Auto bailout passes the House, looks set to struggle in the Senate; China reveals "dreadful" export figures; no progress in North Korea nuclear talks; Ireland to reconsider Lisbon Treaty; and more
Read MoreUncategorized
A 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 MoreNational News Brief, Friday December 12
Hefty fines for parents of truants; two children die from accidents each week; Te Papa faces financial pressure; childcare rates for under-fives among highest in world; more Kiwis holidaying at home; Mangatawhiri bypass opens today
Read MoreAn indignant Quebec has voted, sending Canada's PM a message
The Canadian PM's desperate clutch at power is likely behind the resurgence of the sovereignist Parti Quebecois in this week's provincial election, and could have major federal implications when he is next forced to go to the polls
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday December 11
Greek riots become anti-government protests; Britain plans to leave Iraq in March, new agreement to re-shape Thai politics; Chinese detain human rights protesters; and more
Read MoreNational News Brief, Thursday December 11
Alan Bollard calls for companies to share the pain; free Herceptin sets "dangerous precedent"; Maori Party opposes 90-day probation bill; Ernest Rutherford's centennial; and more
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 MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 10
Japan's GDP fall worse than expected; Thai parties rally behind opposition Democrats; Likud nominates hard-liners for Israeli elections; Ghana's ruling party has lead in presidential vote count; and more
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 MoreNational News Brief, Wednesday December 10
Paula Bennett axes $200,000 conference; KiwiSaver changes cost taxpayers; National fast-tracks First 100 Days legislation; Hanover investors agree to rescue package; parents warned about dangers of "co-sleeping"; Privy Council rejects Bain's request
Read MoreDon Quixote and mommies who drink
Don Quixote is a delight; Mommies who drink; I want a house like she's got
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 MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday December 9
Pakistan claims to have arrested terrorist leader; Thai opposition calls for parliament to elect new PM; Blackwater guards hand themselves in; riots in Greece; and more
Read MoreNational News Brief, Tuesday December 9
49th parliament sworn in and urgent programme announced; KiwiSaver backdown by National; rescued climber reveals how he survived; two-parent families no longer the norm; and more
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 MoreNational News Brief, Monday December 8
Popular swimming spots contaminated; Mike Williams gives up plum posts; house prices levelling off; under-qualified school principals appointed by "anti-intellectual" school boards; IT has lost its lustre for tertiary students; slow start to Christmas shopping
Read More
Constitutional 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?
Read More