Do the sums and read between the lines, and it looks like something has to give in this year's budget. And I think I know what it may be...
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World News Brief, Friday May 1
Nepalis protest slow delivery of aid; North Korea's nuclear reactor may be operational again; Japanese PM appeals to US to back TPP, citing 'deep regret' over World War II; French soldiers accused of sexually abusing refugee children from Central African Republic; another US presidential candidate announces run for White House; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 29
US and Japan announce new defense cooperation guidelines; Korean ferry captain sentenced to life in prison; EU urges Ukraine to reform, warns membership long way off; Baltimore riots lead to state of emergency; and more
Read MoreShould Environmentalists Care About Poverty?
Can an environmentalist focus solely on sustainability or are they drawn into wider issues such has how fairly the material product of the economy is distributed?
Read MoreHas John Key tugged off more than he realises?
John Key's hair-pulling raises questions about just what kind of player he is, and his interview on The Nation reveals a worrying lack of judgement and understanding of power
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday April 24
EU leaders meet to address migration crisis; China warns of North Korea's growing nuclear capability; Kim Jong-un will visit Moscow in first state visit since coming to power; Nigerian forces lead assault on Boko Haram stronghold; Pentagon to unveil new cybersecurity strategy; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 22
Two arrests related to Mediterranean migrant boating disaster; EU warns of possible ban on Thai seafood; Japan sets new train speed record; Morsi sentenced to 20 years in prison for violence against protesters; EU to file antitrust charges against Russian power giant; and more
Read MoreHolistic Financial Regulations
While the Reserve Bank may have startled everyone by asking the government to take a fresh look at taxation on investment housing, the recent statement by the Deputy Governor indicates that we are inching towards a more holistic approach to macroeconomic policy.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday April 21
EU foreign ministers meet to assess escalating migrant crisis; Philippines alarmed by China's land reclamation efforts in South China Sea; Japan and US iron out outstanding TPP issues; China and Pakistan sign investment deals worth $46 billion; dozens of people with links to Greece's neo-Naxi political party go on trial; and more
Read MoreTaming the Auckland property market
The crazy Auckland property market needs reining in. Capital gains tax as a way of controlling house prices doesn't work overseas, but what about a land tax?
Read MoreLest we forget
It isn't just the service men and women of New Zealand whose sacrifice we need to remember at this year's ANZAC Day. Our involvement in World War One came at the cost of some pretty important freedoms as well.
Read MoreThe pull of the 51st State of America
The US Congress has managed to insert itself into the Iran nuclear negotiations but its reasons for doing so are highly questionable - more to do with sucking up to Israeli lobby election dollars and diminishing Obama than the safety of the rest of us - Americans included.
Read MoreThough ye flourish more arms than the giant Briareus, ye have to reckon with me
Arthur Taylor's tilt at the windmills of Hellensville predictably has resulted in a shattered lance. Now we wait for the outcome of his really interesting court challenge.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday April 16
Progress on US efforts to curb Iran's nuclear programme; China approves founding members for new bank; Japan to propose increased rice imports from US; Europe accuses Google of monopoly abuse; Cuba removed from terrorism sponsor list; and more
Read MoreNational needs a Capital Gains Tax - it's still borrowing to pay for tax cuts
The deficit-funded tax cuts that National gave the high income earners is still being paid for by borrowing.
When National won office at the end of 2008, they had a mandate to give median income earners a tax cut 'north of $50 a week'. At the time John Key made that promise he explicitly pledged not to increase GST to pay for it.
Read MoreThree signs that National knows Simon Bridges did wrong
Red sky at night, shepherd's delight. John Key spinning obfuscatory defence lines, Bridges warning.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 15
Iraq seeks more US support against Islamic state; China releases five women detained after campaigning against sexual harassment; UN to vote on Yemen arms embargo; Chile enacts civil union law; and more
Read MoreGambling on the Dollar
Sharp movements in exchange rates often reflect sophisticated specualtion. Is there much we can do about it?
Read MoreHe's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy
Repeat after me: the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit, the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit, the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday April 14
US boosts role in Yemen; Chinese hackers likely responsible for cyberespionage campaign; Japanese PM to visit Kazakhstan; Taliban forces attack Afghan army posts; Hillary Clinton on the presidential campaign trail; historic meeting between Castro and Obama; and more
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