National's decision to collapse a select committee meeting to make some sort of point may or may not be good politics. But it is bad for our parliamentary processes and long term constitutional culture.
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Newshub poll: If this is the winter of Bridge's discontent, he can't be too discontented
I'm shocked I tell you. Shocked... Shocked that anyone would be surprised by tonight's Newshub-Reid Research poll. The seasons of politics are turning as expected. The complicating factor is Judith Collins.
Read MoreReflections on a day at Waitangi and 'the c word'
I went to Waitangi for Waitangi Day and it got me wondering about commemorations, celebrations, blandness and what's missing
Read MoreWhy is New Zealand silent on Venezuela?
Some seem keen to ignore the chaos on Venezuela, not least because Donald Trump has taken a stance against the dictator Nicolo Maduro. But that's a mistake and New Zealand's silence only lines us up again alongside Putin's Russia
Read MoreHeart of Darkness in the public sector
The extent of spying by several public sector agencies goes to a worrying lack of public service at the heart of our public service
Read MoreProtecting the umpire
Did you know that Parliament could imprison you for saying that Trevor Mallard is biased in favour of Jacinda Ardern over Simon Bridges? But it (almost certainly) won't.
Read MoreEvery election is determined by the people who show up
It seems NZ referenda are a bit like Wellington buses - you wait ages for one to come along, and then three arrive all at once.
Read MoreIf Jacinda Ardern wants inspiration on Brady & China, she can look to Khashoggi & Trump
The open letter to Jacinda Ardern to show some spine over alleged crimes against Anne-Marie Brady feels vital in the face of a less than urgent response thus far. The professor was only a mechanic away from being another Jamal Khashoggi or Fernando Pereira
Read MoreIts not the justice system that's broken - its the political system
The Justice Advisory Board appointed by Andrew Little says it will take a generation to transform the system. So with New Zealand's three year election cycle, Little needs to get on with it
Read MoreDon't give me culture - the question of character
As a practical people we have been well served by a focus on policy and outcomes. But the Jami-Lee Ross controversies raise the question, 'how much does character and integrity matter?'
Read MoreRoss, Bridges and the party hopping law (updated for recent developments)
Should Simon Bridges use the party hopping law to force Jami-Lee Ross from Parliament? You can make up your own mind up on that, but he can if National's caucus wants him to [update: unless Ross' seat becomes vacant because of his mental health].
Read MoreRoss, Bridges, donations and our Politics
Jamie-Lee Ross has levelled a very serious accusation against Simon Bridges - which has yet to be confirmed. But its the way his actions are hurting our Politics we need to really worry about.
Read MoreWhat value do we put on the values worth valuing? How New Zealand First has it wrong
New Zealand First's push for an immigrants 'values test' has taken a dark turn, so let's have a look at all the things New Zealand First is getting wrong here
Read MoreYou're not the boss of me now
The Supreme Court has this week released a judgment that not only raises issues for the Crown’s settlement negotiations with Hauraki, but it also marks a shift in how the Court sees its relationship with Parliament.
Read MoreMinisters be warned: Next time the Band-Aid will come off fast
Jacinda Ardern may have been misguided showing mercy to Clare Curran two weeks ago given the odds of more coming out. But at least she's not left with a low bar precedent around her neck
Read MoreThoughts from the Criminal Justice Summit
The recent Criminal Justice Summit talked about the need for change – especially in terms of engagement with Māori. But there was little about what that change might actually look like.
Read MoreHow do you solve a problem like Chelsea?
Chelsea Manning is a convicted criminal and so some say the government should not allow her entry to New Zealand. But on what grounds should any government be allowed to police speech? How do we draw the line?
Read MoreTime for leaker to come clean and get help
UPDATED: This post is a different version from one published on RNZ this morning. It takes into account Trevor Mallard's decision to halt the inquiry into the leak of Simon Bridge's travel expenses. A decision that doesn't resolve anything
Read MoreIs Don Brash really different from those Canadians?
Amidst the free speech debate of recent weeks, there seemed to be some interesting flip-flops by those critical of Molyneux and Southern, but defensive of Brash. So what gives?
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'Good' is a conversation... what NZ's weekend of division should teach us
Let's not remember the visit of Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux for the division and insults. That way, they win. Let's instead remember what we have in common and keep talking
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