National's '3Rs' education feint is smart politics

National's '3Rs' education feint is smart politics
Pick me! The National party launched education policy this week. (Image: NZME)
Pattrick Smellie
Education has long been a sleeper issue that National has believed could be one of its strongest cards as the election approaches.So, Christopher Luxon’s unveiling this week of what was really no more than a taster of the National party's education policy priorities is an important election year marker.For a start, his day of education focus in the Hutt valley on Thursday attracted a large pack of political media in a way that guaranteed him headlines that he’s struggled for in recent weeks.A week in isolation with covid followe...

More Policy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM
Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM

Advice on leading for innovation, threats to democracy, gangs, and more.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
Air NZ’s Ravishankar grows up in public
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: Air NZ’s Ravishankar grows up in public

The national airline’s new CEO faces plenty of challenges, some self-inflicted.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025