The latest in the acclaimed series of election books from Victoria University of Wellington, Back on Track? is an engaging account of how we ended up with the government we have today.

What a year! In 2023, Jacinda Ardern resigned after five years as Prime Minister, leaving Chris Hipkins in charge of Labour's waning fortunes and ultimate defeat. The Greens and Te Pati Maori ended up back on the opposition benches despite gaining more votes than ever before. ACT held its support, but couldn't find enough votes to keep New Zealand First from muscling its way back into government, as Winston Peters again went from has-been to kingmaker to Minister of Foreign Affairs. And Christopher Luxon, having repeatedly warned of a 'coalition of chaos' if people voted for Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Maori, found himself leading a chaotic coalition of his own when the election resulted in a National-ACT-New Zealand First government that promised to get New Zealand 'back on track'.

Whether or not New Zealand really is 'back on track', this book gives us an intimate view of the campaigns, coverage and candidates of the 2023 general election. It's an invaluable resource for students of politics and a good read for those who want to know what went on behind the scenes.

With contributions from

Christopher Luxon, David Seymour, Winston Peters, Chris Hipkins, James Shaw, Marama Davidson, Brooke van Velden, Natalia Albert, Patrick Gower, Thomas Coughlan, Katie Scotcher, Farah Hancock, Sophie Trigger, Stephen Mills, Thomas Butt, Lara M. Greaves, Eden Roberts, Mike Grimshaw, Nigel S. Roberts, Claire Timperley, Zoe Tims, Luke Oldfield, Jacqui Van Der Kaay, Therese Arseneau, Stephen Church, Adrian Rurawhe, Stephen Levine