Pretty much on point --COL ..time for another working group on how to run a country
It is clear that the Prime Minister's popularity, and that of her Government, has nothing to do with policy or her much heralded "year of delivery". Arden is a symbol of something more ethereal.
While Robertson keeps promising transformation, there is no obvious demand for it by voters, and change brings only political risk.
After 18 months of almost complete failure by the Government on everything from Kiwibuild and child poverty to the relationship with China, it is clear that, for many of her supporters, it doesn't matter what Ardern does, it is enough that she is.
Labour's best strategy is therefore to clear the decks of anything remotely controversial.
New Zealand voters might like their leaders talking about knowledge waves, step changes or economic transformation but they don't want the disruption those things might cause.
Like John Key on steroids, Ardern is well advised to keep well away from anything difficult and, for the next 18 months, just smile and wave.
By Matthew Hooton is managing director of PR and corporate affairs firm Exceltium.