The earthquake will ask some tough questions of all politicians this year - What will they cut? How much can they borrow? Either way, the government's austerity plans are on hold
Read MoreMeet James Shaw, Wellington Central Green candidate
In the Wellington Central electorate, Green candidate James Shaw is challenging Green stereotypes. “Give up your old prejudices,” he says, because it takes all kinds to save a world, including kinds like him
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday February 25
Qaddafi loyalists gather in Tripoli; North Korea could be on the brink of major food shortages; Yemen president protects protesters; Obama and the Marriage Act; Assange to be extradited to Sweden; and more
Read MoreRebstock report a little ripper
From eugenics to workfare, the Welfare Working Group report released on Tuesday has the potential to destroy lives, hopes - and our welfare system itself
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday February 24
Qaddafi clings to power despite erosion of his government; mediators sent to help end border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia; Christchurch earthquake continues to make international headlines; Saudi king returns after health scare promising billions in pay rises; American stoush over collective bargaining spreads; Greek protests against austerity measures turn violent
Read MoreHow a new news was born of tragedy
Until mother nature threw her fury at New Zealand three times in six months, wall-to-wall news was something for other countries. TV networks however are creating a new media world live on your screen, right now
Read MoreSometimes an emergency really is just an emergency
I know everything is political. But not every political decision is partisan.
Read MoreKia kaha, Christchurch
Outside Wellington railway station this morning is a love note to Christchurch. I thought that Christchurch needed to see it.
Read MoreKyrie, eleison
There isn't much I can say about Christchurch's pain that we don't all know already. So this is a post about something a lot less important - politics.
Read MoreMackenzie developments, and Trust
High country farmers and Ministers are defending private property interests in the Mackenzie Basin, while speaking the language of collaboration and trust — with a capital T
Read MoreObama: all talk and no action on Palestinians' human rights
The United States' veto of a draft resolution condemning Israel's continued illegal settlement construction has exposed the Obama administration of kowtowing to Israeli pressure and thereby paying lip service to human rights in the Middle East. Bad timing big boy.
Read MoreSolid Energy defends its lignite proposals
In which Solid Energy defends its lignite proposals before a Parliamentary select committee, defines sustainability loosely, and fails to define some other things at all, except the megabucks
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday February 18
Three killed in Bahrain protests as military ordered to "take every measure"; Influential Yemen clerics urge coalition government and free elections; Why there's no turning back in the Middle East; Clinton rebuffed after urging internet freedom in China; Pakistan immunity case delayed; and more
Read MoreWhat does John Key's BMW screw-up remind me of?
Tough as it may be to blame the PM for what looks like an extravagent car upgrade, it's the sort of mud that sticks and recalls another car-related mess and another PM's pleas of ignorance
Read MoreI still choose to lose the way I like
John Key thinks that people using food banks are engaged in a lifestyle choice. So where's the evidence?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday February 17
Pro-democracy protests reach Libya; commentators say Egyptian revolution unlikely to lead to widespread fall of regimes in Arab world; Japan and India sign free trade deal; Japan suspends annual whale hunt in Antarctic due to Sea Shepherd's "harassment"; protests in Bahrain hit day three; US immigration officer killed in Northern Mexico; and more
Read MoreRequiem for Old Man Pine
I plant little trees. My neighbours cut big ones down.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday February 16
Obama's new budget promises trillion dollar cuts as "down payment" (+ White House statement & op-eds); Iran leaders call for execution of protesters; Berlusconi will stand trial for under-ge sex; Philippine peace talks; and more
Read MoreIran's theocracy terrified of democracy... again
Hillary Clinton has called Iran's Mullahs for what they are – hypocrites, as their faux support of the Egyptian revolutionaries has been unmasked for the forked tongued, self-serving garbage that is is
Read MoreWould a poll of any other words smell as sweet?
A dinner-time phone call from a Tory pollster sparks some thoughts about the wording of political questions and the biases that appear between the words
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