This authoritative account of the 2011 New Zealand election and electoral system referendum is the story of an odd campaign of leaders’ debates where the most memorable line, “Show me the money!,” comes from a Hollywood movie. Set against the backdrop of a country caught up in rugby heroics and the aftermath of several life-changing natural disasters, it is the story of an election that topples two party leaders and ends the three-year political honeymoon of a third. With contributions from authors across the political spectrum, Kicking the Tyres is a valuable resource for anyone interested in New Zealand elections, government, and politics. The book also comes with a specially prepared DVD containing televised highlights from the campaign and election night coverage.