The new government's climate change policy is killing innovation, undermining science and abandoning our role as an inspiration to other countries
Read MorePolitics
MERRY CHRISTMAS – The grinch can wait
On the day before Christmas, all through the nation, we jammed the malls, shared a little elation. The bills keep coming, we’re feeling the pinch, and our New Year’s guest could be The Grinch
Read MoreAn outbreak of political niceness
Our leaders have shown recently that, when they really try hard, they can be quite pleasant. Long may it continue
Read MoreRon Kirk: From Texas, with love
Meet the Texan who could have more say over New Zealand's long-term economic future than Bill English; plus the 10 worst predictions of 2008
Read MoreWhat's in a name, Mr Barack Hussein Obama?
Barack Hussein Obama is going the whole name hog in his inauguration and in so doing he may well define a new political generation. Names it seems are critical in top US politics – think Clinton, or Kennedy or Bush…
Read More2008 redux: Farewell Awards
Spreading the Christmas cheer before he takes time off to finish his next book, Jon reviews 2008's stand-out political performances, for good and ill,
Read MoreAn exceedingly pluvial country....
Sir Geoffrey Palmer once sympathised with flood victims by noting the rainy nature of New Zealand's climate. As weather patterns change and water becomes a political issue, we might yearn for a bit more pluvialism
Read MoreThe tragedies behind the Bush Victory Lap of the Middle East
The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at George W. Bush has refocused attention on the plight of an occupied people
Read MoreThe politics of urgency
The real challenge confronting John Key's new National-led Government is the rush to judgment on its sense of urgency
Read MoreWhy isn't National more stimulating?
While the government sends parliament into urgency to pass stale bills, its response to the global financial crisis is about as urgent as a tortoise
Read MoreThe Beltway Blues: Random Thoughts from Inside the Bubble
Cue harmonica: It looks like the more things change in parliament, the more they stay the same.
Read MoreA week to make you weep
The new government's first week in the House leaves the country less fair, less green and less democratic. Is this the change New Zealanders voted for?
Read MoreThe good, bad and ugly politics of probations
National rewards its base with a dance it calls the 90-day probationary two-step. But is it good law or just a political sop?
Read MoreFire at will - again!
The lines are drawn. Labour attacks National’s “outrageous arrogance” in ramming through an Employment Probation Bill introduced – in 2006. The old ritual begins once more.
Read MoreLittle guys take a few blows
As details of National's agenda emerge, it appears the new government might be less progressive than appeared on the campaign trail.
Read MoreYour part in resolving the global crisis
New Zealand has turned from a nation of squirrels to one of nutty spenders, yet there's still little debate about just how the global recession will change our behaviour
Read MoreThe problem of partisan noise
Yes, the technology revolution has allowed many more people to participate in their democracy, but the most successful outgrowth of that revolution--the partisan political blog--does more to cloud than elucidate democratic discourse
Read MoreMeritocracy and Mike
Mike Williams' departure from his government appointments leaves a bad taste and prompts questions about our supposed meritocracy
Read MoreConstitutional precedent set in Canada
A groundbreaking ruling in Canada means any Prime Minister faced with a confidence vote can pull the plug on Parliament by running to the Governor General
Read MoreWhy no-one would ever vote for the Treasury Party
With no new ideas and advice that more teachers is a "low impact" strategy, Treasury's briefing to government just doesn't get it. Plus: What do you think about a capital gains tax?
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