A recent real estate agent's prosecution involving Home Buyers was a test case.

The abolition of youth rates (lower minimum pay for younger workers) was an example of the law of unintended consequences, says Banks. A Canterbury economist roped into ACT's initiative is ambivalent on the youth question, but says a minimum wage always has "bad outcomes."

ACT's new leader remains as emotionally void and cold in victory as he does in defeat. But he also offers the party something it's never had.

Party's sole MP gets unanimous nod.

The party must change - as the Greens have done before it - or die.