New Zealand's support for the Declaration of Indigenous Rights ends one debate for Maori. But it begins another, one which strikes at heart of what it means to belong to this country
Read MoreUncategorized
The Pope loves the Beatles, but who loves Il Papa?
As the latest Pope passes the five year milestone, rather than take the time to pardon the Beatles, he could do worse than reflect on advice from an American columnist
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday April 22
Planes flying across Europe again after 95,000 flight cancellations; Third al Qaeda leader killed in Iraq leaving terrorists "severely weakened"; G20 meeting to press China on currency; Somali pirates take fourth ship this week; and more
Read MoreThe price and profits of freedom farming
As consumers wake up to the false economy and cruelty of ‘factory’ meat and poultry, free range producers are bringing home the bacon while sales soar, according to industry sources
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 21
Iraqi troops kill top Al Qaeda leaders; Thai 'red shirts' backdown as troops deployed; Iran to build new nuclear site but wants talks; British regulators launch Goldman Sachs inquiry; and more
Read MoreWith nary a whisper of drama, signifying much
Pita Sharples cut a fine figure at the UN. But what, if anything, did it all mean?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday April 20
European governments critised for ash cloud decisions as airports re-open (+analysis); Baghdad recount ordered in Iraq election; China restricts property investment; Kenyans lose work to ash cloud; and more
Read MoreThe Budget wish list
Bill English is running scared of big bang reforms in this year's Budget, fearful of voter backlash. But what about some big ideas that have broad public support?
Read MoreNothing like a few nukes to bring back the mojo
While President Obama has been strutting the world stage with the "un-American" intention of stopping nuclear terrorism, his country's tea-partiers are working assiduously to undermine him
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday April 16
China's economy heats up, spurring housing market concerns; Bloody clashes in Jakarta; Obama says Israel-Palestine impasse is "costing" US; BRIC leaders gather in Brazil; and more
Read MoreUp the Hurunui without a paddle: Foreshore and Seabed Act, reprise
Extinguishment of Hurunui litigation rights recalls the Foreshore and Seabed Act, and it is breathing life into the embers of green activism
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday April 15
Nuclear summit pledges to secure fissile material within four years (+ analysis); Ukraine, Russia, Malaysia and Canada all make concrete promises to cut loose nukes; India demands action on Mumbai bombings before talks with Pakistan; Israel claims Syria gave Hezbollah scuds; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 14
US and China promise to work together Iran sanctions; Hu Jintao rejects foreign pressure on currency reform; Kyrgz president will stand down in return for safety guarantee; Sudan voting extended
Read MoreTroubles at Rich Hill – Conflict in the Court
Supreme Court flip flop... Queen’s Counsels quiver... old friends part company... horseracing interests dissolve... charges of “apparent bias” upheld... Where will the inquiry into the conduct of Supreme Court judge Bill Wilson take us next?
Just how do you judge a trial by media?
The Judicial Conduct Commissioner is still conducting a preliminary inquiry into Justice Bill Wilson. The important judgment may get delivered in the court of public opinion
Read MoreSimon Schama on NZ: we should chant our national story
A lovely bit of writing that I had a little hand in creating... brilliant historian Simon Schama warns against New Zealand committing a national 'suicide'
Read MoreSaving the piggies’ bacon from the draft welfare code
NAWAC’s draft welfare code for pigs, on which submissions close this week, is conservative, and not supported by the experience of free range pork producers, who speak openly to Pundit about their pigs
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday April 13
Obama promises $5 billion for nukes as summit begins (+ analysis); Thai PM considers early elections; International troops kill more civilians in Afghanistan; China posts first trade deficit in six years; Sudan's first open elections in 24 years
Read MoreNow is the worst time to change on nukes
Talk about changing New Zealand's nuclear-free stance couldn't come at a worst time. It's a policy that's time has come and which is now more a national asset than ever
Read MoreOverseas investment: our open home
The onus is on the government to explain how a looser overseas investment policy will have net benefit for New Zealand
Read More