The “show me the money” costings war is a credibility test for both John Key and Phil Goff
Read MoreLabour's bubble burst, but what's this amongst the minors?
National is still defying gravity in the first polls of the campaign proper. But there are talking points emerging on the right and potential decisions looming for John Key
Read MoreNo crime. No celebrities. Just intelligent local TV. Is it too much to ask?
TVNZ 7 will end in June 2012 when its funding runs out. This will make NZ the only developed country without a Public Service Broadcaster, but it doesn't have to be this way
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday November 3
Greek PM wins backing of his cabinet to hold nationwide referendum on EU financial rescue plan; manufacturing slowdown in Asia may be result of European debt crisis; a boat filled with asylum seekers from Iran and Afghanistan capsized on way to Australia killing seven; Netanyahu orders building of 2000 houses for Israelies in disputed territory Palestinians claim as their own; Assange loses appeal aganst extradition to Sweden; and more
Read MoreQuick thoughts on National's welfare policy
Is National really what it seems on welfare reform? I don't know about you, but I'm getting really mixed messages. I'm also not sure the second child/one year policy will survive the election
Read MoreGutsy UNESCO exposes US 'democracy'
The US hissy fit punishment of UNESCO for its recognition of Palestine makes even more of a mockery of America's continuing role in Middle East peace negotiations.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday November 2
Greek PM promises referendum on bailout, putting EU on edge; Global markets drop sharply on news; MPs walk out on Greek government, new election likely (+ analysis); Libya's NTC chooses engineer as new PM; Taliban claims it set Kandahar bomb that killed seven; US slams UNESCO on Palestine vote; China launches spacecraft; and more
Read MoreBrighter future report: Two child welfare queens should flunk job interviews
How much breeding counts as “breeding for a business?” And what’s in a “work requirement?” The answers may surprise.
Read MoreGoodbye Mr President: Is it time for more monetary muscles in Europe?
In an exclusive interview with European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, a glimpse of how far Europe still has to go to purge its demons
Read MoreElection Debate 1: My verdict
Remember the Bush-Gore debates in 2000? We may see the same thing in NZ with the 2011 Election debates. Goff would have surpassed the expectations of many, but that doesn't necessarily win elections
Read MoreMore Bad Poll Reporting
Reid Research runs a good poll. Pity TV3’s reporting of it doesn't match.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday November 1
Kenyan airstrike intended for Islamist militant group al-Shabaab hits refugee camp in Somalia; Philippine army attacks al-Qaeda-linked stronghold in southern island province of Sulu; Japan takes steps to slow the rise of the yen; Arab League has a plan for Syrians to end seven months of violent unrest against President Bashar al-Assad; centre-right wins election in Bulgaria; Uganda detains Opposition leader Kizza Besigye to stop him joining protest against rising fuel and food prices; and more
Read MoreFinally, we see the elephant in the room
A question to Q+A about those welfare bludgers emphasises why the conversation about superannuation reform is so vital... but also comes with risk
Read MorePolitics on the radio without pictures
The opening addresses for three of the political parties were on TV tonight. So how did they sound on the radio?
Read MoreIt's stupid to borrow to save, right? The Super Fund conundrum
Contributions to the Super Fund have been suspended since 2009, until the country is back in the black. But does the logic behind that decision make any sense at all?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday October 28
EU leaders reach deal on debt crisis--Asian and European markets rise as a result; Angela Merkel is getting credit for her calm approach to the crisis; US says there is no indication North Korea is serious about ending nuclear weapons programme; Qaddafi's fugitive son gives himself up, asks for flight to The Hague; World Bank offers Peru $3 billion to sustain economic growth; Ireland holds presidential election; and more
Read MoreLabour launches for Election 2011... or does it?
Labour's big bang campaign strategy is high risk... But is there a bigger plan at play here?
Read MoreThe injustice in Simon Power's last stand
National wants to deny prisoners the right to any compensation whilst behind bars, but a shameful attack in 1993 raises questions about the messages such a law sends
Read MoreACT: The Education President?
Through the looking glass with ACT’s Stephen Whittington, to a world where rich folk form a political party that exists only to help poor folk.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday October 27
EU leaders meet, under pressure to find comprehensive solution to crisis; Italy's woes – pensions, infrastructure and youth unemployment (+ analysis); Panetta says North Korea a "serious threat" as talks end; Libya wants NATO to stay; New African democracies win import help; and more
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