John Banks should have been declared innocent by the Court of Appeal in November last year. But that doesn't mean he should not have been before the courts at all.
Read MoreUncategorized
World News Brief, Tuesday May 19
Islamic State takes control of Ramadi; diplomats from India, Malaysia and Thailand to address migrant crisis; US threatens new sanctions on North Korea; Nigeria claims troops have killed many Boko Haram militants; Obama bans military assault gear for local police; and more
Read MoreHuffing and puffing at houses: Third term straw
National has done something so that it looks like it's doing something about Auckland housing. But it reeks of third term-itis when you pretend you're fixing a problem when you're merely tinkering
Read MoreShould There be a Budget Deficit?
There is a lot of chatter about the government’s budget deficit, but politics aside why does it matter?
Read MoreSome victims are more equal than others in the maths of nations
While the search goes on for the dead, Asia Pacific countries seem willing to leave those starving in the Andaman Sea to their fate
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday May 15
Obama hosts Gulf leaders, talks nuclear negotiations; Japan likely to expand scope of overseas military operations; Malaysia turns away migrants; Vatican to recognise Palestinian state; gunmen storm Kabul hotel; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday May 14
Obama loses bid for "fast track" authority in trade negotiation; North Korean defense minister reportedly executed; US seeks ways to contest China's territorial claims in South China Sea; Nepal aftershock death toll rises; Eurozone economy grows; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday May 13
John Kerry to meet with Putin in Sochi -- first talks since Ukraine conflict began; six thousand refugees stranded in Malacca Strait; third Bangladeshi blogger murdered; Arctic oil drilling approved; and more
Read MoreFair Funding for ACC?
Andrew Little recently suggested that ACC's current funding model is more suitable for private insurance, and suggested that a future Labour government might change it - but in doing so failed to get to the heart of the issue.
Read MorePeculiar Outcomes of FPP Elections.
You may have been surprised at the outcome of the recent British elections, but New Zealand’s experience shows you should not have been surprised that you were surprised
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday May 12
Saudi King to miss Gulf summit in Washington DC; 2000 refugees on way to Thailand rescued after traffickers allegedly abandoned ship; Pyongyang test-fires ballistic missile; Hollande visits Cuba; Turkish cargo ship shelled off coast of Libya; and more
Read MoreIs calling for a boycott of Israel a form of hate speech?
Us intolerant liberal types who favour using the power of law to put an end to the sort of intolerant words and deeds that we detest should look to Canada and ... ponder.
Read MoreParty of No vs Council of Go
At least that's how it should be. But the politics of Len Brown are undermining Auckland's growth as National plays politics with transport
Read MoreLeading the charge to develop a soil carbon policy
New Zealand's unusual carbon profile marks it apart from other countries trying to lower greenhouse emissions
Read MoreBarbarians at the Gates
Arts and cultural policy seems to be going backward at the moment. Why? Does it matter?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday May 7
Obama to push for regional defense system in Gulf; China to impose harsher punishments for pollution; Japan and Philippines hold anti-piracy exercises in waters off Manila Bay; France expands spy powers; ferry between Florida and Cuba approved; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday May 6
Syria peace talks kick off in Geneva; Indian PM Modi to make first visit to China; South Korea and Vietnam sign free trade agreement; EU revises economic forecast upwards; and more
Read MoreThere's none so deaf as they that will not hear
The saga of family carers for the severely disabled is still being written, despite Parliament's attempts to put a full stop on it. It makes for a really interesting constitutional tale.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday May 5
Afghan and Taliban leaders meet in Doha to negotiate cease-fire; China and Taiwan hold high-level talks; bodies found in Thailand thought to be from abandoned trafficking camp; thousands of migrants rescued from Mediterranean Sea; suicide blast rips through Damascus; and more
Read MoreHas New Zealand a Rock-Star Economy?
Why does the Minister of finance say this is is hardest budget ever? The economy may be doing moderately well, but it is by no means preforming outstandingly.
Read More