Moments of Truth

Description

The 2014 general election was surely the most bizarre election campaign in New Zealand's history. Moments of Truth tells the story of a campaign in which: NSA leaker Edward Snowden and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange join Kim Dotcom in New Zealand for a televised 'moment of truth' that threatens the future of Prime Minister John Key's government. Nicky Hager's book Dirty Politics puts the spotlight on blogger Cameron Slater and his messages to and from the Beehive. Cabinet Minister Judith Collins resigns mid-campaign. The National Party finds itself sued by an American rap star. Labour Party leader David Cunliffe apologizes for being a man. At the end of the day John Key remains the country's prime minister - how, after all the tumult and confusion, did that happen? The contributors to Moments of Truth - an experienced group of political party leaders and campaign managers, media and political commentators, pollsters, consultants and academics - seek to provide some answers and insights into an election unlike any before it. Moments of Truth continues a series of authoritative election studies - including The Baubles of Victory (2010) and Kicking the Tyres (2012) - essential for anyone interested in New Zealand's government and politics. Featuring a DVD containing additional campaign footage, including the campaign openings, television and internet advertisements, billboards, televised debates, election documents, election-night statements and a montage of items relating to the 'dirty politics' controversy and the 'moment of truth' even.

Jon Johansson is a senior lecturer in political science and international relations at Victoria University of Wellington. He is the author of Two Titans and US Leadership in Political Time and Space, as well as editor of a special issue on 'political leadership in New Zealand' for Political Science. He has contributed to four previous books in this series. Stephen Levine is a professor of political science at Victoria University of Wellington. He has co-edited (and contributed to) books about each of New Zealand's elections under MMP.