Global markets fall and euro sinks amidst fears about Europe budgets and Korean tensions (+ analysis); Clinton piles pressure on China over North Korea; Thaksin Shinawatra wanted on terror charges; EU to introduce bank insurance levy; and more
Read MoreHow Labour might rouse the beast
A well-managed Budget could still cause political problems for National if the Opposition is able to re-connect with New Zealanders who don't usually vote... let alone go to the symphony orchestra
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday May 25
South Korea cuts off almost all trade to North as warship tension builds (+ analysis); America to "ensure readiness" of South Korean defence forces but China unwilling to take sides; Britain announces £6 billion in cuts; Iran says nuclear swap is a "breakthrough"; and more
Read MoreNZ's biggest mistakes: because we don't understand 'cause and effect'
A child learns young that if you cry loudly enough, you're more likely to get attention. Do A, and you'll probably get B. So why can't New Zealanders and our governments so incapable of figuring out the same truth?
Read MoreBudget 2010: Solid, Sensible – but Sustainable?
The worst thing about Budget 2010 is that was so predictable. What’s not so predictable is its sustainability
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday May 21
Global condemnation of North Korean torpedo attack on warship (+ analysis); Iran threatens u-turn on fuel swap; Mexico president heads to Congress to plea for immigration reform; Oceans warming since 1993 consistent with build-up of greenhouse gases; and more
Read MoreKate Wilkinson: Conservation’s lame blue duck?
Notes from Kate Wilkinson’s recent talk to a Christchurch tramping club raise real questions about the job she is doing as conservation minister
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday May 20
Thai military storms protesters encampment, sparks violent response; Taliban in "audacious" attack on Bagram airfield; Security Council members not impressed with Iran, push on with sanctions; South Korea accuses North Korea of sinking warship; and more
Read MoreBill English's smoke and mirrors: when good is bad
The Finance Minister will paint a grim tomorrow of high debt and cumbersome taxes to justify his agenda. The truth is something other, but hey, this year's Budget is taking us right down the rabbit hole
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday May 19
Cautious response to Iran's pledge to send nuclear fuel to Turkey; China welcomes Iran's news; Thai government refuses to talk to Red Shirts until protest ends; Eighteen killed in Kabul attack; Iraq elections panel will pursue more bans; and more
Read MoreThe Way You Do the Things You Do
One of the great things about replacing the Privy Council with our own Supreme Court is that we get a lot more interesting decisions issued. This week alone has seen three.
Read MoreA week of apologies
The Prime Minister's sorry, the Rugby Union's sorry, Tuhoe is really sorry, and Tariana Turia is in high dudgeon
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday May 18
Gun battles across Bangkok as army cracks down (+ analysis); Iran concedes to international condition and agrees uranium swap; Euro hits four-year low; BP makes progress on oil spill; and more
Read More'We don't have to justify our money to anyone'... or do they?
The Hotchins are on holiday in Hawaii and the newspapers are feasting on their oppulent lifestyle. Their disconnect from ordinary New Zealanders is positively Gatsbyian
Read MoreThe other news from Europe
The drama in London this week meant that the Euro-zone crisis received relatively little coverage or commentary. It's big news – and what happens next could be even bigger.
Read MoreMokihinui and Stockton: all about the power
State owned enterprises Meridian and Solid Energy have gone feral down on the wild West Coast, where it's every man for himself and his hydro proposal
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday May 13
Karzai's visit to Washington; Thai army will seal off protest site; China's currency hit by European crisis; US warns Israel to stop demolishing homes in East Jerusalem; UK's new coalition government holds first cabinet meeting; and more
Read MoreIs Key's cannibal gag his Shrek moment?
Like Helen Clark before him, John Key has stepped into the middle of a Maori process and said, 'this far, no further'. But ignore talk of a "gaffe", this is carefully contrived politics
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday May 13
New British government to focus on emergency Budget, taxes and immigration cap (+ analysis); more school attacks in China; smiles all round as Karzai arrives in Washington; Thai government moves against Red Shirts; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday May 12
Markets fizzle as doubts grow about EU rescue package (+ analysis); Iraqi insurgents show strength as 119 die; Cameron is new British PM; BP to make second attempt to contain oil spill
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