henry cooke
@henrycooke.bsky.social
deputy political editor at the post, wellington tragic
send me gossip or stories: 📞021 241 1398 📧henry.cooke@thepost.co.nz 📧henry.cooke.post@proton.me
send me gossip or stories: 📞021 241 1398 📧henry.cooke@thepost.co.nz 📧henry.cooke.post@proton.me
NEW POLL: Labour has surged to 38% support following its CGT release, per a TM poll obtained by The Post.
But it would still need TPM to govern.
- Labour: 38% (+3)
- National: 33% (+4)
- Greens: 9% (-1)
- NZ First: 8% (-4)
- ACT: 7% (-1)
- TPM: 2.4% (-1.2)
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
But it would still need TPM to govern.
- Labour: 38% (+3)
- National: 33% (+4)
- Greens: 9% (-1)
- NZ First: 8% (-4)
- ACT: 7% (-1)
- TPM: 2.4% (-1.2)
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Labour surges to 38% in new poll - but it still needs Te Pāti Māori
After announcing its capital gains tax plan the party has hit its highest poll number since 2022 - but not quite high enough to cut Te Pāti Māori out of the equation.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 13, 2025 at 1:47 AM
NEW POLL: Labour has surged to 38% support following its CGT release, per a TM poll obtained by The Post.
But it would still need TPM to govern.
- Labour: 38% (+3)
- National: 33% (+4)
- Greens: 9% (-1)
- NZ First: 8% (-4)
- ACT: 7% (-1)
- TPM: 2.4% (-1.2)
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
But it would still need TPM to govern.
- Labour: 38% (+3)
- National: 33% (+4)
- Greens: 9% (-1)
- NZ First: 8% (-4)
- ACT: 7% (-1)
- TPM: 2.4% (-1.2)
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Key never really won the public over on asset sales, even with 50% support and an economy staggering. Will Luxon manage it?
Column today: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Column today: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Key never won the public over on asset sales. Can Luxon?
OPINION: John Key started an asset sales debate with 50% support in the polls. Luxon will have trouble replicating it.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 11, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Key never really won the public over on asset sales, even with 50% support and an economy staggering. Will Luxon manage it?
Column today: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Column today: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Absolutely horror IPCA report on how the Police handled complaints against McSkimming.
A woman, who said she had a sexual relationship with him when she was 21 and he was 40, made complaints about him and instead of taking it seriously they prosecuted her under the HDCA.
A woman, who said she had a sexual relationship with him when she was 21 and he was 40, made complaints about him and instead of taking it seriously they prosecuted her under the HDCA.
November 11, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Absolutely horror IPCA report on how the Police handled complaints against McSkimming.
A woman, who said she had a sexual relationship with him when she was 21 and he was 40, made complaints about him and instead of taking it seriously they prosecuted her under the HDCA.
A woman, who said she had a sexual relationship with him when she was 21 and he was 40, made complaints about him and instead of taking it seriously they prosecuted her under the HDCA.
Juggernaut season 2 is out! It’s the story of the 90s in NZ politics, the decade that shaped our world just as much as the 80s but is far less examined.
I was very honoured to help with the research.
Out now whereever you get your podcasts.
I was very honoured to help with the research.
Out now whereever you get your podcasts.
November 10, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Juggernaut season 2 is out! It’s the story of the 90s in NZ politics, the decade that shaped our world just as much as the 80s but is far less examined.
I was very honoured to help with the research.
Out now whereever you get your podcasts.
I was very honoured to help with the research.
Out now whereever you get your podcasts.
Chris Hipkins says TPM are still not ready for Govt and he hasn't met the co-leaders in months.
Asked what they could do to show themselves ready, he said turning up to Parliament and contributing:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Asked what they could do to show themselves ready, he said turning up to Parliament and contributing:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Hipkins: Te Pāti Māori still not ready for Government
On current polling Labour could only govern with support from the party, but leader Chris Hipkins says "they've still got a long way to go" before they could be considered.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 10, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Chris Hipkins says TPM are still not ready for Govt and he hasn't met the co-leaders in months.
Asked what they could do to show themselves ready, he said turning up to Parliament and contributing:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Asked what they could do to show themselves ready, he said turning up to Parliament and contributing:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
With both of the expelled MPs intending to challenge the decision and an open question on the support of the rest of their caucus, I don't think the TPM co-leaders attempt to end the story this morning will work.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
November 10, 2025 at 1:14 AM
With both of the expelled MPs intending to challenge the decision and an open question on the support of the rest of their caucus, I don't think the TPM co-leaders attempt to end the story this morning will work.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
The Govt quietly announced a loosening of climate rules at 8pm last night:
- Decoupling the ETS from Paris
- Shifting ETS resets to every 2 years
- Delaying the public sector target by 25 years
- Removing CCC advice from *before* emission reductions plans:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
- Decoupling the ETS from Paris
- Shifting ETS resets to every 2 years
- Delaying the public sector target by 25 years
- Removing CCC advice from *before* emission reductions plans:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Government quietly loosens climate rules
An announcement at 8pm on Tuesday saw the Government delinking the ETS from the Paris Agreement and extending another emissions deadline by 25 years.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 4, 2025 at 10:26 PM
The Govt quietly announced a loosening of climate rules at 8pm last night:
- Decoupling the ETS from Paris
- Shifting ETS resets to every 2 years
- Delaying the public sector target by 25 years
- Removing CCC advice from *before* emission reductions plans:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
- Decoupling the ETS from Paris
- Shifting ETS resets to every 2 years
- Delaying the public sector target by 25 years
- Removing CCC advice from *before* emission reductions plans:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Firework bans win out over gender politics: NZ First say its bill banning private fireworks sale is replacing its definition of a man and woman bill in the biscuit tin.
November 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Firework bans win out over gender politics: NZ First say its bill banning private fireworks sale is replacing its definition of a man and woman bill in the biscuit tin.
Labour’s medicard is an attempt to make a promise physical, to put a little bit of the welfare state right inside your wallet. Will it work?
Column today:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Column today:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Labour looks to put something in your wallet
OPINION: Labour’s got a lot to win by making its GP promise physical - and a lot to lose.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 4, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Labour’s medicard is an attempt to make a promise physical, to put a little bit of the welfare state right inside your wallet. Will it work?
Column today:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Column today:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
At about 4am on the night before he met Trump, it sure seemed like the PM couldn’t sleep. Could you blame him?
My wrap of the weeklong trip to Asia:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
My wrap of the weeklong trip to Asia:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
November 2, 2025 at 8:35 PM
At about 4am on the night before he met Trump, it sure seemed like the PM couldn’t sleep. Could you blame him?
My wrap of the weeklong trip to Asia:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
My wrap of the weeklong trip to Asia:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
I’m in Korea this week and the country is really showing off. Oodles of free skincare, impressive tech, and delicious food.
All this from a country that was 15x poorer than us just 70 years ago.
Christopher Luxon wants us to replicate that success - my column today is on whether we can
All this from a country that was 15x poorer than us just 70 years ago.
Christopher Luxon wants us to replicate that success - my column today is on whether we can
October 31, 2025 at 1:26 AM
I’m in Korea this week and the country is really showing off. Oodles of free skincare, impressive tech, and delicious food.
All this from a country that was 15x poorer than us just 70 years ago.
Christopher Luxon wants us to replicate that success - my column today is on whether we can
All this from a country that was 15x poorer than us just 70 years ago.
Christopher Luxon wants us to replicate that success - my column today is on whether we can
Is there space for Christopher Luxon at the Trump show?
My piece from Malaysia on how NZ fits into the new world of intense personality-driven diplomacy that Trump has created:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
My piece from Malaysia on how NZ fits into the new world of intense personality-driven diplomacy that Trump has created:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
October 27, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Is there space for Christopher Luxon at the Trump show?
My piece from Malaysia on how NZ fits into the new world of intense personality-driven diplomacy that Trump has created:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
My piece from Malaysia on how NZ fits into the new world of intense personality-driven diplomacy that Trump has created:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Is National’s version of bipartisanship just demanding Labour back whatever it decrees is in the the national interest?
Column today:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Column today:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
National can’t decide how bipartisan it really is
OPINION: National’s approach to bipartisanship often looks like a dictation of terms to Labour.
www.thepost.co.nz
October 21, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Is National’s version of bipartisanship just demanding Labour back whatever it decrees is in the the national interest?
Column today:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Column today:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Labour’s future fund could be huge or tiny. It can mean anything you, a target voter, wants it to mean. Column today on the benefits and risks of this much ambiguity: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Labour’s ‘Future Fund’ promises everything — and nothing
OPINION: The fund is bold, vague, and brimming with promise — but the numbers, mechanisms, and mandate remain firmly in the realm of future detail
www.thepost.co.nz
October 20, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Labour’s future fund could be huge or tiny. It can mean anything you, a target voter, wants it to mean. Column today on the benefits and risks of this much ambiguity: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
NEW:
Labour's first election policy is a 'future fund' - an investment fund aimed at NZ infra and businesses.
It would be built on an unspecified capital injection + dividends from an unspecified range of crown-owned assets. The super fund guys would run it.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Labour's first election policy is a 'future fund' - an investment fund aimed at NZ infra and businesses.
It would be built on an unspecified capital injection + dividends from an unspecified range of crown-owned assets. The super fund guys would run it.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Labour’s first policy: An investment fund
Labour says it has learnt from its mistakes as it promises a new ‘future fund’ to boost Kiwi investment.
www.thepost.co.nz
October 20, 2025 at 12:35 AM
NEW:
Labour's first election policy is a 'future fund' - an investment fund aimed at NZ infra and businesses.
It would be built on an unspecified capital injection + dividends from an unspecified range of crown-owned assets. The super fund guys would run it.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Labour's first election policy is a 'future fund' - an investment fund aimed at NZ infra and businesses.
It would be built on an unspecified capital injection + dividends from an unspecified range of crown-owned assets. The super fund guys would run it.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
National usually lead on the economy. They are now behind on two most important economic issues for voters, and sliding elsewhere:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
National’s economic credibility in freefall, poll shows
Team Luxon is now behind Labour on the top two economic issues, including cost of living – the issue that matters most to New Zealanders – and falling elsewhere.
www.thepost.co.nz
October 17, 2025 at 8:36 PM
National usually lead on the economy. They are now behind on two most important economic issues for voters, and sliding elsewhere:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
many are saying it can’t be beat on a good day
October 16, 2025 at 10:43 PM
many are saying it can’t be beat on a good day
Former PM Jim Bolger has passed away following months of treatment for kidney failure. He was 90.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger dies
The former National prime minister died on Wednesday aged 90 after months of treatment for kidney failure. “Jim was much loved and will be deeply missed,” his family said.
www.thepost.co.nz
October 15, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Former PM Jim Bolger has passed away following months of treatment for kidney failure. He was 90.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
It’s raining polls:
New Talbot Mill/Anacta is the second in two weeks to show National below 29
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
New Talbot Mill/Anacta is the second in two weeks to show National below 29
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
October 15, 2025 at 4:56 AM
It’s raining polls:
New Talbot Mill/Anacta is the second in two weeks to show National below 29
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
New Talbot Mill/Anacta is the second in two weeks to show National below 29
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
NEW POLL: Half of voters want Christopher Luxon to step down - and Christopher Bishop is the top choice to replace him
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Chris Bishop emerges as Luxon’s successor-in-waiting
The latest The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll signals a leadership swap could lead to boost for National, with half of voters wanting Christopher Luxon gone.
www.thepost.co.nz
October 14, 2025 at 11:13 PM
NEW POLL: Half of voters want Christopher Luxon to step down - and Christopher Bishop is the top choice to replace him
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
NEW: I caught up with TPM MP Tākuta Ferris on his way into Parly.
He’s clearly not happy with the email + said he backed his electorate committee voting no confidence in the leadership
thepost.co.nz/politics/360855030/mp-speaks-out-te-pati-maori-email-his-electorate-votes-against-party-leadership
He’s clearly not happy with the email + said he backed his electorate committee voting no confidence in the leadership
thepost.co.nz/politics/360855030/mp-speaks-out-te-pati-maori-email-his-electorate-votes-against-party-leadership
Tākuta Ferris: No ‘consensus’ on TPM allegations email
Te Tai Tonga MP says his electorate committee was right to vote no confidence in Te Pāti Māori’s executive after Monday night’s controversial email.
thepost.co.nz
October 14, 2025 at 10:36 PM
NEW: I caught up with TPM MP Tākuta Ferris on his way into Parly.
He’s clearly not happy with the email + said he backed his electorate committee voting no confidence in the leadership
thepost.co.nz/politics/360855030/mp-speaks-out-te-pati-maori-email-his-electorate-votes-against-party-leadership
He’s clearly not happy with the email + said he backed his electorate committee voting no confidence in the leadership
thepost.co.nz/politics/360855030/mp-speaks-out-te-pati-maori-email-his-electorate-votes-against-party-leadership
Is Chris Hipkins leading a Ardern restoration project, and if he did would that be smart?
Column this week: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Column this week: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Is Hipkins running for Ardern's third term or his own?
OPINION: Chris Hipkins must work out if he’s running a restorationist project or something new.
www.thepost.co.nz
October 14, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Is Chris Hipkins leading a Ardern restoration project, and if he did would that be smart?
Column this week: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Column this week: www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
NEW poll from The Post/Freshwater Strategy has National flirting with 30% and Hipkins well ahead as preferred Prime Minister
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Big names at risk as Labour pulls ahead and PM loses ground
Christopher Luxon’s leadership is under growing pressure as National slips behind Labour in the latest The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll – and senior figures Nicola Willis and Gerry Brownlee face bein...
www.thepost.co.nz
October 14, 2025 at 6:33 PM
NEW poll from The Post/Freshwater Strategy has National flirting with 30% and Hipkins well ahead as preferred Prime Minister
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
I’ve made a professional Instagram for videos on politics and whatnot. www.instagram.com/reel/DPstenh...
October 12, 2025 at 8:16 AM
I’ve made a professional Instagram for videos on politics and whatnot. www.instagram.com/reel/DPstenh...
Reposted by henry cooke
“We’re just living how we believe ... and that doesn’t make us dangerous. Weird? Maybe. But not dangerous.”
‘We’re really quite normal’: At home with NZ’s sovereign citizens
They look like any other Kiwi family: school runs, sandwiches, the evening chaos. But behind the everyday chaos is a world view that sets them apart.
www.thepost.co.nz
October 12, 2025 at 2:54 AM
“We’re just living how we believe ... and that doesn’t make us dangerous. Weird? Maybe. But not dangerous.”