The first civil unions occurred in 2005. Five years later, as we're overtaken on gay marriage rights by Argentina, Mexico, and other countries: did we fight the right battle?
Read MoreTold you so
That old adage about lovers of sausages and the law? It's true.
Read MoreThe foreshore and seabed - a case study in law and politics, rules and symbols
The new law on the foreshore and seabed is not just about legal rules. Its a symbol, and that's what everyone is fighting about.
Read MoreGovernment stuck in the (foreshore) sand. Again
As ACT and the Maori Party kick sand in each other's face over an amendment that changes nothing, we get a good look at the politics of perception and National's misery in trying to hold its coalition partners together
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday October 20
Geithner vows not to devalue US dollar, easing fears of 'currency war' (+ analysis); Over a million join protests against French pension cuts as fuel shortages bite; China increases interest rates due to real estate fears; US pressures Turkey on Iran sanctions; and more
Read MoreA public submission, to the biodiversity Guardians
As Convention on Biological Diversity parties meet to hammer out new resolutions, having failed on most of the old ones, UK paper the Guardian is compiling a list of action points, and demanding, you know, action
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday October 19
France and Germany invite Russia to summit in hope of rebuilding EU & security relations; India plans $6 billion arms purchase as Obama urges more open market; Iran hosts al-Malaki, urges al-Sadr deal; Xi Jinping on track to lead China; and more
Read MoreWould it be OK if God was a Capitalist, then?
In the midst of the most heart-warming story of the year, why must we argue over whom to thank – capitalism or God? Can't we have it both ways?
Read MoreFighting dirty, dairy’s udderhand tactics
In the latest skirmish, the Mackenzie cubicle dairy applicants — or, as they prefer to say, ‘covered farms’ — have turned an apparent setback into a tactical mini-triumph
Read MoreIt's not discrimination if it happens to them
Te Papa took a beating for suggesting Maori cultural values are a reason to treat genders differently. So what happens when Parliament legislates that Maori must be treated differently?
Read MoreWhy does Te Papa hate women so much (and other outraged thoughts)
I'm outraged at the outrage created by the outrageous position taken by that outrageous institution, Te Papa.
Read MoreDodging bullets (or is that ballots?)
New Zealand's great voting fraud story looks to have died - for now, anyway.
Read MoreA New Zealander no more?
Beneath the facade of our supposedly tolerant, modern and multicultural society, lies a seething undercurrent of bigotry, racism and ignorance
Read MoreNorway's one-fingered salute to China
The Nobel Peace Prize committee awards this year's prize to a Chinese dissident, and China responds
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday October 8
US apologises for missile strike that killed Pakistani soldiers but criticises military; Pakistani ISI pressuring Taliban to reject peace talks, say reports; US turns to Iraq to help repair its economy; Questions over Bangkok bombings – was it the Red Shirts?;
Read MorePaul Henry (Why Not? Everyone else is commenting)
How little it takes to send this country's commentariat into a prissy lather
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday October 7
Attacks on NATO convoys bound for Afghanistan intensify as Pakistan washes its hands; Drone strikes linked to Al Qaeda Europe plot; UAE banks cuts off another of Iran's lifelines; China and US militaries learning to just get along; and more
Read MoreGreenpeace: Fonterror campaign
Greenpeace’s old mojo, zooming about in front of Japanese ships, was getting a bit tired; anyway, they’re constructive parties to the anti-whaling talks now, implicating Fonterra in rainforest clearance instead
Read MoreHow to lose voters and alienate people
John Banks' campaign has him peering over motorways and turning up on television at the eleventh hour. Len Brown, meanwhile, is everywhere
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday October 6
Japan cuts interest rates and commits to massive new stimulus; After seven months, is Iraq nearing a power-sharing deal?; More NATO convoys attacked in Pakistan; China tells to wealthy nations to cut carbon; and more
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