New Zealand has turned from a nation of squirrels to one of nutty spenders, yet there's still little debate about just how the global recession will change our behaviour
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday December 9
Pakistan claims to have arrested terrorist leader; Thai opposition calls for parliament to elect new PM; Blackwater guards hand themselves in; riots in Greece; and more
Read MoreNational News Brief, Tuesday December 9
49th parliament sworn in and urgent programme announced; KiwiSaver backdown by National; rescued climber reveals how he survived; two-parent families no longer the norm; and more
Read MoreThe problem of partisan noise
Yes, the technology revolution has allowed many more people to participate in their democracy, but the most successful outgrowth of that revolution--the partisan political blog--does more to cloud than elucidate democratic discourse
Read MoreMeritocracy and Mike
Mike Williams' departure from his government appointments leaves a bad taste and prompts questions about our supposed meritocracy
Read MoreNational News Brief, Monday December 8
Popular swimming spots contaminated; Mike Williams gives up plum posts; house prices levelling off; under-qualified school principals appointed by "anti-intellectual" school boards; IT has lost its lustre for tertiary students; slow start to Christmas shopping
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Constitutional precedent set in Canada
A groundbreaking ruling in Canada means any Prime Minister faced with a confidence vote can pull the plug on Parliament by running to the Governor General
Read MoreWhy no-one would ever vote for the Treasury Party
With no new ideas and advice that more teachers is a "low impact" strategy, Treasury's briefing to government just doesn't get it. Plus: What do you think about a capital gains tax?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday December 5
Condi Rice makes unannounced trip to Pakistan, backgrounding Lashkar-e-Taiba; US and China re-open economic talks; Sarkozy's US$33b stimulus plan; and more
Read MoreNational News Brief, Friday December 5
Interest rates expected to keep falling even after record cut; Govt. rejects Treasury advice; another guilty verdict in Glassie case; Japanese climber found dead; Hore is top rugby player; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday December 4
US automakers warn of bankruptcy if no bailout; Filipino rebels attack government convoy; Rice wants urgent action after Mumbai bombings; riots in Zimbabwe; and more
Read MoreACC's billion dollar bomb
National explodes over an urgent billion dollar “time-bomb” funding requirement that wasn't disclosed before the election. “Ridiculous” says Labour. Who is right?
Read MoreNational News Brief, Thursday December 4
14 year-olds shown graphic violence by government agencies; Christchurch baby-snatching attempt foiled; dairy prices continue to tumble; is National preparing to privatise ACC? and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 3
Thai airport protesters to end occupation as government ruled corrupt; US recession causes Asia-Pacific markets to slide; Chinese property market in heavy fall; Cholera kills 500 in Zimbabwe; and more
Read MoreCanada crashes towards crisis as PM panics
Canada's Conservative government is desperately trying to stave off the vote that will oust it after just seven weeks in power. Taking its place could be an unholy alliance of losing, socialist and seperatist parties whose one point of agreement is that they hate the Tories even more than they hate each other
Read MoreIndia: Global Optimism, Local Fears
A huge country with enormous potential, India also has a long list of "very big problems" to overcome, terrorism being just one among many
Read MoreNational News Brief, Wednesday December 3
John Key angry at $1 billion ACC shortfall; Hercules on its way to Thailand; Air NZ black box on way to US for analysis; climbers trapped on Mt Cook; armed bank robbery in Wellington; Meridian gains access to Waitaki River
Read MoreFor Shame...
What do Nia Glassie's murderers, Mark Hotchin, and even the new government have in common? A lack of shame and obligation caused by being cut off from the wider community
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday December 2
Hillary Clinton takes over at State, Robert Gates to remain at Pentagon as Obama names more cabinet members; where does Clinton stand on world issues?; Chinese manufacturing contracts; Protesters rally in Bangkok; Chavez wants power until 2021; and more
Read MoreNational News Brief, Tuesday December 2
Government considers Bangkok rescue; Key hints at business tax holiday; Recession could be over next year, forecasters say; All Blacks to meet their nemesis after 2011 World Cup draw made; and more
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