PremiumOpinionOpinion byReynold MacphersonRotorua Daily Post·13 Aug, 2026 04:00 PM5 mins to readThere is a difference between an issue that generates strong feeling and one that shifts a large number of undecided votes, Reynold Macpherson writes. Photo / NZMEElection campaigns encourage distraction.Parties prefer to fight on issues that suit them. Media organisations reward conflict, novelty and personality. Coalition partners sharpen their differences to protect their own vote. Culture-war issues can dominate headlines for days.But elections are usually decided by something more basic.
For many New Zealanders,
