National's promised welfare reform plans look unlikely to be unveiled until after the rugby World Cup, with Prime Minister John Key signalling a focus on the pitch not politics for the tournament.
Mr Key yesterday outlined National's plans for young beneficiaries, saying they were the first step in a major overhaul of the welfare sector with other significant reforms to be announced before the November 26 election.
However, the country will probably have to wait until after the World Cup final on October 23 to hear details, with Mr Key today saying campaigning would not get under way properly until then.
Asked if he saw the World Cup as a political black zone, Mr Key said he hoped it would be "an All Black zone".
"I'm sure there'll be announcements along the way, but I think, just generally, the focus will be the rugby World Cup for that six-week period and then it's be the election for the next five-week period."
