Chris Carter’s slide into the political wilderness shifts the focus to Labour leader Phil Goff’s ability to be an election-winner. Goff has a stormy ride ahead
Politics
Carl who? New Families Commission head a complete unknown
The appointment of Carl Davidson raises some problematic questions about the future of the Families and Children's Commissions
Read MoreCarers or teachers? Why early childhood education matters
If a 3-year-old's teacher adds $320,000 to the future income of that child's class, should we pay a bit more to keep that teacher in ajob? Or would you rather have a tax cut now?
Read MoreCarter commits 'death by cop', gifts Goff his biggest opportunity
In what may be the most amateurish coup attempt ever, Chris Carter has killed his own career in a way that ensures none of his colleagues could ever back him. Unintentionally, he's made Phil Goff's leadership more secure and given him a fresh opportunity
Read MoreJust who are you calling powerful, Mr Hide?
Have politicians forgotten just who really holds the power in a democracy?
Read MoreOffshore oil: never mind the gap
Gerry Brownlee, in his haste to scrape the bottom of the oil barrel, is showing some disregard for Maori that is not mana-enhancing
Read MoreUniversal pension: universally fair?
What the Retirement Income Policy and Intergenerational Equity conference told us about selfish generations, and raising the age of pension entitlement
Read MoreSchedule 4: So what do the Nats stand for now?
The government says it's backdown on mining is evidence that it listens. But the question left is whether there's any policy Key and Co. will fight to the death for? And where's that step change coming from now?
Read MoreSoftware: to patent or not to patent?
The government's decision to change the patent law regarding software has got techies and lawyers up in arms. It's out of kilter internationally and raises questions about the select committee process
Read MoreDoing the time warp with National – can the Left do better this time round?
In the face of National's employment law and welfare reforms, how will Labour and the unions respond?
Read MoreHow to fix an election date
On Wednesday I argued that New Zealand should fix the general election date in law. Here's how it could be done.
Read MoreJohn Key to announce the election date soon - I hope
New Zealand should fix its election date in law. Otherwise, John Key needs to tell us when the 2011 election will be held ... and soon.
Read MoreAuckland mayoral race - room for one more?
As the field widens, a serious new candidate for the Auckland mayoralty may just be the ticket. But whether it's Brown, Banks or Candidate C, the result's likely to come down to just one thing, and it's got nothing to do with policy
Read MoreVote! Kean for Columbia
New Zealand's main political websites are joining together, asking you to support an up and coming young journo. Who says we can't agree on anything?
Read MorePoll of Polls - Welcome Back, pollster
Recent events have caused the government's popularity to increase, and Labour's popularity to fall. These short-term moves mask a longer period of consolidation that also helps the government.
Read MoreThere ain't no party like a JK party 'cause a JK party don't stop ...
In which the author tries his hand at satire. Results most definitely not guaranteed.
Read MoreWill National take a bullet for gun control?
The government's announcement of tougher penalties for knife crimes is a preamble to the bigger, harder issue – gun control. Will it have the courage to tackle our gun culture in this political climate? And what about online sales?
Read MoreVegetarianism as a Religion
Why do some vegetarians claim moral superiority over meat eaters?
Read MoreFrom Auckland to Wellington, it's all about the money
Forget the World Cup. Expenses and allowances are still the real football of the moment.
Read MoreGoudie sparks revolt - MP competence does matter
Opposition MPs walked out on the Law & Order Committee yesterday because of Sandra Goudie's poor chairing--John Key should take action; after all committee work is at the heart of an MP's job
Read More