DOC papers released to me, under the OIA, show Meridian deleting key email to pre-empt its release, and slowing down DOC decision-making
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World News Brief, Thursday August 5
BP declares oil spill 'under control', three-quarters of oil evaporated (+ graphics); Death toll in Pakistan floods reaches 1500 as food becomes the issue; UN backs Israel's version of events after Lebanon border skirmish; Republican opposition stalls nuclear treaty; and more
Read MoreChris Carter: what next for Labour?
It's not the first time an MP has fallen apart under the public's gaze, but under the Labour Party constitution Chris Carter's breakdown creates new political challenges
Read MoreFlotilla inquiry will mean vitriol for Palmer, perhaps promotion for Clark
Sir Geoffrey Palmer's Gaza flotilla inquiry already looks beset by political storms, but could it turn out to be another step up the ladder for Helen Clark at the UN?
Read MoreThe same law for MPs Bill
A new Bill proposes that incumbents shouldn't be able to use public funding to pay for their election ads. Surely that's cause for celebration?
Read MoreToday I write like Shakespeare, tomorrow Dan Brown
You too can write like a Booker Prize winner or a pulp fiction bazillionaire; plus Chelsea Clinton's wedding
Read MoreGoff’s stormy ride is far from over
Chris Carter’s slide into the political wilderness shifts the focus to Labour leader Phil Goff’s ability to be an election-winner. Goff has a stormy ride ahead
Carl who? New Families Commission head a complete unknown
The appointment of Carl Davidson raises some problematic questions about the future of the Families and Children's Commissions
Read MoreCarers or teachers? Why early childhood education matters
If a 3-year-old's teacher adds $320,000 to the future income of that child's class, should we pay a bit more to keep that teacher in ajob? Or would you rather have a tax cut now?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday July 30
Judge slaps down Arizona's immigration laws, sets up debate for midterms (+ analysis & ruling); Britain and Pakistan trade insults over Afghanistan; Russian spy service gets more power; Japanese oil tanker damaged – terrorism or wave?: and more
Read MoreCarter commits 'death by cop', gifts Goff his biggest opportunity
In what may be the most amateurish coup attempt ever, Chris Carter has killed his own career in a way that ensures none of his colleagues could ever back him. Unintentionally, he's made Phil Goff's leadership more secure and given him a fresh opportunity
Read MoreCrown pastoral land: LINZ explains everything
Land Information New Zealand is a bit of a misnomer: the information, when I asked them for it, seemed in short supply. But inadvertently, they explained quite a lot
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday July 29
US admits losing billions of Iraqi dollars as it frets about lack of government (+ analysis); France "at war with al Qaeda" after engineer killing; Japan reaches out to skilled migrants; New BP boss reckons no more oil will flow into Gulf; and more
Read MoreWikiLeaks are no Pentagon Papers
The dauntingly large cache of documents detailing the increasing futility of war in Afghanistan doesn't deliver anything new... but gives cause for concern and puts the heat on the rather dubious ally, Pakistan.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday July 28
WikiLeaks papers show repeated signs of Osama bin Laden since 2003; Pentagon hunting for whistleblower who leaked documents to WikiLeaks; US and South Korea join on third day of military manouvres to warn off North Korea; North Korea has not responded with promised retaliation; $17 billion loss for BP; and more
Read MoreJust who are you calling powerful, Mr Hide?
Have politicians forgotten just who really holds the power in a democracy?
Read MoreOffshore oil: never mind the gap
Gerry Brownlee, in his haste to scrape the bottom of the oil barrel, is showing some disregard for Maori that is not mana-enhancing
Read MoreThe Happiest Writer on Pundit
David Young is happier even than Sue Bradford and Deborah Coddington were to leave parliament. More satisfied than Nicky Hager was when Don Brash stepped down. He is chirpier even than… Tim Watkin.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday July 27
Afghanistan war log revelations – more civilian deaths, Iran and Pakistan aiding Taliban, increasing use of remote-controlled drones; US and South Korea begin military exercises despite threats; Khmer Rouge jailer jailed; BP set to announce new CEO; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday July 23
Petraeus to step up counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan as Republicans express doubts; North Korea warns off US and South Korea; Kosovo's independence ruled legal; Bernanke says economic outlook is "unusually uncertain"; and more
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