The deficit-funded tax cuts that National gave the high income earners is still being paid for by borrowing.
When National won office at the end of 2008, they had a mandate to give median income earners a tax cut 'north of $50 a week'. At the time John Key made that promise he explicitly pledged not to increase GST to pay for it.
Read MoreRed sky at night, shepherd's delight. John Key spinning obfuscatory defence lines, Bridges warning.
Read MoreIraq seeks more US support against Islamic state; China releases five women detained after campaigning against sexual harassment; UN to vote on Yemen arms embargo; Chile enacts civil union law; and more
Read MoreSharp movements in exchange rates often reflect sophisticated specualtion. Is there much we can do about it?
Read MoreRepeat after me: the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit, the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit, the public service is not a political party's election policy research unit.
Read MoreUS boosts role in Yemen; Chinese hackers likely responsible for cyberespionage campaign; Japanese PM to visit Kazakhstan; Taliban forces attack Afghan army posts; Hillary Clinton on the presidential campaign trail; historic meeting between Castro and Obama; and more
Read MoreMost New Zealanders think they've seen the back of legal highs (outside the black market), but the fact is they will be back one day... but the politics is fascinating
Read MoreIraqi troops launch offensive to free Anbar province; North Korea fires missiles ahead of US defense chief arrival in Seoul; China gains land through island-building in South China Sea; Norway to boost power investment in Africa; new evidence of atrocities in Ukraine; and more
Read MoreUS accelerating arms shipments to Gulf coalition; US-Japan alliance shifts; Thailand and Russia to boost cooperation on drug trafficking, investment and energy sector; Mugabe visits South Africa; new bank in India to regulate microfinance lenders and help small businesses; and more
Read MoreThe Press Council wants you. Well, if you're an online journalist and know a thing or two
Read MoreUN Security Council demands humanitarian access to refugee camp in Syria; explosions at Chinese chemical plant injure 14; Malaysia passes bill to allow suspected terrorists to be detained for up to two years without legal representation; Boko Haram storms village; Rand Paul to run for US President; and more
Read MoreEconomic productivity and population growth have impacted New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions
Read MoreWhat we are witnessing is an old fashioned ideological debate, dressed up as economics.
The high dollar and its causes suit people who have a lot of New Zealand-denominated wealth; a lower dollar is better for producers - people who use capital to earn money.
Read MoreHow come we tolerated such appalling working conditions for so long? (And a tick for crusading journalism.)
Read MoreIran has promised to abide by the rules as world powers begin the next stage of stripping its path to a nuclear weapon. In return the crippling economic sanctions which brought Iran to the table will go. At this point there is good cause for optimism, albeit of the trust but verify kind. Only an idiot would prefer War over Jaw.
Read MoreThe Planet Key song and video can be watched, played on the radio and shown on TV without any restrictions at all. It's great that a judge has been able to make the law say what it should do.
Read MoreWe're finally going to find out if we need to change how our election laws limit satirical speech ... after the period for submitting to Parliament on our election laws has ended.
Read MoreAre we paying enough attention to bureaucracy? Are the current bureaucratic pressures changing the nature of society -- and are they doing so for the public good?
Read MoreThe Privy Council says that Teina Pora should not face another trial. Now we can get on with trying to make some reparation for the wrong we did to him.
Read MoreWhat happens when (or if) Winston quits Parliament before he is declared the member for Northland? Nothing very much at all.
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