John Key expects more mining in Crown land, which includes our national parks. Is this going to be his year for living dangerously?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday February 17
Operation Moshtarak: bin Laden associate captured but 15 civilians killed; Australian terrorists sentenced; Clinton warns Iran becoming a military dictatorship; Israel gives Russia telling off; and more
Read MorePrime Minister’s statement: taxing questions
The Green response to John Key’s tax policy statement raises questions about who they’re representing, and some bits of their policy they momentarily forgot
Read MoreKey's uranium shares - gone by lunchtime, but what about the rest?
There's no scandal in the PM's uranium shares, but there is an opportunity for John Key to mine the politics of the situation by providing an example to New Zealanders on ethical investing
Read MoreThe ghosts of the civil dead
Paul Quinn wants to take us back to the days when all prisoners could not vote. Why on earth would he want to do that?
Read MoreCan someone explain the crazy property market?
With the housing market so volatile, vendors are girding their loins while buyers are hopelessly confused
Read MoreModernising New Zealand’s drug law
Unsurprisingly, initial political reaction to the Law Commission's drug law review has been negative, despite its measured approach. So how can we tackle the drug problem in New Zealand?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday February 12
Iran claims to have become 'nuclear state' (+ analysis); EU steps in to save Greek debt; Blackwater kicked out of Iraq; Australian employment better than expected; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday February 11
US offers nuclear compromise as Russia turns on Iran; Security forces arrest journalists and opposition ahead of Iranian revolution anniversary; Honda latest automaker to issue recall; Germany steps in to rescue Greece; Russia ally wins Ukraine election; and more
Read MoreFitzsimons' valedictory, and Values
Jeanette Fitzsimons’ valedictory speech in Parliament today ends a political era. Will it be the death of the Greens, or their coming of age?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday February 10
Expectations rise of Greece bailout, despite government reluctance (+ analysis); Toyota announces worldwide Prius recall; Gates wants Iran sanctions in 'weeks not months'; experts committee to lead French identity debate; and more
Read MorePM's speech: Time for a scrap
Key's likeability is about to be tested as he tells voters that GST is on the rise. At last parliament has something tangible to get its teeth into
Read MoreParents and pupils—pawns in a power game
The stand-off between teachers and politicians over the introduction of national standards in schools is simply a side-show in a much bigger struggle over who controls the country’s education system
Read MoreNothing marks a party like a few executions
This week's 31st anniversary of the establishment of Iran's Islamic Republic is likely to be marked by bloody and brutal crackdowns on protesters and the execution of nine currently on death row. The question must now be how long before the regime implodes.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday February 9
Iran to enrich its own uranium – for medical purposes; War games suggest West won't stop Iran getting nukes; China goes after internet hackers; Karzai demands end to NATO raids as US-led forces prepares new campaign; and more
Read MoreSecond year blues – a failure of governance
As the Key administration prepares for the opening of parliament for 2010, where is the plan and wisdom required for good governance? And where's the opposition? Here's a report card – in plain language
Read MoreTwo flags flying – what does it all mean?
Seeing the tino rangatiratanga flag flying over prominent New Zealand landmarks will swell the pride of many Maori. But should a flag representing only one people only fly from government buildings? Is it exclusive? And what does it stand for?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday February 5
NATO press release announces new attack plan (+ analysis); China refuses to revalue currency; Obama to meet Dalai Lama; Three US soldiers killed in Pakistan bombing; and more
Read MoreA dishonourable discharge for "too gay to fight"
The US has begun the long process of overturning law that required gay soldiers to lie about their sexual orientation. But overturning the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy promises to be a nasty, dirty fight
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday February 4
Iran tests rocket but offers olive branch on uranium; Largest ever drone attack kills 10 in Pakistan; Chinese inequality levels off; France bans Moroccan man over wife's veil; and more
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