balances is still the problem

A single, overarching, publicly-approved written constitution could allay fears of giving governments longer terms. But NZ tends to shy away from such...

03.09.2025 30

The Conversation

Grant Duncan

In her memoir, Jacinda Ardern shows a ‘different kind of power’ is possible – but also has its limits

Her new book weaves an authentically retold personal story with high political drama. But Ardern misses an opportunity to reflect more deeply on her...

03.06.2025 30

The Conversation

Grant Duncan

A ‘Trump slump’ has lifted the left in Canada and now Australia – what are the lessons for NZ?

The ‘Trump effect’ has influenced elections in Canada and Australia. But the New Zealand left can’t bank on the same thing happening here.

05.05.2025 20

The Conversation

Grant Duncan

Winston Peters at 80: the populist’s populist clocks up 50 years of political comebacks

As he prepares to blow out 80 candles this Friday, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters continues to defy political gravity.

08.04.2025 20

The Conversation

Grant Duncan

‘Politically weakened’ or ‘muddling through’ – Luxon and Hipkins ranked on their mid-term  prospects

The Leadership Capital Index measures political performance in ten areas. It shows both major party leaders struggling for traction. See if you agree...

18.03.2025 30

The Conversation

Grant Duncan