The book shows the internal working of New Zealand’s main conservative party (the National Party) from the election of a new leader, through two years of election campaigning and up to that leader’s demise. Based on 1000s of internal communications, strategy papers, itineraries and meeting minutes, it gives an unprecedented insight into modern politics. After exposing numerous lies told to the public, revealing the cynical use of racism to woo redneck voters, secret relations with millionaire donors and much more, the party leader resigned on the day the book was published.
Read the Preface
Read the first chapter
Nicky Hager speech notes for launching book
Nicky Hager releases further National Party information 28 November 2006
The book has since become a film and a stage play.