Alain de Botton’s latest foray, into The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, is for the vocationally-challenged, not romantically-inclined
Read MoreYour Punt
Another new logo in the offing?
I've been fretting about the new, vast Auckland and the plethora of shibboleths that will ensue therefrom—especially the logo
Read MoreBlood on the floor at the butchers’ club
The International Whaling Commission is staring extinction in the face. Sir Geoffrey Palmer talks about its struggle to save itself, let alone the whales.
Read MoreThe Sunday pork roast
It’s got all the right ingredients: local celebrity, an epiphany, cute animals, industry bad guys, hoodwink, public outrage - the media’s happy as a pig in muck, this week. But why did it take so long?
Read MoreThe trouble with babies and animals
It was W.C. Fields, wasn’t it, who made that enlightened and penetrating remark about the wisdom of avoiding animals and children?
Read MoreKilling sacred cows
Vegetarians and vegans have taken the moral high ground, but think again - in a fossil-fuel challenged world, animals need to be part of the food chain.
Read MoreA fox in charge of the henhouse?
Animal welfare law seems to be an ass. Only you can fix it
Read MoreThe little gardener
Once upon a time, wrote Oscar Wilde, there lived little Hans the miller’s friend. Hans lived in a tiny cottage all by himself and worked in his garden every day—like the heroine of this story
Read MoreSo much rubbish: a story in search of some facts
Our politicians seem incapable of giving us straight facts on the serious matter of waste reduction. If only MPs would talk more rubbish...
Read MoreTax relief needs to benefit charities, not you and me
Speak English to Me: No Affectations Please.
Electronic media, television in particular, are marred by detestable mannerisms from unprofessional presenters
Read MoreIt's not easy being Green
Green is the new black, but if the Green Party wants to attract mainstream voters it must confront its daggy image and cliquey mentality
Read MoreBang 'em up for longer or let 'em out?
The vexed question of what to do with convicted criminals
Read MoreThe error of cheap food
At last, some happy news: the end of the cheap food era
Read MoreIt's not just what Government does, its the way that it does it
National's first 100 days of action are over and its legislative trophies are there for all to see. But has it stretched the rules in getting what it wants done?
Read MoreDear John: the environment IS the economy
The environmental implications of the government's first 100 days are worrying, but not for the obvious reasons
Read MoreOwn grown
Gardening for food is not just about saving the world, although that is one compelling outcome
Read MoreHappy birthday Charles Darwin!
New Zealand scientists are celebrating the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth – even though he described New Zealand as "not a pleasant place".
Read MoreThe dogs of war... and warring dogs
Making quality television can be a tough job when there are dog shows to attend, old soldiers to cajole, and Jim Hickey to contend with
Read MoreA CEO’s changelog for 2009 - top 10 priorities
A tech company CEO offers ten tips on making 2009 a great year in business without laying off staff
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