Giant fraud rattles banks, could prompt more regulation; New Thai Prime Minister elected; Bush makes final tours of Iraq and Afghanistan; ANC rival grows in South Africa; and more
Read MoreThese are the people in your neighbourhood
Appearances are deceptive in one of Auckland's "up-and-coming" suburbs
Read MoreNational News Brief, Tuesday December 16
Redundancy plan offers nothing to some workers; Fiji to expel another NZ diplomat; NZ journalist detained in Fiji; mortgages affordable again; Air New Zealand will defend price-fixing claims; Peter Ellis may get another Commission of Inquiry
Read MoreWhy isn't National more stimulating?
While the government sends parliament into urgency to pass stale bills, its response to the global financial crisis is about as urgent as a tortoise
Read MoreThe Beltway Blues: Random Thoughts from Inside the Bubble
Cue harmonica: It looks like the more things change in parliament, the more they stay the same.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday December 12
Auto bailout passes the House, looks set to struggle in the Senate; China reveals "dreadful" export figures; no progress in North Korea nuclear talks; Ireland to reconsider Lisbon Treaty; and more
Read MoreA week to make you weep
The new government's first week in the House leaves the country less fair, less green and less democratic. Is this the change New Zealanders voted for?
Read MoreNational News Brief, Friday December 12
Hefty fines for parents of truants; two children die from accidents each week; Te Papa faces financial pressure; childcare rates for under-fives among highest in world; more Kiwis holidaying at home; Mangatawhiri bypass opens today
Read MoreAn indignant Quebec has voted, sending Canada's PM a message
The Canadian PM's desperate clutch at power is likely behind the resurgence of the sovereignist Parti Quebecois in this week's provincial election, and could have major federal implications when he is next forced to go to the polls
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday December 11
Greek riots become anti-government protests; Britain plans to leave Iraq in March, new agreement to re-shape Thai politics; Chinese detain human rights protesters; and more
Read MoreNational News Brief, Thursday December 11
Alan Bollard calls for companies to share the pain; free Herceptin sets "dangerous precedent"; Maori Party opposes 90-day probation bill; Ernest Rutherford's centennial; and more
Read MoreThe good, bad and ugly politics of probations
National rewards its base with a dance it calls the 90-day probationary two-step. But is it good law or just a political sop?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 10
Japan's GDP fall worse than expected; Thai parties rally behind opposition Democrats; Likud nominates hard-liners for Israeli elections; Ghana's ruling party has lead in presidential vote count; and more
Read MoreFire at will - again!
The lines are drawn. Labour attacks National’s “outrageous arrogance” in ramming through an Employment Probation Bill introduced – in 2006. The old ritual begins once more.
Read MoreNational News Brief, Wednesday December 10
Paula Bennett axes $200,000 conference; KiwiSaver changes cost taxpayers; National fast-tracks First 100 Days legislation; Hanover investors agree to rescue package; parents warned about dangers of "co-sleeping"; Privy Council rejects Bain's request
Read MoreDon Quixote and mommies who drink
Don Quixote is a delight; Mommies who drink; I want a house like she's got
Read MoreLittle guys take a few blows
As details of National's agenda emerge, it appears the new government might be less progressive than appeared on the campaign trail.
Read MoreYour part in resolving the global crisis
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
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