The rights and wrongs of National's election strategy will come down to three main points... and coalition partners
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Our Education System Seems to Be Struggling
International comparisons suggest that New Zealand secondary students are not doing well. It may even be that recent policy measures have worsened their performance.
Read MoreWhy Bill English booted Collins off Corrections
In many respects, Judith Collins has been the worst Minister of Justice and Corrections New Zealand has ever had. She had to go – even if that changes absolutely nothing about how the country deals with the drivers of crime or the growing prison population. And it won't.
Read MoreUnderstanding Truthiness
How does a post-truth world work? Some psychological findings may be useful. (The Oxford Dictionary definition of ‘post-truth’ is ‘Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief’ The Dictionary labelled it the word of the year 2016.)
Read MoreMedia in a Post Truth World
A recent decision by New Zealand on Air in response to the changing media technologies raises a range of issues about how the platforms are used.
Read More2016: Hero & anti-Hero of the year
Who stood out for me this year? I want to talk about two people who changed the conversation, for better and worse
Read MoreWhat Are You Thinking, Stupid?
A book about two psychologists who have altered the way we think about the way we think.
Read More2016 in politics: A spinoff from The spinoff
The Spinoff last week asked me to consider the political highs and lows of 2016. So I did that and saw there first package come out over the weekend. So here are my thoughts on all that
Read MoreKicking the can down the road
Why is the Crown fighting a court case it knows it is very unlikely to win? Because doing so stops it from having to face cases it really would prefer not to deal with.
[Update: see important revisory note at post's end!]
Read MoreLetter to Bill
Your In-tray is piled high.
Read MoreWait or go? The big choice for the substitute Prime Minister with a tail wind
Despite the polls, an English win at next year's election would be an historic achievement. Which makes the choice of when to go to the country, so very important
Read MoreShearer: the one that got away or a fish out of water?
As David Shearer looks to hit the road, some are asking whether he was Labour's golden opportunity missed. So is that nostalgia or wise hindsight speaking?
Read MoreDoing the right thing
Today the right thing was done for two individuals by public officials who were not forced into doing so. Let's just take a moment to savour an occasion when things worked the way they should.
Read MoreThe call of the centre
As John Key exits stage centre undefeated and to much applause, the question becomes who will be bold enough to take up his mantle in the middle? As voters start shopping around, who's looking the part to succeed him?
Read MoreAngries and Mangries
Could the alienated grumpies have a greater effect on New Zealand political life?
This was written before John Key announced his resignation. Other than perhaps the tense I think there is no need for revision.
Read MoreWhat is Technology?
A new book leads to ponderings on our technology strategy.
Read MoreA special treat for Dunedin readers!
Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Dr Andrew Butler propose that New Zealand should have a written constitution. If you're in Dunedin this Wednesday night, come along to the Museum and hear why.
Read MoreA little something for the weekend (now with pictures!)
The Nation this weekend is telling the story of family carers of disabled adult relatives and the pretty shabby way they've been treated over the years. And it looks like Sam Lotu-liga just doesn't want to talk about that.
Read MoreThree strikes and you still get out
The courts really, really don't like the "three strikes" sentencing regime. And they're doing what they can to avoid having it force them into actions they think are wholly disproportionate.
Read MoreThe Future of International Trading.
Can Trump wreck the world trading system?
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