So, the ol' flag debate, eh? But is now really the time? And is the process John Key suggested really the best way forward? And as for the silver fern...
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Politics
Labour's baby gamble & the return of universalism
Labour's opening ploy this election year combines heart and smarts, but the return of univeralism is fraught with political risk
Read MoreNational & Labour offer same new years resolutions
National and Labour made very big , but very different announcements this week. However the political thinking behind them both was almost identical and was all about eliminating the negative
Read MoreKey's coalition list a sign of weakness for National, re-birth for Peters & Dunne
It was a day for two Comeback Kids, as John Key announced who he might dance with on election night and Winston Peters & Peter Dunne returned from the wings to take centre stage
Read MoreDotcom hasn’t been extradited because it’s not clear he broke the law
If the FBI’s case against Kim Dotcom is so strong, then why hasn’t he been extradited yet? Larry Williams and Cam Slater disagreed with me on Newstalk ZB tonight when I said he had to be accused of a crime that is also a crime (carrying a similar sanction) in New Zealand.
Read MoreThe death of an EDM dancer, well it happens a lot around here
Would Dotcom's "Party Party" have breached electoral law? Maybe yes, maybe no ... which is (for me) a shame.
Read MoreIf thou dost not want our grapples, make no show above the pitch
Graeme McCready is trying to mount Len Brown's head alongside Trevor Mallard and John Banks' on his trophy wall. I think his shots might miss, this time.
Read MoreThatcher's ghost still haunts - 1984 cabinet papers released
The release of UK cabinet papers from 1984 show that Margaret Thatcher lied about the number of mines she planned to close, and reveal her government's deep belief that a certain level of unemployment was not only necessary but good.
Read MoreAt what point does using government services make you a bludger?
Some households get so much back from the state that they're "effectively" not paying tax, says Bill English. Is that fair comment? And should we all be held to account for what we use in state services? Or just some of us?
Read MoreThe Common Good - parallels in the UK’s economy
The challenges faced by Labour in opposition here and in the UK are similar. Both face an economy that is entering a modest cyclical upswing, and right-wing governments wanting to claim it as their recovery.
Read MoreHas National fixed the economy yet?
If, like me you've been trying to answer the question - 'Has National fixed the economy yet', I created a web site to analyse the data in detail:
Read MoreThe left must stand up to abuse
It’s time for the tolerant, open and compassionate left to stand up to vilification and abuse when it is practised by sections of the left.
Read MoreThe last post... for 2013, polls update & moments of the year
So what's 2013 been all about and where does it leave us? Here's my take... and Christmas wishes
Read MoreFirst they came for John Tamihere, and I did not speak out
Once again, the Sisterhood has dragged down John Tamihere. Look upon his fate, ye men, and ponder.
Read MoreDown 'n' out Brown & opening salvo of the 2016 race
Len Brown has been censured for the texts, the hotel rooms, the inappropriate reference and all the "fallout" of his extra-marital affair with a young appointee. But what's the political fallout going to look like and can he stand again?
Read MoreCommon sense was the winner on the day
You can all relax now - it looks like you'll still be able to wear your favoured political party lapel badge next election day. Because I know you were really worried about that.
Read MoreThe Colin Craig factor & the myth of religion
Some times in politics, although not often, things are just what they seem to be. Just ask that nice Colin Craig
Read MoreThe Parliamentary Privilege Bill: the empire finally strikes back
Parliament is planning to pass a law saying how much freedom its members (and others involved in its proceedings) have from legal liability. What's more, it's telling the courts that they've stuffed that issue up.
Read MoreMemories of the '81 tour - what we remember, forget & honour
John Key can explain away his own history, but he needs to pay more respect to New Zealand's by expressing an opinion and backing down on his funeral invitations
Read MoreConstitutional review - timidity means little grist for the mill
If Andrew's constitutional blog leaves you wanting more, you won't be disappointed by this post and its attempt to spark some debate
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