Are you ready to maybe vote in a non-binding referendum on whether Parliament should treat such non-binding referenda as binding? Or, does your head hurt yet?
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Flags, constitutions, Fleetwood Mac, zeitgeists...
If we're starting to talk about Waitangi Day, the end of the year has arrived. So what will John Key and Phil Goff be reflecting on as they tuck into their Christmas pudding?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 16
US and China square off at Copenhagen; Clinton lays out Obama's human rights agenda; Burmese opium growth funds arms sales; bombs in Mosul and Baghdad; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday December 15
Abu Dhabi in $10 billion Dubai bailout; Obama takes on Wall St; Turkmenistan and China complete pipeline deal; run-off now for Chilean presidency' and more
Read MoreIs Alan Bollard a man of his word?
The Reserve Bank governor has been jumping around on just when he intends to start raising interest rates. For a man who has people's homes in his hands, surely he has to mean what he says and say only what he means
Read MoreKiwi connections in Kabul embassy scandal
Sexual molestation rituals … illegal brothel visits … drunken brawls … unauthorized “cowboy” missions. That’s life for New Zealanders in the private security unit set up to guard the US Embassy in Kabul.
Conservative politics, liberal petrol: OIA papers on emission standards
Cabinet papers reveal the motor industry flip-flopping on car fuel economy plans and the government ignoring officials' advice as it abandoned new vehicle standards... Is this another example of political caution gone mad?
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Road-user charges exemption for light electric vehicles
Why I'm sick of the government trumpeting their championing of electric cars...
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday December 11
Obama accepts Nobel amid controversy; China attempts to cool its real estate market; North Korea and US agree that Six-Party talks should resume; Iraq reshuffles security forces; France and UK agree on bank reform; and more
Read MoreThe dark side of the Twilight phenomenon
The hit movies Twilight and New Moon – and the books they are basd on – have huge popular appeal but glamourise violent, dependent romantic relationships
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday December 10
Trouble at Copehhagen talks; Japan's growth not as good as forecast; Phillipines resumes talks with Islamic terrorists; support for Obama's Afghanistan troop plan; and more
Read MoreHave a heart: fixing broken criminals
Paroled murderer Richard Lakich needs a new heart, and Parliament is considering an ACC amendment that disentitles criminals. Are these hard choices, or heartless choices?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 9
Over 100 die in Baghdad bombings; EPA threatens to cut US emissions without Congress; Japan tries another whopping stimulus package; India to buy more atomic fuel from Russia; and more
Read MoreBusy out the back... and Labour strategy
In case you're wondering where we are... And a few ideas bouncing off Toby's post
Read MoreClass warfare returns in UK
David Cameron has had four strong years. Now Gordon Brown is playing the posh card - and no wonder, it may just give him half a chance
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday December 8
Copenhagen climate talks begin at last as countries promise emission cuts (+analysis and background); Climate scientists debate 'climategate' emails as Saudi Arabia asks questions; Morales wins Bolivia election; Iranian protesters back on the street; and more
Read MoreThe Time Traveler’s Wife: I waited, you didn’t come
The film version of The Time Traveler’s Wife could be a clever metaphor, cynical exploitation, or just a bit of a flub
Read MoreIntolerant Swiss topple more than just minarets
In taking their army knife to the civil rights of Swiss Muslims by banning minarets on mosques, the Swiss have fallen prey to the politics of hate and fear bubbling all too close to Europe's surface
Read MoreEnough is enough: Copenhagen and too-convenient alcohol
The inconvient truth is that John Key always should have been going to Copenhagen and dairies should never have been selling liquor. So hooray for a change of heart on both
Read MoreSerendipity: the recipe for happiness
Happiness has simple ingredients – good food, a bit of luck and, apparently, lots of rosy sex
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