At the best of times, by-elections are never pretty. These are not the best of times, and
The frugal elitist
When the going gets tough, the tough go to the mall and drink coffee
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday May 5
Just how buggered is Europe?; Asian giants rally round $120 billion fund; North Koreans threaten war. Again; Nepalese PM quits; Panama turns right after election
Read MorePurchase advisers: new dogs or old tricks?
National's decision to hire "purchase advisers" is another nail in the coffin of a neutral public service. Or is it?
Read MoreNational and the art of managing expectations
Pundit's latest poll of polls shows National cruising on a flat sea of likeability, overseas issues and carefully crafted PR. Even the 'dissent' is perfectly scripted
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday May 1
WHO says "community outbreaks" imminent while Mexico closes offices; How much will the pandemic cost?; Japanese economy shows 'green shoots' of recovery; Britain leaves Iraq; and more
Read MoreTrust the media. No, really
An attempt to promote an old-fashioned idea: that being a journalist is a good thing
Read MoreThere's no escaping the swine flu
Obama now has to deal with plague and pestilence to add to his 100 days of crises, and swine flu is proving no complacent little piggy
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday April 30
First swine flu death outside Mexico; five year-old Mexican boy identified as first infection; North Korea threaten nuclear tests; Pakistan troops kill 50 Taliban militants; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 29
WHO says it's "too late" to contain swine flu, plus Q&A; US and China firms sign trade deals; Hamas-Fatah talks resume; Sri Lanka blocks UN; and more
Read MoreSuper Fund: the pros and cons of contributions
A month out from the Budget, the government is facing a legacy-defining choice about the Superannuation Fund. Do you think it should continue its contributions, or suspend them?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday April 28
Swine flu special: WHO declares "international concern", history, Q&A, plus interactive graphic; Japanese economy worst since WWII; Obama wants to send aid to Hamas; and more
Read MoreA fox in charge of the henhouse?
Animal welfare law seems to be an ass. Only you can fix it
Read MoreSuper-City – the shape of things to come
Official papers released by Local Government Minister Rodney Hyde show his blitzkrieg plan for
Why everyone should watch The Wire. Really.
I know there are few things more insufferable than hearing about a person's favourite television show, but you really, really, really need to watch The Wire
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday April 24
Pakistan paramilitary move against Taliban; Zuma set for South African presidency; Japanese to take on pirates; and more
Read MoreBirding at Lake Papaitonga
An hour or so north of Wellington, Buller Road runs west off SH1 to the birdwatching sanctuary at Lake Papaitonga
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday April 23
ANC could lose constitution-changing majority in South Africa; US to kick-start Mid-East peace process; South and North Korea talks falter; Taliban extend reach in Pakistan; and more
Read MoreIt's torture, stupid, and those who approved it could be liable to prosecution
The white collar guys who forumlated the US torturers' manifesto may be under the screws themselves as President Obama has now said they are open to investigation
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 22
Congress to Geithner: Where's the bailout money?; Chinese car-makers to go global; Russia looks to new European security plan; South Africa on verge of elections; and more
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