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New Zealand votes on the 23rd.

We've had four polls recently. Considering sampling error, they are all consistent with each other. National and Labour are very close, with NZ First a tad ahead of the Greens for third place. With the polls this tight, there is plenty of time for the situation to change. But, it looks as though National has withstood Labour's charge.

The ACT Party, mentioned in this news report, is a natural ally of National. National and ACT are like Dorothy and Toto from the Wizard of Oz. Maybe ACT will pick up two seats, like this poll suggests. But, my polling average says one seat only.

Don't know if you're a Kiwi or not but if you are...you probably understand that the typical Yank doesn't pay close attention to NZ or her elections.However,those of us who do clearly remember just how very unfriendly the PM,Helen Clarke,was to us.Since then I must admit that *I* have had a fairly negative opinion of what I once thought of as a valued ally.

Of course there may have been a change in attitude since then that I'm unaware of.

I'm just speaking my mind...for better or for worse.